Eid-e-Milad 2026 In India: What Is The Correct Date? Is It Declared A Holiday In Mumbai, Delhi & Other Cities?

With August nearing its end, Eid-e-Milad is set to bring another important religious observance to the calendar. Also known as Milad-un-Nabi or Mawlid, the occasion is observed by Muslims to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. But besides its religious significance, many people may also be wondering: Will August 26 be a holiday?

Eid-e-Milad 2026 date

In India, Eid-e-Milad will be observed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The occasion falls during Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The date can vary across regions and communities because Islamic months follow the lunar calendar. However, Indian holiday calendars list August 26 as the date for Milad-un-Nabi in 2026.

Why is Eid-e-Milad celebrated?

Eid-e-Milad marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad, regarded by Muslims as the final prophet in Islam.

For those observing the occasion, the day is an opportunity to remember the Prophet's life, teachings and message. Religious gatherings, prayers and community events are common ways of marking the occasion, while some people choose a quieter day of personal reflection.

Themes of peace, compassion, forgiveness, justice and kindness are closely associated with the observance. In several places, communities may also organise processions and other public celebrations.

Is August 26 a government holiday in India?

Yes, August 26 is listed as a gazetted holiday for central government offices in India for Eid-e-Milad. However, the situation can differ for state government offices, as individual states may follow their own holiday calendars. Therefore, employees should check the official holiday list applicable to their state.

The same distinction applies to private workplaces. Private companies are not automatically required to close on every government holiday, so whether offices remain shut depends on the organisation's holiday policy and local rules.

Will banks be closed on August 26?

According to the Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar, banks in several states and Union Territories will observe a holiday for Eid-e-Milad on August 26.

These include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Customers should therefore check their local bank branch's holiday schedule before planning in-person banking on August 26.