Holiday Guide for Chandigarh in 2026

As a Union Territory and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh follows a centrally notified holiday structure that blends national observances with major religious and cultural festivals. For HR professionals, keeping track of these holidays is essential for timely payroll processing, leave approvals, and statutory compliance.

This guide brings together Chandigarh’s public holidays, bank holidays, restricted holidays, and payroll-sensitive dates for 2026, helping organizations plan the year with clarity and confidence.

What are the Official Public Holidays in Chandigarh in 2026?

As per the notification issued by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC), Chandigarh, a total of 17 gazetted public holidays are observed in 2026 for Central Government offices located in Punjab, Haryana, and the UT of Chandigarh.

These holidays are mandatory and are commonly followed by private establishments across the region.

Note: Some festival dates (Eid, Bakrid, Diwali) are subject to change based on lunar sightings and official notification.

HR Action Tip:

Block these holidays into your annual leave calendar early, especially the October–November festive cluster, to manage staffing and leave overlaps proactively.

What are the Bank Holidays in Chandigarh in 2026?

Banks are closed under the Negotibale Instruments Act, 1881 and remain closed on the following dates, affecting salary credits, statutory payments, and vendor transactions.

HR Action Tip:

Avoid scheduling payroll or reimbursements on dates adjacent to long weekends or festival clusters. Processing salaries 2–3 working days earlier helps prevent delays.

What are the Restricted (Optional) Holidays in Chandigarh in 2026?

In addition to public holidays, employees may avail restricted holidays from the officially notified list. These holidays allow individuals to observe festivals or occasions based on personal, cultural, or religious preferences.

Note: The actual optional holidays may vary by organization and official notification.

HR Action Tip:

Set a clear internal cap on restricted holidays and request employees to declare their choices in advance. This avoids operational strain during peak festive periods.

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

Certain holidays in 2026 coincide with bank closures or heavy leave demand and require advance payroll planning.