RBI Reference City: Chandigarh
Bank Holidays 2026 — Punjab
12 declared bank holidays for Punjab in 2026, as notified by the Reserve Bank of India under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
12
Total Holidays
5
National
7
State
0
Regional
Reminder: All 2nd and 4th Saturdays (approx. 24 days/year) and Sundays are weekly offs in addition to the holidays listed below. Internet banking, UPI, ATMs, and NEFT/RTGS remain available 24×7.
NationalStateRegional
January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 January | Mon | Republic Day | National |
March 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 March | Wed | Holi | State |
April 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April | Wed | Annual Bank Closing | National |
| 14 April | Tue | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti / Baisakhi | State |
May 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May | Fri | May Day | State |
August 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 August | Sat | Independence Day | National |
| 28 August | Fri | Raksha Bandhan | State |
October 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 October | Fri | Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 19 October | Mon | Dussehra | State |
November 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 November | Mon | Diwali | State |
| 24 November | Tue | Guru Nanak Jayanti | State |
December 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 December | Fri | Christmas | National |
All 12 Bank Holidays 2026 — Punjab at a Glance
| # | Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 January | Mon | Republic Day | National |
| 2 | 4 March | Wed | Holi | State |
| 3 | 1 April | Wed | Annual Bank Closing | National |
| 4 | 14 April | Tue | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti / Baisakhi | State |
| 5 | 1 May | Fri | May Day | State |
| 6 | 15 August | Sat | Independence Day | National |
| 7 | 28 August | Fri | Raksha Bandhan | State |
| 8 | 2 October | Fri | Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 9 | 19 October | Mon | Dussehra | State |
| 10 | 9 November | Mon | Diwali | State |
| 11 | 24 November | Tue | Guru Nanak Jayanti | State |
| 12 | 25 December | Fri | Christmas | National |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays are there in Punjab in 2026?
There are 12 declared bank holidays in Punjab in 2026 — 5 national holidays, 7 state holidays. This count does not include 2nd & 4th Saturdays and Sundays, which are weekly offs.
Which city does RBI use as reference for Punjab bank holidays?
The Reserve Bank of India publishes bank holiday notifications for Punjab using Chandigarh as the reference city. Banks in the state follow these notifications.
Is April 1 a bank holiday in 2026?
Yes. April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) is the Annual Bank Closing Day for all banks across India, including those in Punjab. Banks use this day to close their annual accounts. Digital banking channels remain available.
Are banks open on 2nd and 4th Saturdays in Punjab?
No. Under the IBA bipartite settlement, all 2nd and 4th Saturdays are declared non-working days for banks across India. The 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays are working days (half-day in some banks). All Sundays are also off.
How do bank holidays affect NEFT and RTGS transfers?
NEFT is available 24×7 on all days including bank holidays and Sundays. RTGS operates 24×7 as well. However, same-day settlement for high-value cheques and some interbank transfers may be delayed on declared holidays.
Where can I find the official list of bank holidays?
The Reserve Bank of India publishes the official bank holiday list for Punjab on its website under the 'Notifications' section. You can also check the holiday notice displayed at your bank's branch or its official website.
Do private sector banks follow the same holidays?
Yes. All scheduled commercial banks — public sector, private sector, and foreign banks operating in Punjab — are required to observe the holidays declared by the RBI under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. However, some private banks may have additional closures for internal reasons.
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Disclaimer: Holiday data is compiled from RBI notifications and official state sources. Dates are subject to change based on subsequent RBI circulars or government orders. Always verify with your bank branch or the RBI official website before planning critical financial transactions.