India welcomed New Year 2026 with celebrations, prayers, and public gatherings across cities and towns. From bustling streets to religious landmarks, people marked the beginning of the year amid cold weather conditions and heightened security in many regions.
At the same time, January 1, 2026, has been marked as a restricted holiday for central government departments. This has led to some confusion among citizens regarding which services are operational and which remain closed. Here is a clear, detailed breakdown of what is open and what is closed across India today.
Is January 1, 2026, a Public Holiday in India?
New Year’s Day is not a gazetted public holiday for all institutions in India. Instead, it is listed as a restricted holiday for central government offices. This means departments may function normally unless state governments or local administrations decide otherwise.
As a result, many essential services and institutions continue to operate as usual.
Government Offices and Departments
Most central and state government offices are expected to remain open on January 1, 2026. Since it is not a mandatory holiday, routine administrative work is likely to continue in many regions.
However, some offices may operate with limited staff depending on local directives, weather conditions, or regional holidays announced by state governments.
Schools and Colleges: Mixed Situation Across States
Schools and colleges across India show varying status today.
- In many states, schools and government-run colleges are open, as New Year’s Day is not a compulsory holiday.
- However, due to severe cold and dense fog in parts of North India and the Northeast, several states have extended winter vacations.
For example:
- In Punjab, the state government announced that all government, aided, recognised, and private schools will remain closed until January 7, citing the health and safety of children amid harsh weather.
- In Guwahati, schools have been closed for a week and are scheduled to reopen on January 7 due to the ongoing cold wave.
Parents and students are advised to check official notifications from their local education departments.
Hospitals and Healthcare Services
All government hospitals and emergency healthcare services remain fully operational today. Emergency wards, ambulance services, and critical care units are functioning as usual.
Private hospitals and clinics are also largely open, although OPD timings may vary depending on the facility. Emergency medical services are not affected by the restricted holiday.
Public Transport Services
Public transport services are running normally across major cities.
- Delhi Metro, city buses, app-based taxis, and auto-rickshaws are operational as per regular schedules.
- In some metro cities, transport authorities extended operating hours on New Year’s Eve to accommodate celebrations.
- Security checks were intensified at key stations in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Passengers are advised to stay updated with local transport authorities for any last-minute changes.
Banks: Closed in Select Cities
Bank operations vary by region today.
According to the holiday list issued by the Reserve Bank of India, banks remain closed in select cities, including:
- Aizawl
- Chennai
- Gangtok
- Imphal
- Itanagar
- Kolkata
- Shillong
In other parts of the country, banks may function normally. Customers are advised to confirm with their local branches or use digital banking services where available.
Stock Market: Open as Usual
There is good news for investors and traders.
Both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange are open and operating normally on January 1, 2026.
New Year’s Day has not been listed as a trading holiday, and equity, derivatives, and currency markets are functioning as per schedule.
Shops, Markets, and Malls
Most retail markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues remain open today, especially in urban areas.
In fact, many businesses expect higher footfall due to holiday celebrations, sales, and family outings. Timings may vary based on location and local administration guidelines.
Security Measures and Celebrations
Major cities across India witnessed heightened security arrangements ahead of New Year celebrations.
- Extra police personnel were deployed at crowded locations.
- Entry checks and surveillance were increased at metro stations and public squares.
- Popular celebration spots like Connaught Place in Delhi saw large crowds welcoming 2026.
In Amritsar, thousands of devotees gathered at Shri Harmandir Sahib to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year.
Final Conclusion
New Year 2026 began with joy, reflection, and celebration across India, even as daily life continued for many. While some services such as banks and schools are closed in select regions, most essential services – including healthcare, transport, government offices, and stock markets – remain operational.
As rules vary by state and city, citizens are advised to check local notifications for accurate information. Whether working or celebrating, the first day of 2026 reflects a balance between festivity and routine across the country.
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