India's Largest HR Virtual Summit
23rd July, 2026 Register for FREE
Public Holiday /
Sikkim

Holiday Guide for Sikkim in 2026

Sikkim’s holiday calendar is one of the most culturally rich in the country. Rooted deeply in Buddhist traditions, Nepali heritage, Hindu festivals, and national observances, the state’s 2026 calendar reflects its diverse social fabric and community life. 

For HR professionals, this diversity also means careful planning. With extended festival blocks, multiple community-specific observances, and long year-end closures, having an accurate, government-notified holiday list is essential for payroll, leave approvals, and compliance. 

This guide is based on the official Sikkim Government Gazette notification for 2026 and covers all the official public, bank, and restricted holidays, along with payroll-sensitive dates. 

On that note, let’s begin. 

What are the Official Public Holidays in Sikkim in 2026?

The Government of Sikkim has declared the following days as public holidays for all government offices, PSUs, and educational institutions during the calendar year 2026. 

Date(s)  Day(s)  Occasion 
01 Jan 2026  Thursday  New Year’s Day 
15 Jan 2026  Thursday  Maghe Sankranti 
19 Jan 2026  Monday  Sonam Lochhar 
26 Jan 2026  Monday  Republic Day 
18 Feb 2026  Wednesday  Losar 
26 Feb 2026  Thursday  Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh Foundation Day 
03 Mar 2026  Tuesday  Holi 
21 Mar 2026  Saturday  Id-ul-Fitr 
27 Mar 2026  Friday  Ram Navami (Chaite Dasain) 
03 Apr 2026  Friday  Good Friday 
14 Apr 2026  Tuesday  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti 
01 May 2026  Friday  Shyadar Pidar 
16 May 2026  Saturday  State Day 
31 May 2026  Sunday  Saga Dawa 
13 Jul 2026  Monday  Bhanu Jayanti 
18 Jul 2026  Saturday  Drukpa Tshe-zi 
24 Jul 2026  Friday  Guru Rimpoche’s Thungkar Tshechu 
08 Aug 2026  Saturday  Tendong Lho Rum Faat 
15 Aug 2026  Saturday  Independence Day 
20 Aug 2026  Thursday  Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas 
28 Aug 2026  Friday  Pang Lhabsol 
04 Sep 2026  Friday  Janmashtami 
14 Sep 2026  Monday  Teej (Haritalika) 
25 Sep 2026  Friday  Indrajatra 
02 Oct 2026  Friday  Gandhi Jayanti 
05 Oct 2026  Monday  Birth Anniversary of Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari 
19–23 Oct 2026  Mon–Fri  Durga Puja (Dasain) 
01 Nov 2026  Sunday  Lhabab Duechen 
09–11 Nov 2026  Mon–Wed  Laxmi Puja (Deepawali) 
30 Nov 2026  Monday  Sakewa 
07 Dec 2026  Monday  Kagyed Dance 
09–14 Dec 2026  Wed–Mon  Losoong / Namsoong 
15 Dec 2026  Tuesday  Nyengpa Guzom 
16 Dec 2026  Wednesday  Nyengpa Guzom 
23 Dec 2026  Wednesday  Puhgal Parim 
25 Dec 2026  Friday  Christmas 
28 Dec 2026  Monday  Barahimijong 
30 Dec 2026  Wednesday  Tamu Lochar 

Note: Some dates may be modified by government notification. Always check the official release for updates.

HR Action Tip: 

Sikkim has multiple multi-day festival blocks (Durga Puja, Diwali, Losoong/Namsoong). Plan staffing and payroll runs well in advance to avoid last-minute bottlenecks. 

What are the Bank Holidays in Sikkim in 2026?

Bank holidays in Sikkim primarily covers all public holidays, all Sundays, and the second and fourth Saturday of every month, as mandated by RBI. 

Date  Holiday/Occasion 
Public Holidays  All 49 gazetted holidays 
Weekly closures  All Sundays 
Fortnightly closure  2nd and 4th Saturday 

HR Action Tip: 

Avoid scheduling salary disbursements during Durga Pooja week, Diwali, and Losoong or Namsoong stretch. 

Optional/Restricted Holidays in Sikkim 2026 (Indicative)

In addition to public holidays, the Sikkim Government has notified the following restricted holidays. 

A government employee is entitled to avail only one restricted holiday in a year. 

Date  Day  Occasion 
01 May 2026  Friday  Labour Day 
07 May 2026  Thursday  Ubhauli Sakewa 
29 May 2026  Friday  Birth Anniversary of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa 
06 Jul 2026  Monday  Birthday of H.H. The Dalai Lama 
27 Jul 2026  Monday  Sarathi (Chalak) Diwas 
15 Nov 2026  Sunday  Chhath Puja 
23 Nov 2026  Monday  Birth Anniversary of Shri Satya Sai Baba 

HR Action Tip: 

Clearly communicate that only one restricted holiday can be availed per employee, and require advance approval to maintain workforce balance. 

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

These holidays could impact payroll processing, bank operations, or compliance filing. Here’s a list of them: 

Period  Reason for Impact 
March  Holi + Id-ul-Fitr 
May  State Day + Saga Dawa 
August  Tendong Lho Rum Faat + Independence Day 
October  Durga Puja (5-day closure) 
November  Diwali (3-day block) 
December  Losoong/Namsoong (6 days) + year-end holidays 

HR Action Tip: 

For Sikkim-based employees, year-end payroll planning is critical due to extended December closures. Lock payroll calendars early. 

Got questions?

How many public holidays are there in Sikkim in 2026?

Sikkim observes 49 public holidays in 2026, one of the highest among Indian states.

Are all festivals observed statewide?

Yes, all holidays listed in the gazette apply to government offices across Sikkim.

Are banks closed on second and fourth Saturdays in Sikkim?

Yes. Banks remain closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

Do festivals date change?

Public holidays listed in the gazette are final. Any change is notified separately by the state government.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Check our "cookie policy