Puducherry Holidays 2026 | Complete Calendar | Tamil Festivals | National Holidays

Puducherry Holidays 2026

புதுச்சேரி விடுமுறை நாட்கள்

December 2025

Current Date

30 Total Holidays

Complete Puducherry Holiday Calendar 2026

Welcome to the comprehensive Puducherry 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 Puducherry, organizing events, or simply want to stay informed about cultural celebrations, our calendar covers everything from traditional Tamil festivals to national holidays and international observances.

Tamil Festivals

Traditional celebrations like Pongal, Tamil New Year, and cultural events

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 "Pongal", "Tamil", "National", or specific holiday names

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November 2026

December 2026

புதுச்சேரி மாதம்: December

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January 2027
Sun
ஞாயிறு
Mon
திங்கள்
Tue
செவ்வாய்
Wed
புதன்
Thu
வியாழன்
Fri
வெள்ளி
Sat
சனி
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Christmas Eve
Bank Holiday
25
Christmas
Religious
26
27
28
29
30
31

Upcoming Holidays

New Year's Day
Jan 01, 2026
12 days
⏰ Countdown
Pongal
Jan 15, 2026
26 days
⏰ Countdown
Thiruvalluvar Day
Jan 16, 2026
27 days
⏰ Countdown
Republic Day
Jan 26, 2026
37 days
⏰ Countdown
Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 2026
56 days
⏰ Countdown

Holiday Statistics

13
Total Holidays
27 Bank Holidays
🎉 Celebrations
3
Tamil Festivals
🌾 Cultural
4
National Holidays
🇮🇳 Patriotic
1
Religious
⛪ Spiritual
27
Bank Holidays
🏦 Financial

Bank Holidays 2026

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

New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026
Bank Closed
Pongal
Thursday, Jan 15, 2026
Bank Closed
Thiruvalluvar Day
Friday, Jan 16, 2026
Bank Closed
Republic Day
Monday, Jan 26, 2026
Bank Closed
Tamil New Year
Saturday, Mar 21, 2026
Bank Closed
Ambedkar Jayanti
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
Bank Closed
Labour Day
Friday, May 01, 2026
Bank Closed
Independence Day
Saturday, Aug 15, 2026
Bank Closed
Gandhi Jayanti
Friday, Oct 02, 2026
Bank Closed
Christmas
Friday, Dec 25, 2026
Bank Closed
Pongal Eve
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026
Bank Closed
Pongal Holiday
Saturday, Jan 17, 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 Puducherry

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
  • • Karur Vysya Bank
Regional & Cooperative Banks
  • • Puducherry State Cooperative Bank
  • • Local Cooperative Banks
  • • Regional Rural Banks
  • • Post Office Savings Bank
  • • Foreign Banks (Branches)

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main Tamil festivals in Puducherry 2026?

The main Tamil festivals in Puducherry 2026 include Pongal (January 15) - the harvest festival, Tamil New Year (March 21) - traditional Tamil New Year celebration, and Chithirai New Year (April 14) - Chithirai month new year celebration. These festivals are deeply rooted in Tamil culture and are celebrated with great enthusiasm across Puducherry.

How many national holidays are there in Puducherry 2026?

Puducherry 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 Pongal and why is it important in Puducherry?

Pongal is one of the most important Tamil festivals, celebrated on January 15, 2026. In Puducherry, it's a significant harvest festival marked by the preparation of the traditional Pongal dish, decorating cattle, and expressing gratitude for the harvest. It signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun's northward journey.

What is Thiruvalluvar Day and its significance in Puducherry?

Thiruvalluvar Day (January 16, 2026) celebrates the birth anniversary of the great Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, author of the famous Tirukkural. This day honors his contributions to Tamil literature and philosophy, promoting values of wisdom, ethics, and moral living. It's celebrated with cultural programs and literary events across Puducherry.

