The announcement was issued by the state’s General Administration Department following a review of the holiday schedule notified earlier. As per the revised order, Thursday, January 15, 2026, will now be observed as a public holiday under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, ensuring a complete shutdown of official and banking operations on that day.

Previously, the state government’s holiday list for 2026, released on November 17, 2025, had designated January 14 as a restricted holiday for Makar Sankranti. That entry appeared at serial number two in the restricted holidays section of the notification. Restricted holidays allow employees to opt for leave at their discretion and do not mandate closure of offices or institutions.

Officials said the change was made after deliberations at the government level, taking into account the religious significance of Makar Sankranti and the customary observance of the festival across large parts of the state. In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti marks an important transition in the Hindu calendar and is widely celebrated with rituals, community gatherings, and traditional fairs, particularly in rural areas.

Under the revised order, all state government departments, schools, colleges, and public sector banks will remain closed on January 15. Private institutions and commercial establishments generally follow the state-declared public holidays, though their final decision will rest with managements.

The declaration under the Negotiable Instruments Act also means that banking transactions, cheque clearances, and other financial services governed by the Act will remain suspended for the day. Officials advised citizens to plan essential banking work in advance to avoid inconvenience.

The government’s move is expected to be welcomed by employees and the general public, as it provides a uniform holiday instead of an optional one. Administratively, the change also aligns the holiday with the day on which Makar Sankranti is expected to be widely observed in 2026.

No other changes have been announced to the state’s holiday list at this stage. The General Administration Department clarified that the revised order supersedes the earlier notification only to the extent of the Makar Sankranti holiday, while all other declared holidays for 2026 remain unchanged.