As the festival of Chhath Puja approaches, many people in Punjab are wondering whether it is a public holiday. To clarify, Chhath Puja is not a public holiday in Punjab but it is recognized as a restricted holiday in the official government calendar. This means that government employees can choose to take a day off with prior approval, but offices, banks, and educational institutions remain open as usual.
Chhath Puja, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, honors the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict rituals fasting, offering prayers at rivers or ponds, and performing “arghya” during sunrise and sunset—to express gratitude for life and prosperity.
In 2025, Chhath Puja will be observed from October 28 to October 30 with the main Usha Arghya morning offering) taking place on October 30, 2025 (Thursday). Although the festival is not native to Punjab, the growing population of migrants from Bihar and eastern India has brought this vibrant celebration to several cities, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Mohali.
The Punjab Government, acknowledging the cultural diversity within the state, includes Chhath Puja in its list of restricted holidays each year. Local administrations often provide temporary arrangements at ghats, ponds, and canals to ensure smooth conduct of rituals. Police and municipal bodies also coordinate to maintain cleanliness and safety near water bodies during the festival.