Holiday Guide for Goa in 2026

Goa is India’s smallest state, celebrated for its Portuguese heritage, vibrant Christian culture, and iconic festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Carnival. Holidays are crucial for workforce planning, payroll compliance, and personal leave management. 

The holidays are categorised under: 

• National Holidays 
• Religious & Regional Festivals 
• State-specific Observances (including Goa Liberation Day & Feast of St. Francis Xavier) 

In this guide, you’ll find the complete list of holidays in Goa for 2026. The list will help you stay compliant and ahead of the rest.  

What are the Official Public Holidays in Goa in 2026?

Public holidays in Goa are announced by the General Administration Department (GAD) and must be followed by all government offices, banks, educational institutions, and most private organisations. These include both national observances and state-specific festivities unique to Goa’s multicultural identity. 

 Below is the official list of Public Holidays observed in Goa in 2026: 

*Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance of the moon.

HR Action Tip

Ensure these public holidays are reflected in your company’s leave calendar, HRMS, and payroll systems. Communicate these in advance with employees to avoid confusion.

All bank holidays include the 2nd and 4th Saturday closures in addition to government-declared holidays. These are important for payroll teams to arrange payroll deadlines, fund transfer schedules, and business continuity. 

What are the Bank Holidays in Goa in 2026?

All bank holidays include the 2nd and 4th Saturday closures in addition to government-declared holidays. These are important for payroll teams to arrange payroll deadlines, fund transfer schedules, and business continuity. 

Here is the complete list of Bank Holidays in Goa for 2026:

*Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance 

HR Action Tip: 

Align salary disbursals, fund transfers, and reimbursement cycles in advance to avoid disruptions during bank closures — especially around Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and the December holiday cluster. 

What are the Optional (Restricted) Holidays in Goa in 2026?

The Government of Goa also provides a list of Restricted Holidays (RH) from which eligible employees may choose up to two days per year, subject to prior approval as per company policy. These reflect Goa’s unique multicultural character — blending Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Jain, and Sikh observances. 

Here is the 2026 Restricted Holiday List for Goa (as per GAD government notification):

Note:

Employees may select up to two (2) restricted holidays per year as per company policy and prior approval.

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

Some holidays may significantly impact payroll processing and financial activities, especially when they fall near month-end or fiscal deadlines. Goa’s December holiday cluster — Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Liberation Day, and Christmas — is especially noteworthy for year-end planning.