The Government of India has declared Friday, June 26, 2026, a gazetted public holiday on the occasion of Muharram, marking the observance of Ashura by the Muslim community across the country. The holiday follows the commencement of the Islamic New Year, with Muharram beginning in India on June 17 after the sighting of the crescent moon. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, holds deep religious significance for Muslims and is commemorated with prayers, processions, fasting, and mourning ceremonies depending on religious traditions.

As part of the nationwide gazetted holiday, all Central Government offices will remain closed on June 26. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also announced that physical banking operations will remain suspended in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. However, online banking and digital payment services are expected to function normally.

Educational institutions in many parts of the country are also expected to remain closed to mark the occasion, although the final decision rests with individual state governments and school administrations. Students and parents have been advised to verify holiday notifications issued by their respective schools and colleges. Private establishments may also decide their holiday schedule based on local regulations and operational requirements.

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Financial markets, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will remain closed on June 26. The market holiday, combined with the fourth Saturday on June 27 and Sunday on June 28, will create a three-day weekend for traders and investors. Similarly, bank customers in states observing the holiday should plan their branch visits accordingly, as physical banking services will resume after the weekend.

Muharram is regarded as one of the holiest months in Islam and carries profound historical and spiritual importance. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is observed as a day of gratitude, commemorating the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh's oppression. Many also observe voluntary fasting on this day, following the tradition established by Prophet Muhammad.

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn occasion of mourning that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. His sacrifice in the face of injustice remains a defining event in Islamic history and is remembered through religious gatherings, processions, and prayers across India and many parts of the world. Authorities have also urged citizens to observe the occasion peacefully while respecting local guidelines and public safety measures.

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