Andaman and Nicobar Islands Holiday Guide for 2026

Spread across the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are shaped by a unique mix of cultures, faiths, and historical milestones. For HR teams operating in this Union Territory, holiday planning isn’t just about marking days off.  

It directly impacts payroll cycles, banking timelines, and workforce availability, especially given the islands’ geographic remoteness. 

This guide brings together public holidays, bank holidays, restricted holidays, and payroll-sensitive dates for 2026, helping HR professionals stay compliant while planning smoothly across the year. 

What are the Official Public Holidays in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2026?

As per the official notification issued by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, 16 public holidays are notified for the calendar year 2026. These holidays are mandatory for government offices and are widely followed by private establishments across the Islands. 

*Subject to change based on moon sighting 

HR Action Tip:
Lock these public holidays into your 2026 leave calendar early. Since multiple festivals fall close together between October and November, advance workforce planning is critical to avoid last-minute staffing gaps. 

What are the Bank Holidays in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2026?

Bank holidays in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. These closures directly impact salary disbursement, reimbursement, and statutory payments. 

HR Action Tip:

Avoid scheduling payroll on dates surrounded by consecutive bank holidays, especially around Holi, Id-ul-Fitr, and Diwali. Processing salaries a few working days earlier prevents delays, particularly in remote island branches. 

What are the Optional (Restricted) Holidays in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2026?

In addition to public holidays, employees are permitted to avail any two restricted holidays from the officially notified list for 2026. These holidays allow individuals to observe festivals or occasions of personal or religious significance. 

HR Action Tip:

Clearly communicate that employees can choose only two restricted holidays for the year. Collect selections early to avoid last-minute overlaps during festival-heavy months like October and November. 

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

Some holidays in 2026 coincide with bank closures or fall close to month-end, making payroll planning especially important. 

HR Action Tip: 

For October–December, run payroll at least 5–7 working days earlier than usual. This avoids delays caused by consecutive holidays and limited banking windows in the Islands.