Article
Deepavali 2026 in Malaysia: Public Holiday Dates by State
Planning a balik kampung trip, an open house or simply a lazy long weekend? Deepavali 2026 lands on a Sunday, which means many Malaysians will get a bonus day off, but the details depend on where you live and work. A quick check now can save a lot of confusion later, especially if your family is spread across different states.
Holiday arrangements also differ between public and private sector employers, and official lists are sometimes updated. This guide explains the main date, which states have the Monday replacement holiday, which states do not, how Sarawak is different and how to plan travel, leave and open house visits around the long weekend.
The Main Date
Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Based on the official 2026 public holiday listings, it is a public holiday in every state and federal territory except Sarawak.
As with other festivals, the date is set according to the traditional calendar, which is why it moves each year. Our explainer on why Deepavali falls on a different date every year explains how this works.
The Monday Replacement Holiday
Because Deepavali falls on a Sunday, many states get Monday, 9 November 2026 as a replacement holiday. Based on published 2026 holiday lists, the replacement day applies in these states and territories.
- Johor
- Kuala Lumpur
- Labuan
- Melaka
- Negeri Sembilan
- Pahang
- Penang
- Perak
- Perlis
- Putrajaya
- Sabah
- Selangor
For people in these places, the weekend becomes a three-day break, which is ideal for open house visits and family trips.
If you work in one state but your family lives in another, check both. A relative in Kelantan may be back at work on Sunday afternoon, while you are still enjoying the long weekend in Selangor, which can affect when it makes sense to visit.
States Without the Monday Replacement
A few states follow different arrangements, so it is worth knowing the details if you have relatives or colleagues there.
Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu
These states follow a Friday and Saturday weekend, so Sunday is a working day there. Deepavali on Sunday is already a holiday, so no Monday replacement is listed.
Sarawak
Deepavali is not a state public holiday in Sarawak, although many Sarawakians still celebrate with friends and family. Our guide to Deepavali in Sabah and Sarawak explains how the festival is marked in East Malaysia.
A Note for Perak
Perak also has the Sultan of Perak's birthday holiday on Friday, 6 November 2026. Combined with the weekend and the Monday replacement, some Perak residents may enjoy an extra-long break. Always confirm the arrangements with your employer.
Festival dates on official lists may be marked as subject to change. Check the latest announcement from the Prime Minister's Department or your state government closer to the date.
It is also worth checking school calendars if you have children. School holidays and term dates are set separately, so the festive break for students may not match the public holiday exactly.
Planning Tips for the Long Weekend
Long weekends are popular, so a little planning helps.
Start with the basics: who is working, who is travelling and who is hosting. Once that is clear, everything else falls into place more easily.
- Confirm your company's holiday calendar, as private sector arrangements can vary
- Book transport and accommodation early if you are travelling
- Agree open house days with family, since visits may be spread across Sunday and Monday
- Plan bazaar shopping early, as the weekend of 31 October and 1 November and the days before 8 November are likely to be busy
- Share a simple holiday summary in your family group chat
Tip: Send your family a short note now: Deepavali is Sunday 8 November, Monday 9 November is a holiday in most states, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu work on Sunday and Sarawak has no Deepavali holiday.
Travelling and Hosting Over the Break
Highways and public transport are likely to be busy before and after the long weekend. If you are driving home, our balik kampung travel tips for Deepavali 2026 can help you plan a smoother trip.
If you are hosting, think about which day suits your guests best. Some families keep Sunday for relatives and open their doors to friends on Monday, while others welcome everyone across both days.
Whichever plan you choose, let guests know early. A short message a week or two before, with the days and hours you will be home, helps friends fit your open house into their own long weekend plans.
FAQ
Is Monday 9 November 2026 a public holiday?
In most states, yes, as a replacement for Deepavali on Sunday. It is not listed as a replacement holiday in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu or Sarawak.
Is Deepavali a holiday in Sarawak?
No. Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak.
Do private companies have to give the replacement holiday?
Arrangements can depend on your employment terms, so check with your employer or HR department.
Deepavali 2026 brings a long weekend for many Malaysians. Check your state's arrangements, plan early and enjoy a safe, joyful and restful holiday.