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As the end of June approaches, many employees, students, and working professionals are looking forward to a possible long weekend around Muharram. However, uncertainty remains over the exact date of the holiday, with some people wondering whether the observance will fall on June 25 or June 26.

According to the holiday schedule issued for central government employees, Muharram is currently listed as a public holiday on June 26, 2026. If the date remains unchanged, it could create a three-day break for many offices, schools, colleges, and banks across the country.

Three-Day Weekend Likely for Government Employees

The official holiday calendar for central government staff indicates that Muharram will be observed on Friday, June 26. Since the following two days are Saturday and Sunday, many employees could enjoy a continuous three-day weekend.

This possibility has already generated interest among people planning short trips, family gatherings, and other personal activities. Long weekends are relatively uncommon in the middle of the year, making this break particularly attractive for working professionals.

Banks May Also Get Consecutive Holidays

Bank employees are also expected to benefit from an extended break if June 26 remains the official Muharram holiday date.

Under banking regulations, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. June 27, 2026, falls on the fourth Saturday, while June 28 is a Sunday. As a result, bank branches in many regions could remain closed for three consecutive days from June 26 to June 28.

Customers may therefore want to complete important banking tasks in advance to avoid inconvenience during the holiday period.

Why Is There Confusion Over the Holiday Date?

The uncertainty surrounding Muharram arises because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar observations. The exact date of Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, depends on moon sighting and can vary slightly from one region to another.

Current calculations suggest that Ashura is likely to be observed on June 26 this year. However, some earlier notifications in certain states had mentioned June 25 as the holiday date, leading to confusion among the public.

Government authorities generally issue final confirmations closer to the event after reviewing lunar calendar observations and religious recommendations.

Several States Have Updated Their Notifications

Reports indicate that some state governments initially announced June 25 as the Muharram holiday but later revised their notifications.

For example, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana reportedly updated their holiday schedules and shifted the Muharram holiday to June 26. Meanwhile, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi had already designated June 26 as the official holiday.

These revisions have helped bring greater uniformity to holiday schedules across multiple regions.

Schools and Colleges Expected to Remain Closed

Educational institutions are also likely to observe the holiday on June 26 in most states where the date has been officially declared.

For schools, colleges, and universities operating on a five-day workweek, the holiday could result in a three-day break extending through the weekend. Classes would then resume on Monday, June 29.

However, students should note that holiday policies may differ between institutions. Some schools and colleges continue academic activities on Saturdays, which could affect the length of the break.

Check Local Notifications Before Making Plans

Although June 26 is currently the most widely accepted date for Muharram holiday observance, individuals are advised to verify announcements issued by their respective state governments, educational institutions, employers, and banks.

Since holiday declarations may vary based on local administrative decisions and moon-sighting confirmations, checking official notifications remains the best way to avoid confusion.

For now, most indications suggest that June 26 will be observed as the Muharram holiday in several states, potentially creating a welcome long weekend for millions of people across India.