Jains across India and beyond will mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as the community observes Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak. The occasion, which falls on the Trayodashi Tithi ending early on March 31, ranks among the most important festivals in the Jain calendar, commemorating the 2624th birth anniversary of the revered spiritual leader.
As a gazetted public holiday, Mahavir Jayanti typically brings closures for several public institutions. Schools in many states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, are expected to remain shut on March 31. Government offices and colleges are also likely to observe the holiday in observance of the day, though practices can vary by region and local notifications.
Some states and districts have adjusted their holiday schedules. The Karnataka government advanced the public holiday by one day, shifting it to Monday, March 30, according to an official notification. In parts of Madhya Pradesh, district administrations revised the date as well, declaring March 30 as the holiday instead of March 31 in certain areas. Indore Collector Shivam Verma announced a public holiday for the district on Monday, as reported, with government offices and institutions closed that day and resuming operations on Tuesday.
ALSO READ : ‘BTS: The Return’ Documentary To Capture The Band’s Comeback
Banks and post offices are generally expected to stay closed in several major cities and states on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. Affected locations commonly include Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Mumbai and Nagpur in Maharashtra, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad in Telangana, Jaipur in Rajasthan, New Delhi, Kolkata in West Bengal, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, Patna in Bihar, Ranchi in Jharkhand, and Raipur in Chhattisgarh. However, the Reserve Bank of India has directed agency banks handling government transactions to remain open on March 31 to facilitate the closure of financial year 2025-26 accounts and ensure all government receipts and payments are recorded within the fiscal year.
Indian stock markets will also observe a full-day shutdown on Tuesday, March 31. Trading will remain suspended across the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in all segments, including equities, derivatives, currency, securities lending and borrowing, and other market-linked instruments.
Private establishments may follow their own policies regarding the holiday, but public sector institutions largely adhere to the gazetted holiday list. Citizens are advised to check with local authorities or respective organizations for any region-specific confirmations, as adjustments can occur at the district or state level.