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

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

What is the difference between Tamil New Year and Chithirai New Year in Puducherry?

Tamil New Year (March 21, 2026) follows the solar calendar and marks the beginning of the new year according to traditional Tamil calculations. Chithirai New Year (April 14, 2026) follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated as the first day of the Chithirai month. Both have cultural significance and are celebrated with traditional rituals and family gatherings in Puducherry.

Is Labour Day a public holiday in Puducherry?

Labour Day (May 1, 2026) is celebrated as International Workers' Day in Puducherry. It is typically observed as a public holiday, with government offices, banks, and many businesses closed. Trade unions and workers' organizations often organize rallies and events.

How is Independence Day celebrated in Puducherry?

Independence Day (August 15, 2026) is celebrated with great patriotic fervor across Puducherry. The day begins with flag hoisting ceremonies in schools, colleges, and government offices, often held at prominent locations like the Raj Nivas (the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor). Cultural programs, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting India's freedom struggle are organized.

What is the significance of Gandhi Jayanti in Puducherry?

Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2026) commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. In Puducherry, 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 Puducherry?

Children's Day (November 14, 2026) celebrates the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called "Chacha Nehru" by children. In Puducherry, 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 Union Territory.

Is Christmas celebrated in Puducherry?

Yes, Christmas (December 25, 2026) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Puducherry, 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 Puducherry?

International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) is celebrated across Puducherry 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 Puducherry festivals?

For major festivals like Pongal and Tamil New Year, it's recommended to plan at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you're planning to travel to Puducherry. 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 Puducherry are best for experiencing festivals?

Puducherry Town (the main city) offers grand celebrations for all major festivals. Auroville often hosts unique cultural events. Pondicherry Beach and Promenade Beach are popular spots for public celebrations. Areas like Villianur and Ozhukarai also have vibrant local celebrations. Each area has its unique way of celebrating and offers different cultural experiences.

Are there any special holidays specific to Puducherry in 2026?

Yes, Puducherry has a few state-specific holidays or unique local observances. While many are shared with Tamil Nadu due to cultural similarities, local celebrations and specific local holidays declared by the Union Territory administration might apply. Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day are particularly significant. The Union Territory government may also declare additional holidays for local events or administrative purposes.

What traditional foods are associated with Puducherry festivals?

Puducherry festivals feature a variety of traditional foods. Pongal is celebrated with the sweet Pongal dish made of rice and jaggery, and also includes savory versions. During Tamil New Year, people prepare special sweets like Mangai Pachadi and Neem Flower Rasam. The fusion of Tamil and French influences also means you might find unique local variations or special dishes prepared during celebrations.

What cultural activities are organized during Puducherry festivals?

Puducherry festivals feature rich cultural activities including classical music concerts, traditional dance performances (Bharatanatyam), folk dances, poetry recitations, and cultural competitions. Pongal includes traditional games and cultural programs. Many festivals also feature traditional art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and cultural workshops for visitors, often blending Tamil traditions with the local Franco-Tamil heritage.

How can tourists participate in Puducherry festivals?

Tourists can participate in Puducherry festivals by attending public celebrations, visiting temples during festival times, and joining community events. Many hotels and tour operators offer special festival packages. It's recommended to dress modestly, respect local customs, and participate in cultural activities. Learning basic Tamil greetings and festival customs can enhance the experience significantly.

Are photography and videography allowed during festivals in Puducherry?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during most Puducherry festivals, but it's important to respect local customs and seek permission when necessary. Some temple areas may have restrictions, and it's polite to ask before taking photos of people. 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 in Puducherry?

For detailed information about Puducherry festivals, you can visit the official Puducherry Tourism website, contact local tourism offices, or check with local temples and cultural organizations. This calendar provides the main dates, but specific event schedules may vary by location. Local newspapers and cultural magazines also publish detailed festival calendars and event information throughout the year. The Puducherry Administration's official website often lists declared holidays.