Goa Holidays 2026 | Complete Calendar | Festivals | National Holidays

Goa Holidays 2026

গোৱা বাদলি দিনস

December 2025

Current Date

30 Total Holidays

Complete Goa Holiday Calendar 2026

Welcome to the comprehensive Goa Holiday Calendar 2026! This detailed guide provides you with all the important dates, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you're planning a trip to the beaches of Goa, organizing events, or simply want to stay informed about cultural celebrations, our calendar covers everything from vibrant local festivals like Carnival and Shigmo to national holidays and international observances.

Goa Festivals

Unique celebrations like Carnival, Shigmo, and patron saint feasts

National Holidays

Republic Day, Independence Day, and other patriotic celebrations

International Events

Women's Day, Labour Day, and global observances

💡 Search tips: Try searching for "Carnival", "Shigmo", "Feast", or specific holiday names

Previous
October 2026

November 2026

Goa Month: November

Sunny Days Special Events
Next
December 2026
Sun
Sun
Mon
Mon
Tue
Tue
Wed
Wed
Thu
Thu
Fri
Fri
Sat
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Children's Day
National
15
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Bank Holiday
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Upcoming Holidays

New Year's Day
Jan 01, 2026
12 days
⏰ Countdown
Republic Day
Jan 26, 2026
37 days
⏰ Countdown
Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 2026
56 days
⏰ Countdown
Carnival Monday
Feb 25, 2026
67 days
⏰ Countdown
Carnival Tuesday
Feb 26, 2026
68 days
⏰ Countdown

Holiday Statistics

19
Total Holidays
26 Bank Holidays
🎉 Celebrations
5
Goa Festivals
🏖️ Cultural
5
National Holidays
🇮🇳 Patriotic
5
Religious
⛪ Spiritual
26
Bank Holidays
🏦 Financial

Bank Holidays 2026

All major banks in Goa will be closed on these dates. Plan your banking activities accordingly.

New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026
Bank Closed
Republic Day
Monday, Jan 26, 2026
Bank Closed
Carnival Monday
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
Bank Closed
Carnival Tuesday
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026
Bank Closed
Carnival Wednesday (Ash Wednesday)
Friday, Feb 27, 2026
Bank Closed
Shigmo
Friday, Mar 13, 2026
Bank Closed
Ambedkar Jayanti
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
Bank Closed
Labour Day / May Day
Friday, May 01, 2026
Bank Closed
Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026
Bank Closed
Independence Day
Saturday, Aug 15, 2026
Bank Closed
Ganesh Chaturthi
Monday, Sep 07, 2026
Bank Closed
Gandhi Jayanti
Friday, Oct 02, 2026
Bank Closed

Important Bank Holiday Information

  • • All Banks Closed: National holidays, major festivals, and religious observances
  • • Half Day: Some banks may operate with reduced hours on certain holidays
  • • Online Banking: Available 24/7 even on bank holidays
  • • ATM Services: Usually available unless there are technical issues
  • • Emergency Services: Some banks provide emergency banking services

Major Banks Affected in Goa

Public Sector Banks
  • • State Bank of India (SBI)
  • • Bank of India
  • • Bank of Baroda
  • • Punjab National Bank
  • • Canara Bank
  • • Union Bank of India
  • • Indian Bank
  • • Indian Overseas Bank
Private Sector Banks
  • • HDFC Bank
  • • ICICI Bank
  • • Axis Bank
  • • Kotak Mahindra Bank
  • • IndusInd Bank
  • • Yes Bank
  • • Federal Bank
  • • South Indian Bank
Regional & Cooperative Banks
  • • Goa State Cooperative Bank
  • • Various District Central Cooperative Banks
  • • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
  • • Urban Cooperative Banks
  • • Regional Rural Banks
  • • Foreign Banks (Branches in Goa)

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main festivals in Goa in 2026?

The main festivals in Goa in 2026 include Carnival (February 25 - March 1) - a vibrant Portuguese-influenced festival, Shigmo (March 13) - the state's biggest spring festival, and Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3) - a significant Christian celebration.

How many national holidays are there in Goa 2026?

Goa observes several national holidays in 2026 including Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). These are official government holidays when banks, schools, and government offices remain closed.

What is Carnival and why is it important?

Carnival is Goa's biggest festival, held annually before Lent (around February/March). It's a vibrant celebration featuring parades, floats, music, dancing, and colorful costumes, reflecting Goa's rich Portuguese heritage and multicultural character.

What is Shigmo and its significance?

Shigmo (March 13, 2026) is Goa's biggest spring festival, celebrating the harvest season. It has both Hindu (Shigmotsav) and tribal (Dhakto Shigmo) forms, featuring traditional folk dances, music, and elaborate processions. It's a time for communities to come together and celebrate Goa's agricultural and cultural heritage.

