Punjab holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 8 optional holidays that every employer must grant. The Punjab Shops and Establishments Act requires all commercial establishments to observe these holidays and provide paid leave.
Punjab has a significant Sikh population, and holidays like Guru Nanak Jayanti and Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti are widely observed. This guide covers the complete 2026 calendar, your obligations, and compliance best practices.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab observes 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 8 optional holidays in 2026
- Sikh holidays including Guru Nanak Jayanti are widely observed
- Hola Mohalla is a unique Punjab-specific holiday
- Employers must grant at least 18 paid holidays per year
- Establishments must display the holiday list at the workplace
Mandatory Public Holidays in Punjab 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 21 March | Saturday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 28 May | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dussehra | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 3 November | Tuesday |
| Diwali | 13 November | Friday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Eid dates are subject to moon sighting. Guru Nanak Jayanti follows the Sikh calendar.
Optional Holidays in Punjab 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Milad-i-Sharif | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | Thursday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 December | Thursday |
| Hola Mohalla | 11 March | Wednesday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | 7 January | Wednesday |
What the Law Requires
Punjab Shops and Establishments Act
- 18 paid holidays per year, including national holidays
- Display of the holiday calendar at a conspicuous place
- Weekly off in addition to public holidays
- Payment of wages on all public holidays
Three Non-Negotiable National Holidays
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
Punjab-Specific Holidays
Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most significant Sikh holiday, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Most businesses close on this day, and it’s widely observed across the state.
Hola Mohalla is a unique Sikh festival celebrated a day after Holi. While not always a gazetted holiday, many employers in Punjab grant leave for it. The festival includes martial arts displays and community celebrations.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is another important Sikh holiday celebrating the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru.
Paying Employees on Public Holidays
Holiday on a Working Day
Grant paid leave at the ordinary rate of pay, or pay double wages if the employee works.
Holiday on a Weekly Off
Provide a substitute holiday on another working day within the month.
Working on a Public Holiday
With written consent, employees may work but must receive double wages or a substitute holiday.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain:
- Annual holiday calendar
- Employee leave register
- Double wages payment records
- Consent forms for working on holidays
Keep records for at least three years.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine up to ₹5,000 for first violation
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for repeat violations
- Imprisonment up to 3 months for serious breaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guru Nanak Jayanti mandatory for all employers?
Yes. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a gazetted public holiday in Punjab. Private establishments must observe it. If employees work on this day, they must receive double wages or a substitute holiday.
Do I need to grant leave for Hola Mohalla?
Hola Mohalla may be an optional or gazetted holiday depending on the state government’s annual notification. Check the official list. Even if not gazetted, many employers grant leave for it as a matter of practice.
What if a Sikh holiday falls on a weekend?
If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the state government typically notifies a substitute holiday. Check the annual notification for the exact date.
Managing Punjab’s Sikh holidays alongside national ones? Leave Balance auto-applies state-specific holidays, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your compliance records audit-ready.