November is one of the most culturally rich and spiritually important months in India. As the festive season continues after Diwali preparations in October, November 2026 holidays in India include important religious observances, regional festivals, and several state-specific bank holidays.

This month also marks a transition into winter in many parts of India, making it a time of both celebration and seasonal change. From Dev Deepawali in Varanasi to Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations, November carries deep spiritual and cultural meaning across the country.

Overview of November 2026 Holidays in India

November 2026 includes a mix of Hindu, Sikh, and regional festivals, along with bank holidays that vary by state.

Major highlights include:

• Guru Nanak Jayanti
• Dev Deepawali
• Kartik Purnima
• Chhath Puja (in some states, extended observance)
• Weekly bank holidays and regional closures

Major Festivals in November 2026

Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November 2026 (Tuesday)

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most important Sikh festivals in India.

Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti

It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. His teachings focus on equality, unity, honesty, and devotion to God.

How It Is Celebrated

• Nagar Kirtans (religious processions)
• Prayers at Gurudwaras
• Community kitchens (Langar)
• Recitation of Guru Granth Sahib

Where It Is Celebrated

• Punjab
• Delhi
• Haryana
• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra (Sikh communities)

This is a gazetted holiday in many states across India.

Dev Deepawali – 26 November 2026 (Thursday)

Dev Deepawali, also known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” is celebrated in Varanasi on the Kartik Purnima full moon night.

Significance

It is believed that on this day, gods descend to Earth to celebrate Diwali on the banks of the Ganga River.

How It Is Celebrated

• Lighting of thousands of diyas on ghats of Varanasi
• Ganga Aarti ceremonies
• Religious rituals and pilgrimages
• Cultural performances

Main Location

• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

This festival is one of the most visually stunning spiritual events in India.

Kartik Purnima – 26 November 2026 (Thursday)

Kartik Purnima is an important Hindu festival observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month.

Significance

It symbolizes purity, spiritual cleansing, and devotion.

Celebrations

• Holy river baths
• Temple visits
• Lighting lamps
• Religious fairs

States Where It Is Important

• Odisha
• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Uttar Pradesh

Chhath Puja (Extended Observance) – Late October to Early November

Although Chhath Puja often begins in October, its final rituals sometimes extend into early November depending on the lunar calendar.

Significance

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya for prosperity and well-being.

Rituals

• Strict fasting (without water)
• Offering prayers at riverbanks
• Sunrise and sunset arghya rituals

States Where It Is Widely Observed

• Bihar
• Uttar Pradesh
• Jharkhand
• Nepal border regions

Regional Festivals in November 2026

Amla Navami (North India)

Dedicated to the worship of the Amla (gooseberry) tree, symbolizing health and longevity.

Tulsi Vivah (Across India)

Marks the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu, signaling the end of the wedding season in Hindu tradition.

Kaumudi Mahotsav (Odisha)

A cultural festival celebrating art, music, and heritage.

Wangala Festival (Meghalaya)

A harvest festival of the Garo tribe honoring the Sun God.

Seng Kut Snem (Meghalaya)

A cultural festival celebrating the heritage of the Khasi community.

State-Wise Holiday Highlights in November 2026

North India

Uttar Pradesh

• Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November
• Dev Deepawali (Varanasi) – 26 November

Delhi

• Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November

Punjab

• Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November (major holiday)

Haryana

• Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November

West India

Maharashtra

• Kartik Purnima – 26 November (regional observance)

Gujarat

• Kartik Purnima celebrations

Rajasthan

• Devotional fairs and Kartik rituals

South India

Karnataka

• Kartik Deepam celebrations in temples

Tamil Nadu

• Karthigai Deepam (lamp festival)

Kerala

• Mandala season begins (pilgrimage period for Sabarimala)

Telangana

• Regional temple festivals

East India

Bihar

• Chhath Puja (major festival influence into early November)
• Kartik Purnima

Jharkhand

• Chhath Puja rituals and Kartik celebrations

Odisha

• Kartik Purnima
• Boita Bandana festival (boat festival)

West Bengal

• Kartik Puja and Kali worship observances

Northeast India

Assam

• Raas Mahotsav (celebration of Lord Krishna)

Meghalaya

• Wangala Festival
• Seng Kut Snem

Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura

• Local harvest and cultural festivals

Bank Holidays in November 2026 in India

Bank holidays in November 2026 vary across states depending on festivals and RBI guidelines.

Weekly Bank Holidays

• Sundays throughout November 2026
• Second and fourth Saturdays

Festival Bank Holidays

• Guru Nanak Jayanti (widely observed)
• Kartik Purnima (in selected states)
• Dev Deepawali (Uttar Pradesh – Varanasi region)

Banks remain closed on these days, but digital banking services continue.

Importance of November Festivals in India

November is spiritually significant because it represents:

Devotion and Spiritual Purity

Festivals like Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali emphasize cleansing and devotion.

Sikh Heritage Celebration

Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most widely respected festivals across India.

Cultural Diversity

From tribal festivals in Meghalaya to river rituals in Bihar, November showcases India’s diversity.

Travel and Planning Tips for November 2026

Visit Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

One of the most spectacular spiritual experiences in India.

Plan for Sikh Pilgrimage Sites

Golden Temple in Amritsar sees huge gatherings during Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Expect Crowds at River Ghats

Especially during Kartik Purnima and Chhath-related rituals.

Book Early

Hotels in pilgrimage cities get fully booked during this month.

Long Weekends in November 2026

Potential long weekends:

• Guru Nanak Jayanti weekend (depending on weekday alignment)
• Dev Deepawali period in Uttar Pradesh
• Kartik Purnima regional breaks

Conclusion

November 2026 in India is a month of deep spirituality, cultural richness, and vibrant festivals. The most important holiday is Guru Nanak Jayanti on 24 November 2026, followed by Dev Deepawali and Kartik Purnima on 26 November 2026.

From Sikh celebrations in Punjab to lamp-lit ghats in Varanasi, November offers a unique blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity across India.