Punjab Public Holidays 2026 (Government & Bank Holiday List)

Quick Answer

Punjab public holidays 2026 include Republic Day, Holi, Shaheedi Diwas, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Vaisakhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti, Bakrid, Guru Arjun Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day, Janmashtami, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Christmas. The Punjab Government also identifies Saturdays, Sundays and other specified holidays in its 2026 schedule.

Summary

Punjab public holidays 2026 are useful for employees, government offices, businesses, HR departments, banks and individuals planning their annual schedules. The Punjab Government's 2026 notification provides the official holiday framework for public offices, while banking institutions can follow applicable banking holiday arrangements. Some festivals fall on Saturdays or Sundays and therefore require careful interpretation rather than being counted automatically as additional working-day holidays. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

This guide provides the Punjab holiday list 2026 in an easy-to-read format, including important government holidays, major festival dates, weekend holidays, bank-holiday considerations, restricted holidays and practical planning information.

For the broader India-wide calendar, visit the Complete List of Public Holidays in India 2026, which acts as the main hub for this state-wise holiday cluster.

---

What are Punjab public holidays 2026?

Punjab public holidays 2026 are officially notified holidays applicable to relevant government offices and institutions in the state during the 2026 calendar year. The Punjab Government's Department of Personnel issued the 2026 holiday notification covering public holidays for Punjab Government offices. The state also maintains a separate framework for restricted holidays and other applicable closures. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The holiday calendar includes national occasions, Sikh religious observances, Hindu and Muslim festivals, important commemorative days and Punjab-specific occasions. Because different organisations can follow different holiday schedules, users should check the applicable calendar before planning an important visit or transaction.

How does the Punjab holiday list 2026 work?

The Punjab holiday list 2026 works through a combination of public holidays, weekly closed days and restricted holidays. The Punjab Government notification identifies all Saturdays and Sundays as closed days for the applicable government-office schedule and separately lists the other holidays. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For example, Guru Ravidas Jayanti falls on Sunday, 1 February 2026, and Maha Shivratri falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026. Although these dates appear in the notified schedule, they do not necessarily create an additional weekday closure because they already fall on a Sunday.

---

Punjab Public Holidays 2026: Complete List

The following table presents the major Punjab holidays for 2026. The dates have been checked against the Punjab Government holiday notification and the Accountant General (Audit-I), Punjab holiday information. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The Accountant General (Audit-I), Punjab also publishes a 2026 Punjab holiday list containing these major state holidays, including Guru Arjun Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day, Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti, Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Shaheedi Sabha. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

---

Punjab Government Holidays 2026 Month-Wise

January 2026 Punjab Holidays

Republic Day is the main January public holiday shown in the Punjab Government's 2026 public-office schedule. January also contains several restricted-holiday occasions, including New Year's Day, Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami, depending on the applicable schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

February 2026 Punjab Holidays

Both Guru Ravidas Jayanti and Maha Shivratri fall on Sunday in 2026. The Punjab Government schedule includes them among the notified holidays, while the fact that they fall on Sunday is important when calculating additional working-day closures. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

March 2026 Punjab Holidays

March is one of the most important holiday months in Punjab. Holi falls on Wednesday, while Id-ul-Fitr falls on Saturday. Shaheedi Diwas, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti fall on weekdays. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

April 2026 Punjab Holidays

April contains several important Punjab holidays, particularly Vaisakhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April. Maharishi Parashuram Jayanti falls on Sunday, 19 April. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

May 2026 Punjab Holidays

May includes May Day on 1 May and Id-ul-Zuha, commonly known as Bakrid, on 27 May according to the 2026 Punjab holiday schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

June 2026 Punjab Holidays

Punjab observes important Sikh and cultural commemorative occasions in June, including Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day and Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

July 2026 Punjab Holidays

Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day is listed on Friday, 31 July 2026, making it a weekday holiday in the Punjab state holiday calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

August 2026 Punjab Holidays

Independence Day falls on Saturday, 15 August 2026. Because the date is already a Saturday, users should distinguish between the holiday's official status and whether it creates an additional weekday closure. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

September 2026 Punjab Holidays

Janmashtami is listed on Friday, 4 September 2026 in the Punjab holiday calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

October 2026 Punjab Holidays

October includes Gandhi Jayanti, Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti, Dussehra and Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti falls on Sunday, while the other listed dates fall on weekdays. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

November 2026 Punjab Holidays

November is another major holiday month in Punjab. Diwali falls on Sunday, followed by Vishwakarma Day on Monday. Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

December 2026 Punjab Holidays

December includes important Sikh commemorative occasions and Christmas. The Shaheedi Sabha at Shri Fatehgarh Sahib is listed for Monday, 28 December 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

---

Punjab Government Holidays 2026 vs Bank Holidays

Punjab government holidays 2026 should not automatically be treated as identical to bank holidays. Government offices follow the applicable Punjab Government notification, whereas bank branches operate under banking holiday arrangements and applicable state-level banking schedules.

