Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- The Punjab government holiday list for 2026 includes public, school, national, and gazetted holidays.
- Major holidays include Republic Day (Jan 26), Vaisakhi (Apr 13), Independence Day (Aug 15), Diwali/Bandi Chhor Divas (Oct 31), and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday (Nov 15).
- Popular cultural celebrations such as Lohri, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are observed across the state.
- Key Sikh observances featured: Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Jayanti.
- Punjab observes both public holidays and restricted holidays, allowing employees optional leave on select dates.
- The 2026 holiday calendar helps workplaces, HR teams, students, and families plan travel, events, and leave.
Planning your work calendar for the 12 months ahead? The Punjab government holiday 2026 list is your reference for all authentic, gazetted, and public holidays.
Having an idea about the Punjab holiday list for 2026 enables faculties, workplaces, and HR departments to manage attendance, leaves, and work schedules effectively.
The tourism, training, and sports activities departments have experienced growth/increased participation within the state. This happens especially during the festival season, for example, Diwali and Baisakhi, which impact the financial system and culture.
List of Public and Government Holidays in Punjab 2026
Here’s the tentative Punjab government holiday list for 2026, including gazetted, restricted, and school holidays. The Government of Punjab will officially announce the final list,
| Date (2026) | Day | Holiday Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Restricted / Optional |
| January 13 | Tuesday | Lohri | Restricted / Local |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Maghi | Gazetted |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Gazetted (National) |
| February 1 | Sunday | Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Gazetted |
| February 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivratri | Gazetted |
| March 4 | Wednesday | Holi | Gazetted |
| March 27 | Friday | Ram Navami | Gazetted |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Vaisakhi / Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Gazetted |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Gazetted |
| June 18 | Thursday | Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji | Gazetted (State) |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | Gazetted (National) |
| August 28 | Friday | Raksha Bandhan | Restricted / Optional |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Gazetted (National) |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | Gazetted |
| November 8 | Sunday | Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas | Gazetted |
| November 16 | Monday | Martyrdom Day of S. Kartar Singh Sarabha Ji | Gazetted (State) |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday | Gazetted |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Gazetted |
State-Specific Festivals in Punjab
Here are some of the main festivals of Punjab
Lohri
Falling on January 13, Lohri marks the end of winter and the start of the harvest season. Families gather around bonfires, sing folk songs, and share sweets made of jaggery and sesame. It is one of the most widely celebrated Punjab public holidays.
Vaisakhi
Observed on April 14, Vaisakhi celebrates the harvest and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a major event in the Punjab gazetted holidays 2026 list.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
Celebrated with deep devotion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Jayanti falls on November 24, 2026. Gurdwaras are illuminated, and prayers (Akhand Path) are held across the state.
Bandi Chhor Divas/Diwali
Coinciding with Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas marks Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from imprisonment and is a major Sikh celebration observed across Punjab.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Expected in January 2026, this day honors the tenth Sikh Guru, known for his teachings of courage and equality. It is an important Punjab government holiday for schools and offices.
Punjab School Holidays 2026
Punjab’s schools follow the state’s gazetted holidays and also observe vacations such as:
- Summer Vacation: May–June (approx. 4–6 weeks)
- Winter Break: Late December to early January
- Festival Holidays: During Diwali, Lohri, and Baisakhi
The Punjab school holidays may vary slightly between government and private institutions, depending on the district education boards.
Conclusion
The Punjab govt holidays 2026 list captures the spirit of the state, celebrating its religious diversity, cultural richness, and historical pride. Whether you’re a professional, student, or entrepreneur, knowing these holidays in advance helps you plan your commitments effectively.
Also, Check Holiday Lists for Other States in India
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Government Holidays in Punjab for 2026?
The Punjab government holidays in 2026 include national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day, and major religious festivals such as Vaisakhi, Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Jayanti, and Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, among others.
How Many Public Holidays are There in Punjab in 2026?
Generally, Punjab observes around 22 to 25 public holidays in a year. This includes gazetted holidays for national events and specific state-level observances like the martyrdom days of the Sikh Gurus.
Where Can I Find the Official Punjab Government Holiday List for 2026?
The official holiday list is released by the Department of Personnel, Government of Punjab. It is usually published on the state’s official website and in major newspapers.
What are Sikh-Specific Holidays in Punjab that are Mandatory?
Mandatory Sikh holidays typically include Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Guru Ravidas Jayanti, and Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
What are the Restricted Holidays in Punjab?
Restricted holidays (RH) allow employees to choose optional leave on days not listed as gazetted public holidays. In 2026, these may include New Year’s Day (if not gazetted), Karwa Chauth, or specific Jayantis like Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (if not on the main list).
When is Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day in 2026?
It is expected to be observed on Monday, December 14, 2026 (based on the lunar Maghar Sudi 5 calculation, following Guru Nanak Jayanti in late November). Note: Official notification dates may vary slightly.
When is Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji?
The Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji will be observed on Thursday, June 18, 2026. It is observed across all Gurdwaras and Sikh institutions with “Chabeel” (sweet water distribution) seva.
When is Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday Celebrated in 2026?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday (Gurpurab) will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 (Kartik Purnima).
When is the Shahidi Divas of S. Kartar Singh Sarabha Ji Observed?
It is officially observed on Monday, November 16, 2026, marking his martyrdom anniversary.
When is Vaisakhi Celebrated in Punjab in 2026?
Vaisakhi will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marking the harvest season and the birth of the Khalsa.
Is Lohri a Public Holiday in Punjab?
Yes, Lohri is typically a gazetted holiday in Punjab and will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Do Banks in Punjab Follow the Government Holiday Schedule?
Yes, banks in Punjab generally follow the state government’s holiday schedule (under the Negotiable Instruments Act), along with the standard 2nd and 4th Saturday closures.
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