Are international holidays like Valentine's Day celebrated in Goa?

Yes, Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026) and other international holidays like International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) are celebrated in Goa, especially in urban areas. While these are not official holidays, they are widely observed by younger generations and commercial establishments, reflecting the state's cosmopolitan culture.

What are the major Feast Days in Goa?

Goa, with its significant Christian population, celebrates various Feast Days of patron saints. The most prominent is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3, 2026), the patron saint of Goa. Other notable feasts include the Feast of St. John the Baptist, Feast of St. Michael, and local church feasts.

Is Labour Day a public holiday in Goa?

Labour Day / May Day (May 1, 2026) is a public holiday in Goa. Banks, government offices, and many businesses typically remain closed. Trade unions and workers' organizations often organize rallies and events to celebrate workers' rights and achievements.

How is Independence Day celebrated in Goa?

Independence Day (August 15, 2026) is celebrated with great patriotic fervor in Goa. The day begins with flag hoisting ceremonies in schools, colleges, and government offices, often accompanied by cultural programs. The main celebration usually takes place at the Secretariat in Panaji.

What is the significance of Gandhi Jayanti in Goa?

Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2026) commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. In Goa, this day is observed with prayer meetings, seminars on Gandhian philosophy, and community service activities. Schools organize special assemblies, and government offices remain closed. The day promotes Gandhian values of non-violence, truth, and simplicity.

How is Children's Day celebrated in Goa?

Children's Day (November 14, 2026) celebrates the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. In Goa, schools organize special programs, cultural activities, and competitions for children. Many schools also distribute sweets and gifts to students, making it a memorable day for children across the state.

Is Christmas celebrated in Goa?

Yes, Christmas (December 25, 2026) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Goa, especially in areas with significant Christian populations. Churches are beautifully decorated, midnight masses are held, and communities come together for celebrations. The festival promotes communal harmony and is celebrated by people of all faiths.

What is the significance of International Women's Day in Goa?

International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) is celebrated across Goa to recognize women's achievements and promote gender equality. Various organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies organize seminars, workshops, and cultural programs highlighting women's contributions to society. The day also focuses on women's rights, empowerment, and addressing gender-based challenges.

How far in advance should I plan for Goa festivals?

For major festivals like Carnival and Shigmo, it's recommended to plan at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you're planning to travel to Goa. These festivals attract many visitors, so accommodations and transportation should be booked early. For smaller celebrations, planning 2-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.

Which areas in Goa are best for experiencing festivals?

Panaji (capital city) hosts major official celebrations. Mapusa is famous for Shigmo processions. St. Inez and Altinho in Panaji see vibrant Carnival parades. Coastal areas like Calangute and Baga often have beachside events. Many village churches host their own local feast celebrations throughout the year.

Are there any special holidays specific to Goa in 2026?

Yes, Goa has several state-specific holidays and festivals. Carnival, Shigmo, and various Feast Days (like St. Francis Xavier) are unique to Goa and are celebrated as state holidays or widely observed events. The state government may also declare additional holidays for local events.

What traditional foods are associated with Goa festivals?

Goa festivals feature a variety of traditional foods. Carnival sees street food stalls with snacks like chouriço (spicy sausage), bolinhos (fritters), and bebinca (layered dessert). During Shigmo, traditional Goan sweets like neureos and khottem are popular. Christmas features elaborate meals with dishes like vindaloo, sorpotel, and desserts like doce (sweets). Feast Days often include blessed food like ros (rice cakes).

What cultural activities are organized during Goa festivals?

Goa festivals feature rich cultural activities including live music concerts, traditional folk dances (like Fugdi and Dekhnni), colorful parades with floats, street plays, and cultural competitions. Carnival is known for its elaborate masks and costumes. Shigmo features traditional folk troupes performing. Many festivals also include art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and food festivals.

How can tourists participate in Goa festivals?

Tourists can participate in Goa festivals by attending public celebrations, visiting churches during feast times, and joining community events. Many hotels and tour operators offer special festival packages. It's recommended to dress appropriately (modest for religious events, festive for Carnival), respect local customs, and participate in cultural activities. Learning basic greetings in Konkani or Portuguese can enhance the experience.

Are photography and videography allowed during festivals?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during most Goa festivals, but it's important to respect local customs and seek permission when necessary. Some religious ceremony areas may have restrictions, and it's polite to ask before taking photos of people, especially during private moments. Many festivals offer excellent opportunities for cultural photography, but always be respectful and avoid disrupting ceremonies or celebrations.

Where can I get more information about specific festival dates and events?

For detailed information about Goa festivals, you can visit the official Goa Tourism website, contact local tourism offices, or check with local churches, cultural organizations, and event organizers. This calendar provides the main dates, but specific event schedules may vary by location and year. Local newspapers and cultural magazines also publish detailed festival calendars and event information.