Punjab’s holiday calendar is not at all subtle. It is loud when it wants to be, solemn when it needs to be, and deeply tied to faith, history, and harvest seasons. Religion is definitely not sidelined as it shapes the structure of the year. Sikh observances in particular are what define when public life decelerates or halts completely, due to the nature of demographics in the state.
National holidays are observed as expected, but Punjab’s calendar expands around Gurpurabs, Lohri, Vaisakhi, and martyrdom days tied to their glorious Sikh history. These are not symbolic entries but kick-off processions, closures, and mass participation. Even in urban centres, this effect is visible.
The list here reflects commonly observed and institutionally recognised holidays in Punjab, aligned with previously established calendar calculations.
List of National, Public, and Regional Holidays in Punjab for 2026
| 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 | Maha Shivratri | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | Apr 14 | Tuesday | Vaisakhi | Regional/Public |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day | National |
| 9 | Jun 26 | Friday | Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji | Regional |
| 10 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 11 | Sep 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 12 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 13 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Vijaya Dasami (Dussehra) | Religious |
| 14 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 15 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 16 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
If You Live or Work in Punjab
State government offices observe this list fully; Gurpurabs and Sikh martyrdom days often see wider closures than usual. Those who work in the private sector can rest assured that most national holidays and Guru Nanak Jayanti are observed, along with other observances depending on the location and sector. Banks follow RBI notifications, which generally align with this calendar.
Also Read: Holiday List in Telangana 2026
FAQs
1. Is Vaisakhi a public holiday in Punjab?
Yes. Vaisakhi is one of Punjab’s most significant public holidays and is officially marked as a holiday.
2. Are all of the Gurpurabs public holidays?
Not all, but Guru Nanak Jayanti is universally observed. Other Gurpurabs may be marked as restricted or regional depending on the year.
3. Why are Sikh martyrdom days included?
They hold historical and religious importance in Punjab and are formally recognised by the state to encourage its citizens to delve more deeply into their history.
4. Do private companies follow all these holidays?
No. Private employers set their own holiday lists, though major Sikh observances are commonly followed.
5. Do festival dates change every year?
Yes. Many observances follow lunar or traditional calendars.