A public holiday for Muharram on Friday, June 26, could create a long weekend for many students, parents and working professionals across several parts of India, with schools, colleges and offices likely to remain closed depending on local holiday rules. The Central Government’s holiday calendar lists June 26, 2026, as a gazetted holiday for Muharram. As the festival falls on a Friday, it could combine with the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday to provide a three-day break for many educational institutions and workplaces.

There had been uncertainty over whether the Muharram holiday would be observed on June 25 or June 26, with different states initially announcing different dates. According to the Islamic calendar followed in India, the 10th day of Muharram, observed as Ashura, is expected to fall on June 26 this year. Following updated lunar assessments, several states have revised their holiday schedules to align with the expected date of observance.

According to a report by NDTV, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had initially notified June 25 as the Muharram holiday but have since revised their calendars and shifted the holiday to June 26. States including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar had already declared June 26 as a gazetted holiday. As a result, schools and many government institutions are expected to remain closed on June 26.

With Muharram falling on a Friday, many students could enjoy a three-day break, followed by the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday. In institutions observing a five-day working week, classes and work are expected to resume on Monday, June 29. Schools and colleges that operate from Monday to Saturday may also remain closed for the festival and the weekend, although Saturday schedules vary between institutions.

Some government offices, banks and private organisations may follow separate holiday policies based on state rules and local administrative practices. In certain cases, employees of institutions that observe additional weekend holidays could receive an extended break, though this will depend on individual workplace calendars.

The holiday comes shortly after schools reopened in several states, including Tamil Nadu, while many colleges are preparing to begin their new academic session in late June or early July. For students, the break provides a brief pause early in the academic year. However, the impact may differ across states, as some regions are still observing summer vacations and many schools are scheduled to reopen only in July.

Authorities have advised students, parents and employees to check state government notifications and institution-specific holiday calendars for the final schedule applicable in their area.