It's the ninth day (Navami) of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, marking Lord Rama's birth. The Navami tithi starts around late morning on the 26th (around 11:46 AM IST in Delhi) and ends early on the 27th, but the main observance and public holiday follow the sunrise rule (Udaya Tithi), so it's observed on the 26th.
Many sources like Drik Panchang, TimeandDate, India Today, and public holiday calendars confirm March 26, 2026 as the date, with the gazetted holiday on that Thursday in most states.
Some traditions (like certain Vaishnava groups) might extend special puja or mark it on the 27th too, but the primary celebration and fasting are on the 26th.
Happy Ram Navami in advance