Are you looking for the Haryana Calendar May 2026? Whether you are a government employee planning your leaves, a student tracking school breaks, a bank customer scheduling important transactions, or simply a resident of Haryana wanting to stay ahead of upcoming festivals — this article is your one-stop reference. We have compiled the complete and accurate list of all holidays, festivals, and special observances in the official Haryana Government Calendar for May 2026, explained in full detail.
From Buddha Purnima on May 1 to Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) on May 27, May 2026 is a spiritually rich and culturally diverse month for the people of Haryana. Read on to know every important date, what it means, and how it affects government offices, banks, schools, and the general public.
Haryana Calendar May 2026 – Complete Holiday & Festival Table
Here is the complete, day-by-day table of all holidays and festivals in the Haryana Calendar for May 2026:
| Date | Day | Occasion / Festival | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 May 2026 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Restricted Holiday (RH) / NI Act |
| 09 May 2026 | Saturday | 2nd Saturday | Bank Holiday (Banks Only) |
| 23 May 2026 | Saturday | Shri Guru Gauraksh Nath Memorial Day | Special Day / 4th Saturday (Bank Holiday) |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti | Restricted Holiday (RH) |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid / Eid al-Adha) | Gazetted Holiday / NI Act |
| 31 May 2026 | Sunday | Mateshwari Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti | Special Day |
Note: The 2nd Saturday (May 9) and 4th Saturday (May 23) are NI Act bank holidays. Government offices follow a 5-day week and are typically closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Detailed Information on Each Holiday and Festival in May 2026
1. May 1, 2026 (Friday) – Buddha Purnima | Restricted Holiday / NI Act
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most sacred festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three defining moments in the life of Gautama Buddha — his birth, his enlightenment (Bodhi), and his attainment of Nirvana (Parinirvana) — all of which are said to have occurred on the same full moon day in the month of Vaisakha.
In 2026, Buddha Purnima falls on May 1, which is also International Labour Day (Workers’ Day). This dual significance makes May 1, 2026 a day of both spiritual reflection and respect for the dignity of labour.
In the Haryana Government Calendar, Buddha Purnima is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) and also as an NI Act Holiday, which means:
- Banks across Haryana will remain closed on May 1
- Government employees may avail this as an optional holiday with prior approval
Prayers, meditation sessions, and community programs are held at Buddhist temples and monasteries across Haryana on this day.
2. May 23, 2026 (Saturday) – Shri Guru Gauraksh Nath Memorial Day | Special Day
May 23, 2026 marks the Memorial Day of Shri Guru Gorakhnath (Gorakshanath), one of the most revered saints and spiritual masters in Indian history. Guru Gorakhnath was the founding figure of the Nath Sampradaya (Nath tradition) — a powerful school of Shaiva yoga and philosophy that flourished in medieval India.
His teachings emphasized self-discipline, renunciation, and the path of yoga as a means to spiritual liberation. His influence extends across Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, where he is worshipped as a divine yogi. Followers hold special prayers, bhajans, and community gatherings at Nath temples on this day.
In the Haryana Calendar May 2026, this date is designated as a Special Day — an official acknowledgment of Guru Gorakhnath’s spiritual and cultural legacy. It also coincides with the 4th Saturday, making it a bank holiday as well.
3. May 25, 2026 (Monday) – Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti | Restricted Holiday
Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) of Hindu tradition — Rishi Kashyap. According to ancient Vedic scriptures, Maharishi Kashyap is considered the progenitor of all living beings, including gods (devas), demons (asuras), humans, and animals. He is a foundational figure in Hindu cosmology and is revered deeply across Brahmin and Kayastha communities in Haryana.
In the Haryana Government Calendar 2026, Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH), meaning eligible employees can choose this day off from the list of optional holidays. Cultural programs, puja ceremonies, and community gatherings are organized by various Hindu organizations in Haryana on this occasion.
4. May 27, 2026 (Wednesday) – Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid / Eid al-Adha) | Gazetted Holiday / NI Act
Id-ul-Zuha, widely known as Bakrid or Eid al-Adha, is one of the two most important festivals in Islam. It commemorates the supreme act of faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son in obedience to Allah’s command. In recognition of his devotion, Allah replaced his son with a ram at the moment of sacrifice.
This festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims across Haryana observe the day by:
- Performing special Eid prayers (Namaz) at mosques and open grounds
- Sacrificing an animal (qurbani) and distributing the meat among family, neighbours, and the poor
- Celebrating with family feasts and the exchange of greetings
In the Haryana Calendar May 2026, Id-ul-Zuha is listed as a Gazetted Holiday and an NI Act Holiday, which means:
- All government offices, courts, and schools in Haryana will remain closed
- All banks across Haryana will also remain closed on May 27
Important Note: The date of Id-ul-Zuha is subject to the sighting of the moon and may shift by one day. The Haryana Government issues a final notification closer to the date. Always confirm the official date before making plans.
5. May 31, 2026 (Sunday) – Mateshwari Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti | Special Day
May 31 marks the birth anniversary of Punyashlok Mateshwari Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary Maratha queen and administrator who ruled the Malwa kingdom in the 18th century. Born on May 31, 1725, Ahilyabai Holkar is celebrated as one of the greatest women rulers in Indian history.
She is remembered for:
- Her just and compassionate governance that brought prosperity to Malwa
- Restoring and constructing temples across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and the Somnath temple
- Her welfare work for farmers, traders, and the common people
- Her deep personal piety and devotion to Lord Shiva
In the Haryana Calendar May 2026, her Jayanti is officially recognized as a Special Day — a testament to the state government’s commitment to honoring great women leaders who shaped Indian civilization. Though May 31 falls on a Sunday (offices and schools already closed), cultural programs, seminars, and tributes are organized across Haryana on this day.
Understanding Holiday Types in the Haryana Calendar
| Holiday Type | Full Form | Who Does It Affect? | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH | Gazetted Holiday | All govt. offices, banks, schools | Yes – compulsory |
| RH | Restricted Holiday | Govt. employees only | No – optional (limited per year) |
| NI Act | Negotiable Instruments Act | Banks only | Yes – for banks |
| Special Day | — | General observance | No – offices may or may not close |
Key Planning Tips for May 2026 in Haryana
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of the Haryana Calendar May 2026:
- Banks will be closed on: May 1 (Buddha Purnima), May 9 (2nd Saturday), May 23 (4th Saturday), and May 27 (Bakrid). Plan all urgent banking activities on other working days.
- Government offices will be closed on: May 27 (Id-ul-Zuha) as a Gazetted Holiday. Plan submissions, appointments, and document work accordingly.
- Bakrid date may change: Since Id-ul-Zuha depends on moon sighting, verify the final date from the official Haryana Government notification before planning your leave or travel.
- School holidays: Individual schools may observe additional days around Bakrid (May 27) and Labour Day / Buddha Purnima (May 1). Confirm with your school administration.
- Travel planning: Expect heavy traffic near religious sites on May 1 (Buddha temples) and May 27 (mosques and Id grounds). Plan travel accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many public holidays are there in Haryana in May 2026?
There is one Gazetted Holiday (May 27 – Id-ul-Zuha), two Restricted Holidays (May 1 – Buddha Purnima; May 25 – Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti), and two Special Days (May 23 and May 31). Banks also have additional holidays on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Q2. Are banks open on May 1, 2026 in Haryana?
No. May 1, 2026 (Buddha Purnima) is listed as an NI Act Holiday in the Haryana Calendar, meaning all banks in Haryana will remain closed on this day.
Q3. Is Bakrid a gazetted holiday in Haryana in 2026?
Yes. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) on May 27, 2026 is a Gazetted Holiday in Haryana. All government offices, schools, and banks will be closed. The date is provisional and subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Q4. What is the significance of Buddha Purnima in the Haryana Calendar?
Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of Lord Gautama Buddha. In Haryana, it is a Restricted Holiday and an NI Act Holiday, observed with prayers, meditation, and community programs at Buddhist temples.
Q5. Is May 25, 2026 a bank holiday in Haryana?
No. Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti on May 25 is a Restricted Holiday — optional for government employees — but it is not an NI Act bank holiday. Banks will remain open on May 25, 2026.
Conclusion
The Haryana Calendar May 2026 is a beautiful reflection of the state’s diverse cultural, spiritual, and historical tapestry. From the Buddhist celebration of Buddha Purnima on May 1 to the Islamic observance of Id-ul-Zuha on May 27, from the yogic legacy of Guru Gorakhnath to the administrative excellence of Ahilyabai Holkar — May 2026 brings together traditions that define the soul of Haryana.