The Reserve Bank of India recognises the second and fourth Saturdays as holidays for bank branches. Therefore, anyone planning a branch visit should consider both the Punjab-specific holiday calendar and the standard banking closure pattern. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

---

Are banks closed on all Punjab government holidays?

No, banks are not necessarily closed on every Punjab government holiday. Bank branches follow their own applicable holiday arrangements, including state-specific closures and standard second- and fourth-Saturday holidays. Customers should verify the relevant bank's branch calendar before visiting.

This distinction is particularly important when planning cash deposits, cheque-related work, account services or other activities requiring physical branch access.

---

Which Punjab holidays fall on weekends in 2026?

Several Punjab holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays in 2026. Important examples include Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Maharishi Parashuram Jayanti, Independence Day, Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti and Diwali.

The official Punjab schedule separately identifies all Saturdays and Sundays as closed days for the applicable government-office calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

---

Punjab Restricted Holidays 2026

Punjab restricted holidays 2026 include additional religious, cultural and commemorative occasions that are treated separately from the main public holiday schedule. The Accountant General (Audit-I), Punjab publishes a restricted-holiday list containing occasions such as New Year's Day, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Maha Shivratri, Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Karwa Chauth and Christmas Eve. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

The restricted-holiday list should be treated separately from the main Punjab public holiday calendar. The exact entitlement and selection procedure can depend on the employee's applicable service rules or organisation policy. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

---

How to check whether a date is a Punjab holiday

To check whether a date is a Punjab holiday, first identify the type of establishment and then compare the date with the relevant official holiday schedule. This avoids confusion between government holidays, bank holidays, restricted holidays and ordinary weekends.

1. Identify whether you need a government-office, bank, school or private-company calendar.
2. Check the Punjab Government's official 2026 holiday notification.
3. Identify whether the date is a public holiday or restricted holiday.
4. Check whether the date falls on Saturday or Sunday.
5. For bank transactions, verify the applicable bank holiday calendar.
6. Check for any later amendment or special government notification.
7. Plan your office visit, leave, travel or transaction accordingly.

---

Punjab Holiday Calendar 2026 Planning Checklist

Use this simple checklist when preparing your 2026 work, HR, payroll or personal calendar.

• ✔ Mark all Punjab public holidays on your annual calendar.
• ✔ Identify holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday.
• ✔ Mark second and fourth Saturdays separately for bank planning.
• ✔ Keep restricted holidays separate from mandatory holidays.
• ✔ Check the applicable holiday calendar before scheduling bank visits.
• ✔ Check your employer's approved holiday policy if you work in the private sector.
• ✔ Keep an updated copy of the Punjab holiday notification.
• ✔ Recheck dates if the government publishes a revised or special notification.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Punjab Holiday List 2026

1. Counting every festival as an extra weekday holiday

A festival can be an officially recognised holiday while still falling on an existing Saturday or Sunday closure. Always check the weekday before calculating the number of additional working days off.

2. Treating bank holidays and government holidays as identical

Government offices and banks can follow different applicable schedules. A government holiday does not automatically guarantee that every bank branch will have the same closure arrangement.

3. Confusing restricted holidays with public holidays

Restricted holidays are separate from the main public holiday schedule. Employees should check their applicable service or organisational rules before treating a restricted holiday as a compulsory closure.

4. Using a previous year's calendar

Festival dates and state-specific holiday arrangements change from year to year. Always use the 2026 notification when planning the 2026 calendar.

5. Assuming private employers follow the entire government calendar

Private-sector employers can have their own approved holiday schedules subject to applicable laws and establishment rules. Employees should consult their company's official holiday list.

---

Punjab Public Holidays 2026 Process Flow

The Punjab holiday-checking process is straightforward: identify the establishment → identify the holiday category → check the official Punjab schedule → check the weekday → verify any applicable banking or employer calendar → plan the activity.

