The Maharashtra government has officially declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, a public holiday to facilitate voting for the upcoming local body elections, declared under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act, 1881, and Section 135B of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951 .
The notification ensures that citizens in 29 municipal corporations—including major hubs like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur—can exercise their franchise. The holiday applies to all government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, and banks within these specific civic jurisdictions.
Private companies and industrial establishments have been instructed to provide their employees with either a full paid holiday or a sufficient break to cast their votes, in compliance with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act.
While administrative services and bank branches will remain shut, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has clarified that equity markets will stay open for regular trading. However, the day will be observed as a settlement holiday, meaning clearing and settlement tasks will be pushed to the following day. Voting is scheduled to take place from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the counting of ballots and final results expected on Friday, January 16.
