Muharram
Nationwide public holiday in India
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 June | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 16 June | Wednesday | NationwideEstimated, may shift by 1-2 days until officially announced |
Where it applies
Everywhere in India.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Typical weather in New Delhi around 16 June: high 42°C (107°F), low 30°C (87°F), rain on 26% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around New Delhi. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Wednesday 16 June in New Delhi: (MET Norway)
About Muharram
The Muharram holiday in India is observed on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. For Shia Muslims it is a day of mourning for the death of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680. Many Sunni Muslims observe it as a day of voluntary fasting.
Traditions
In many cities, Shia communities hold mourning assemblies and processions in which replicas of Husayn's tomb, known as tazia, are carried through the streets. Recitations of elegies recount the events of Karbala. The day is observed as a solemn occasion rather than a festive one.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
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Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.