Post office holidays in India are mainly divided into two categories.
The first category is gazetted holidays, which are mandatory holidays observed across the country. All post offices remain closed on these days.
The second category is restricted or optional holidays, which are not compulsory nationwide. Post offices may remain open depending on local administration, but employees can choose to take leave on these days.
Being aware of both types of holidays can help you plan your visits better and avoid last-minute problems.
List of Gazetted Post Office Holidays (Nationwide)
On the following gazetted holidays, post offices across India are expected to remain closed:
January 26 (Monday): Republic Day
March 21 (Saturday): Eid al-Fitr (date may change depending on moon sighting)
March 26 (Thursday): Ram Navami
March 31 (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti
April 3 (Friday): Good Friday
May 1 (Friday): Buddha Purnima
May 27 (Wednesday): Eid al-Adha (Bakrid)
June 26 (Friday): Muharram
August 15 (Saturday): Independence Day
August 26 (Wednesday): Eid-e-Milad
October 2 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti
October 20 (Tuesday): Dussehra
November 8 (Sunday): Diwali
November 24 (Tuesday): Guru Nanak Jayanti
December 25 (Friday): Christmas
These holidays are fixed at the national level, so postal services like counter services, savings schemes, and insurance-related work will not be available on these days.
List of Optional / Restricted Holidays
In addition to gazetted holidays, the post office also has a list of optional or restricted holidays. These holidays may vary by state or region, and services may be limited depending on staff availability.
January 1: New Year
January 3: Hazrat Ali’s Birth Anniversary
January 14: Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Magh Bihu
January 23: Basant Panchami
February 1: Guru Ravidas Jayanti
February 12: Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s Birth Anniversary
February 15: Mahashivratri
February 19: Shivaji Jayanti
March 3–4: Holika Dahan / Holi
March 19: Gudi Padwa / Ugadi
March 20: Jumat-ul-Wida
April 5: Easter
April 14–15: Baisakhi / Tamil New Year / Bihu
May 9: Rabindranath Tagore’s Birth Anniversary
July 16: Rath Yatra
August 15: Parsi New Year
August 26: Onam
August 28: Raksha Bandhan
September 4: Janmashtami
September 14: Ganesh Chaturthi
October 18–20: Dussehra (observed on different days in different regions)
October 26: Valmiki Jayanti
October 29: Karwa Chauth
November 8–11: Diwali to Bhai Dooj
November 15: Chhath Puja
November 24: Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day
December 23–24: Hazrat Ali Jayanti / Christmas Eve
Why Knowing Post Office Holidays Is Important
Knowing the holiday schedule in advance helps you plan your financial and documentation-related work smoothly.
If you need to deposit money, open an account, submit forms, or complete any urgent postal task, checking the holiday list beforehand can save time and effort.
It is also advisable to confirm local holidays with your nearest post office, as optional holidays may differ from place to place.