1. Identify the organisation or service involved.
2. Check the Punjab 2026 public holiday schedule.
3. Find the exact holiday date.
4. Check whether the date is Saturday or Sunday.
5. Check whether the holiday is public, restricted or another category.
6. Verify any applicable bank or employer-specific schedule.
7. Check for subsequent official amendments if the date is important.

---

Punjab Holidays 2026 for Employees and HR Departments

HR departments can use the Punjab holiday calendar when preparing annual leave calendars, payroll schedules, attendance systems and working-day calculations. However, the state government holiday notification should be used as the regulatory reference applicable to the relevant establishments rather than assuming it is automatically the complete holiday list for every private employer.

Businesses operating across several states should maintain separate state-wise calendars because the dates and state-specific holidays can differ considerably.

---

Punjab Holidays 2026 for Banks and Financial Transactions

People planning banking work in Punjab should check the applicable bank holiday calendar instead of relying only on the state government holiday list. This is especially important for branch-dependent activities such as cash deposits, cheque-related services, account documentation and other counter services.

Digital banking services may remain available even when physical branches are closed, but the availability and processing time of individual services can vary. For important transactions, check your bank's official information before the holiday.

---

Punjab Public Holidays 2026 vs Other States

Punjab has a distinct holiday calendar reflecting national holidays, religious observances, Sikh commemorative occasions and Punjab-specific events. A holiday in Punjab does not automatically apply to offices, banks or businesses in another state.

For users working or travelling across India, the following state-specific pages can help compare holiday calendars:

• Maharashtra Public Holidays 2026
• Gujarat Public Holidays 2026
• Rajasthan Public Holidays 2026
• Delhi Public Holidays 2026
• Karnataka Public Holidays 2026
• Haryana Public Holidays 2026
• Uttar Pradesh Public Holidays 2026
• Madhya Pradesh Public Holidays 2026
• Telangana Public Holidays 2026
• Andhra Pradesh Public Holidays 2026

---

Official Sources for Punjab Holidays 2026

For the most reliable information, users should verify important holiday dates against official government sources. The Government of Punjab website currently provides a dedicated List of Holidays 2026 document. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

• Government of Punjab – Official Punjab Government portal and source for government information.
• Punjab Government List of Holidays 2026 – Official holiday document page. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Accountant General (Audit-I), Punjab Holiday List – Government audit-office reference containing 2026 gazetted and restricted holiday information. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• National Portal of India – Punjab Holiday Calendar – Useful government reference for state holiday-calendar information. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

---

Suggested Posts

The following pages form the related public-holiday cluster and can be naturally recommended to readers who need holiday information for other Indian states.

• Complete List of Public Holidays in India 2026 – Main hub for the national and state-wise holiday calendar.
• Maharashtra Public Holidays 2026 – Maharashtra government, bank and optional holiday information.
• Gujarat Public Holidays 2026 – Gujarat government and bank holiday calendar.
• Rajasthan Public Holidays 2026 – Rajasthan government and bank holiday dates.
• Delhi Public Holidays 2026 – Delhi gazetted, restricted and bank holiday information.
• Karnataka Public Holidays 2026 – Karnataka government and bank holiday calendar.
• Haryana Public Holidays 2026 – Haryana government and bank holiday information.
• Uttar Pradesh Public Holidays 2026 – UP government and bank holiday calendar.
• Madhya Pradesh Public Holidays 2026 – MP government, bank and festival holiday information.
• Telangana Public Holidays 2026 – Telangana government and bank holiday calendar.
• Andhra Pradesh Public Holidays 2026 – Andhra Pradesh government, bank and festival holiday information.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---

Conclusion

Punjab public holidays 2026 include national holidays, major religious festivals, Sikh commemorative occasions, cultural events and Punjab-specific holidays. Important dates include Republic Day, Holi, Shaheedi Diwas, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Vaisakhi, Bakrid, Guru Arjun Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day, Janmashtami, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Christmas. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Some holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays in 2026, so the number of calendar holidays should not automatically be treated as the number of additional working days off. Bank holidays also need to be checked separately from government-office holidays.

For the complete India-wide calendar and links to other state-specific holiday pages, visit the Complete List of Public Holidays in India 2026.

For authoritative verification, the Government of Punjab's List of Holidays 2026 should be treated as the primary state reference. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}