Chandigarh is markedly different from most Indian states. Firstly, it is a Union Territory. Secondly, it is also the shared capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Its public life is shaped by the politics of both states and distinct regional flavors - as well as the ethno-religious Punjabi and Haryanvi communities.
The city’s holiday calendar reflects that unique relationship. National holidays form the backbone of the set list, while a small set of religious and regional observances recognise the communities that make up Chandigarh’s workforce. Sikh festivals, major Hindu observances, and nationally significant days all find space on the calendar, without the list becoming crowded for the sake of it.
For people who live and work in Chandigarh, holidays are most visible through closures of UT administration offices, courts, and public institutions in addition to the religious celebrations that happen around every street corner and in people's homes. Private employers usually follow the same major holidays, though practices vary from sector to sector. The emphasis, as with most Union Territories, is on reliance than cultural expansion. The holiday list is notified only after extensive checks are done closer to the new year, so apart from National holidays, one can check out the Chandigarh gazette to get the latest information.
List of National and Public Holidays in Chandigarh
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | National |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivatri | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 5 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 6 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 7 | May 01 | Friday | May Day | National |
| 8 | May 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 9 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 10 | Sep 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 11 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 12 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra | Religious |
| 13 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 14 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Exact dates are issued each year through official notifications by the Chandigarh Administration and may vary depending on lunar calendars.
For Those Living or Working in Chandigarh
The holiday list which is finally notified by the Chandigarh Administration is legal and binding on all UT Govt. offices, judiciary and banks. Banks follow Reserve Bank of India holiday notifications applicable to the region. Private employers are not legally required to observe all UT holidays but generally align with national holidays and major religious festivals.
Also Read: Holiday List in Arunachal Pradesh 2026
FAQs
1. Does Chandigarh follow Punjab or Haryana’s holiday calendar?
No. Chandigarh issues its own holiday notifications as a Union Territory, though there is overlap with Punjab and Haryana due to shared administrative and cultural contexts.
2. Are Sikh festivals officially recognised in Chandigarh?
Of course. Being the capital of Punjab, festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti are officially recognised and observed by UT government offices.
3. Do holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Many religious holidays are based on lunar calendars and are finalized through annual government notifications.
4. Are private companies required to follow the UT holiday list?
No. Private employers set their own holiday policies, though most observe major national and widely recognised religious holidays.