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 list, while a small set of religious and regional observances recognize 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 reliability rather 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, Public, and Religious Holidays in Chandigarh for 2027
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Friday | New Year's Day | Public |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Tuesday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Mar 06 | Saturday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 10 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 23 | Tuesday | Holi | Religious |
| 6 | Mar 26 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | May 01 | Saturday | May Day | Public |
| 8 | May 20 | Thursday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 9 | Aug 15 | Sunday | Independence Day | National |
| 10 | Aug 25 | Wednesday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 11 | Oct 02 | Saturday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 12 | Oct 09 | Saturday | Dussehra | Religious |
| 13 | Oct 29 | Friday | Diwali | Religious |
| 14 | Nov 14 | Sunday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Exact dates are issued each year through official notifications by the Chandigarh Administration and may vary depending on lunar calendars.
Major Religious Holidays 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | May Day | Public |
| 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 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
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 2027
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 recognized in Chandigarh?
Of course. Being the capital of Punjab, festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti are officially recognized 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 recognized religious holidays.
