| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-03 | Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-01-15 | Tamil Thai Pongal Day |
| 2026-02-01 | Nawam Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-02-04 | Independence Day |
| 2026-02-15 | Maha Sivarathri Day |
| 2026-03-02 | Medin Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-03-21 | Eid al-Fitr |
| 2026-04-01 | Bak Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday |
| 2026-04-13 | Day Before Sinhala and Tamil New Year |
| 2026-04-14 | Sinhala and Tamil New Year |
| 2026-05-01 | International Workers' Day; Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-05-02 | Day Following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-05-28 | Eid al-Adha |
| 2026-05-30 | Adhi Poson Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-06-29 | Poson Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-07-29 | Esala Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-08-26 | Prophet's Birthday |
| 2026-08-27 | Nikini Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-09-26 | Binara Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-10-25 | Vap Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-11-08 | Diwali |
| 2026-11-24 | Il Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-12-23 | Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day |
Independence Day Introduction
Independence Day marks the anniversary of a nation's formal separation from another state, or of the founding moment of its sovereignty. Because it commemorates a specific historical event, the date differs from country to country and the name often includes the year. Typical observances include flag raising, military parades, speeches by heads of state, and public concerts. It is frequently the most prominent national holiday on the calendar.
Eid al-Fitr Introduction
Eid al-Fitr is the festival breaking the fast of Ramadan, observed on the first day of Shawwal. It is one of the two major Islamic festivals and a public holiday throughout the Muslim world. The celebration opens with a special congregational prayer, followed by visits to family and neighbours, shared meals and giving to charity. Where the date has been confirmed by moon sighting, it appears without the estimated qualifier on published calendars.
Good Friday Introduction
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Eid al-Adha Introduction
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, begins on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It honours the devotion of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Families that can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel and divide the meat into portions for family, friends and the poor.
Diwali Introduction
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the principal festivals of Hinduism, also observed by Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It falls on the new moon between mid October and mid November, in the month of Kartika according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil. Observances include lighting oil lamps, fireworks, rangoli decorations, sharing sweets and exchanging gifts.