The Islamic New Year 1448 AH has dawned in some Arab countries following the sighting of the crescent moon announcing the start of Muharram ul Haram. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and other Arab countries will celebrate 1 Muharram on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The date in India and other South Asian countries will be announced after reports of local moon sighting.Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is based on the lunar cycle, so dates may differ between countries depending on when the new moon is sighted. India date of Muharram 2026 is Friday, June 26, 2026 and there will be a public holiday on this day. This will give a three-day weekend to many.When will Muharram 2026 begin in India?India, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries will confirm the first day of Muharram after checking the moon sighting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.If the crescent moon is not visible, June 16 will be considered the 30th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, and Muharram along with the Islamic New Year 1448 AH will begin on Wednesday, June 17.The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar system. A new month begins after the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day of the ongoing month. If the moon is not sighted, the current month completes 30 days before the next month starts.When is Youm-e-Ashura in 2026?In Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab countries, Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, will be observed on Thursday, June 25, 2026.In India, Muharram 2026 falls on Friday, June 26, which is the day observed as Ashura according to the government holiday calendar. The final date depends on the official moon sighting announcement.Muharram 2026 India holidayMuharram is a gazetted public holiday in India. Central government offices, banks and post offices are expected to remain closed on Friday, June 26.However, the holiday is not applicable uniformly across all states. Some states do not include Muharram in their official holiday lists.These include:Arunachal PradeshAssamGoaHaryanaKeralaManipurMeghalayaNagalandPuducherryPunjabSikkimUttarakhandPeople working in these states may need to check local government notifications before planning their day off.What will remain closed and what will stay open?The Muharram holiday will mainly affect government services and financial institutions, while most daily services will continue normally.Closed servicesOpen servicesBank branchesShops, malls and restaurantsGovernment officesMetro, buses and trainsPost officesAirports and flightsStock markets including NSE and BSEOnline banking and ATMsTravel services are expected to operate as usual, so passengers with flight, train or bus bookings are unlikely to face disruption because of the holiday.Muharram 2026 creates a three-day weekendSince Muharram falls on Friday, June 26, many people will get a long weekend with Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.The timing offers an opportunity for short trips, especially as late June marks the beginning of the monsoon season in several parts of India. Travellers may look for destinations with pleasant weather or fewer crowds.Popular options for a quick break include Srinagar, Leh, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Goa, depending on weather preferences.Those planning a weekend getaway may need to book hotels and transport early as long weekends often see higher demand.