Public Holiday on March 3 or 4? Check Maharashtra State & Bank Holiday List for March
As the “Festival of Colours” approaches, a wave of confusion has hit citizens across India regarding the official holiday dates for Holi 2026. While the central calendar marks the occasion on one day, regional variations, especially in Maharashtra, have left many asking: Is the public holiday on March 3 or March 4?
For those in Pune, Mumbai, and across Maharashtra, the answer lies in the state government’s specific gazette, which differs slightly from the national schedule due to astronomical timings and local traditions.
The Holi Date Dilemma: Why the Confusion?
The confusion regarding the Holi 2026 date stems from the Purnima Tithi and a total lunar eclipse occurring on March 3. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated over two days: Holika Dahan followed by Dhulivandan (the day of colours).
- Holika Dahan: Observed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in most regions.
- Dhulivandan (Main Holi): Falls on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
However, the Maharashtra State Government has officially listed the public holiday for Holi (Second Day) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This means that while the rest of India might be playing with colours on Wednesday, the state-mandated closure for schools and government offices in cities like Pune and Mumbai is on Tuesday.
Bank Holiday Alert: Are Banks Closed on March 3 or 4?
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday matrix, bank closures are staggered by state. If you have pending financial tasks, take note of these specific dates:
- March 3 (Tuesday): Banks will remain closed in Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Belapur), West Bengal (Doljatra), and Rajasthan.
- March 4 (Wednesday): Banks will be closed in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and several northern states.
PuneNow Tip: Online banking services, UPI, and ATMs will remain functional throughout the holiday period, but branch-related work like KYC or cheque clearances will be delayed.
Full List of Public Holidays in March 2026
March is a packed month for festivals in India. Beyond Holi, several major regional and national holidays are scheduled. Here is the comprehensive list to help you plan your long weekends:
School Holiday Update for Pune and Mumbai
Most schools in the Pune and Mumbai districts are following the Maharashtra State Education Department’s guidelines, declaring Tuesday, March 3 as the primary holiday. However, many private schools have extended the break to include Wednesday, March 4, to ensure students can celebrate the main day of colours without missing classes. Parents are advised to check individual school circulars for confirmation of a “long weekend” break.
With Gudi Padwa following on March 19, March 2026 offers multiple opportunities for family gatherings and travel. Ensure your bank visits and official work are scheduled around these dates to avoid last-minute hurdles.
