Article
Managers' Guide: Leave Planning Around Deepavali 2026
Deepavali is one of the most important times of the year for Hindu employees, and many will want to travel home or spend extended time with family. For managers, the weeks around the festival can mean juggling leave requests, deadlines and coverage across the team. A little planning makes the season smoother for everyone.
Thoughtful leave planning helps your team celebrate fully while the business continues running well. This guide explains the key dates for 2026, how to plan early and prioritise fairly, what to consider in Sarawak and states with a Friday and Saturday weekend, how to plan coverage, flexible arrangements, sensitivity, public holiday work and clear communication.
Key Dates for 2026
Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026 and is a public holiday in every state except Sarawak.
- Monday 9 November is a replacement holiday in most states and federal territories, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Putrajaya, Labuan and Sabah
- Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have no Monday replacement, as they follow a Friday and Saturday weekend
- Sarawak does not observe Deepavali as a public holiday
- Perak also has the Sultan of Perak's Birthday holiday on Friday 6 November
Always confirm dates with your company's official holiday calendar and employment terms, which may differ. Our guide to Deepavali 2026 public holidays by state has the full details.
Plan Early and Prioritise Fairly
Announce leave application deadlines a month or two in advance, encourage employees to apply early and use a shared calendar so everyone can see who is away.
Early planning is especially important for employees travelling long distances, such as those flying to East Malaysia or driving to the northern states, since tickets and accommodation sell out quickly.
Hindu employees may need leave before or after Deepavali for travel and family traditions. Consider giving priority to those celebrating, while balancing fairness across festivals throughout the year. Rotate holiday coverage so the same people are not always working during festive periods, and remember that colleagues of other faiths will need similar consideration during their own festivals.
Sarawak and Friday-Saturday Weekend States
If you manage staff in Sarawak, where Deepavali is not a public holiday, be supportive of Hindu employees who request annual leave. Many celebrate in the evening after work, so flexibility with finishing times can help.
In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, Sunday is a regular working day, so the Deepavali holiday on Sunday 8 November is itself a day off. However, there is no Monday replacement. Employees who want to travel may need annual leave for the days around it.
Teams across several states
If your team spans several states, list the holiday dates for each location clearly so nobody books meetings on a colleague's day off.
Plan Coverage
Good coverage planning keeps work moving while people are away.
- Identify critical tasks and assign backups
- Document handover notes before leave begins
- Schedule important deadlines away from the festive period
- Communicate expected response times to clients
- Confirm who is on call during the long weekend
Tip: Ask employees going on leave to set clear out-of-office messages with a backup contact. Clients and colleagues will know exactly who to reach while they are away.
Flexible Arrangements and Sensitivity
Allow remote work for employees who cannot take leave but want to be with family, offer flexible hours on the days before Deepavali for preparations and consider half-days on the eve of the holiday if business allows.
Flexibility does not have to be complicated. Even allowing staff to leave an hour early on the Friday before the long weekend can help them beat the traffic home.
Some employees may be in mourning and not celebrating this year, so do not assume everyone will want leave or wish to join office celebrations. Respect privacy, as employees do not need to explain why they want leave. Our guide to Deepavali for grieving families explains this sensitively.
Public Holiday Work and Communication
If some employees must work on public holidays, make sure your arrangements follow Malaysian employment law and your company policy, including any applicable holiday pay. Consult HR or official guidance if unsure.
Send a team message outlining holiday dates, leave deadlines, coverage arrangements and office closure details. A warm Deepavali message from management and recognition for employees covering shifts build goodwill. Our guide to workplace Deepavali celebrations has more ideas.
FAQ
Is Monday 9 November 2026 a holiday everywhere?
No. It is a replacement holiday in most states, but not in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu or Sarawak.
Is Deepavali a public holiday in Sarawak?
No. Hindu employees in Sarawak may need to apply for annual leave.
How early should leave deadlines be announced?
A month or two in advance gives employees and managers time to plan.
Good leave planning lets employees celebrate fully and return refreshed, while the business keeps running smoothly. Plan early, communicate clearly and lead with kindness.