Holiday Guide for Punjab in 2026

Punjab is a state celebrated for its Sikh heritage, agrarian prosperity, and vibrant cultural festivals. Holidays are crucial for workforce planning, payroll compliance, and personal leave management.

The holidays are categorized under: 

• National Holidays 
• Religious Festivals 
• State-specific Observances (including Sikh heritage days) 

 In this guide, you will find the complete list of holidays in Punjab for 2026. The list will help you stay compliant and ahead of the rest. 

What are the Official Public Holidays in Punjab in 2026?

Public holidays in Punjab are announced by the state government and must be followed by all government offices, banks, educational institutions, and most private organizations. These include national holidays, state-specific Sikh heritage days, and major religious festivals. 

Below is the official list of Public Holidays observed in Punjab in 2026:

 *Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance of the moon.

 HR Action Tip: 

Ensure these public holidays are reflected in your company’s leave calendar, HRMS, and payroll systems. Communicate them in advance to avoid confusion and maintain compliance. 

What are the Bank Holidays in Punjab in 2026?

All bank holidays include all 2nd and 4th Saturday bank closures, as mandated by the Reserve Bank of India, in addition to all government public holidays. These are important for payroll teams to plan salary disbursals, fund transfers, and business continuity. 

RBI circular on 2nd & 4th Saturday bank closures: rbi.org.in 

Here is the list of Bank Holidays in Punjab for 2026:

 *Islamic holidays are subject to lunar sighting. | Source: cag.gov.in/ag/punjab | RBI circular: rbi.org.in 

HR Action Tip: 

Align salary disbursals, fund transfers, and reimbursement cycles in advance to avoid disruptions during bank closures. Pay special attention to months with public holidays falling close to the 2nd or 4th Saturday. 

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

Optional holidays allow employees to choose a limited number of days off from a government-notified list, based on personal religious or cultural observances. Employees may avail these holidays subject to prior approval as per company policy. 

Here is the 2026 Optional Holiday List for Punjab (as per Central Government notification applicable to Punjab): 

 Note:

Employees may select a limited number of restricted holidays as per company policy.

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

Some holidays may significantly impact payroll processing and financial activities, especially when they fall near month-end or fiscal deadlines. HR and payroll teams in Punjab should flag these dates in advance.

HR Action Tip: 

Mark these payroll-sensitive dates in your HRMS now to avoid last-minute scrambles. Diwali and Vaisakhi are peak leave periods in Punjab. Build in buffer days for payroll approvals.