Punjab Govt Holidays and Bank Holidays in March 2024: A Complete Guide

Are you planning to visit Punjab in March 2024? If yes, then you might want to know about the Punjab govt holidays and bank holidays in March 2024, so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Punjab is a vibrant and colorful state in northern India, known for its rich culture, history, cuisine, and festivals. March is a good time to visit Punjab, as the weather is pleasant and there are many events and celebrations to enjoy. In this article, we will tell you about the Punjab govt holidays and bank holidays in March 2024, as well as some of the best places to visit in Punjab during this month. Read on to find out more!

Punjab Govt Holidays in March 2024

According to the official notification by the Punjab government, there are 10 public holidays in March 2024 for the state employees and offices. These are:

• March 8, Friday: Maha Shivaratri. This is a Hindu festival that celebrates the great night of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. On this day, devotees fast, worship, and offer prayers to Shiva at temples and homes. Some of the famous Shiva temples in Punjab are Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Pathankot, Shiv Mandir in Ludhiana, and Baba Balak Nath Temple in Hamirpur.
• March 23, Saturday: Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru Martyrdom Day. This is a day to pay tribute to the three revolutionary freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the independence of India from the British rule. They were hanged by the British on this day in 1931 at Lahore. Their memorial is located at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district, where people gather to pay their respects.
• March 25, Monday: Holi. This is a Hindu festival of colors that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. On this day, people smear each other with colored powder and water, and enjoy music, dance, and bonfires. Some of the popular places to celebrate Holi in Punjab are Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.
• March 25, Monday: Yaosang. This is a Manipuri festival that coincides with Holi and is celebrated by the Meitei community in Punjab. On this day, people play with colors, sing, dance, and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The main attraction of this festival is the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri dance where men and women form a circle and dance to the rhythm of drums and cymbals.
• March 26, Tuesday: Yaosang 2nd Day. This is the second day of the Yaosang festival, which is also a public holiday in Punjab for the Meitei community.
• March 28, Thursday: Maundy Thursday. This is a Christian festival that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, before his crucifixion. On this day, Christians attend church services, wash each other’s feet, and share bread and wine. Some of the prominent churches in Punjab are St. Mary’s Cathedral in Jalandhar, Christ Church in Ludhiana, and St. Paul’s Church in Patiala.
• March 29, Friday: Good Friday. This is a Christian festival that observes the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. On this day, Christians fast, pray, and attend special services that depict the passion and crucifixion of Christ. Some of the places where Good Friday is solemnly celebrated in Punjab are Dalit Christian Colony in Jalandhar, Christian Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, and St. John’s Church in Chandigarh.
• March 30, Saturday: Easter Saturday. This is a Christian festival that marks the end of the Holy Week and the eve of Easter Sunday. On this day, Christians prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ by decorating eggs, baking cakes, and attending vigil services. Some of the places where Easter Saturday is joyfully celebrated in Punjab are Sacred Heart Cathedral in Amritsar, St. Stephen’s Church in Pathankot, and Christ the King Cathedral in Jalandhar.
• March 31, Sunday: Easter Sunday. This is a Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, three days after his crucifixion. On this day, Christians attend church services, exchange greetings, and enjoy feasts with their families and friends. Some of the places where Easter Sunday is grandly celebrated in Punjab are Golden Temple in Amritsar, St. Francis Church in Batala, and St. Peter’s Church in Ludhiana.
• March 31, Sunday: Closing Day Sunday. This is a public holiday in Punjab for all the state offices and employees, as per the Punjab Civil Services Rules. On this day, no official work is done and the offices remain closed.

Bank Holidays in March 2024

According to the Reserve Bank of India, there are 12 bank holidays in March 2024 for the banks and financial institutions in Punjab. These are:

• March 2, Saturday: Fourth Saturday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, which mandate that all banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
• March 8, Friday: Maha Shivaratri. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.
• March 10, Sunday: Sunday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, which mandate that all banks remain closed on all Sundays.
• March 16, Saturday: Second Saturday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, as explained above.
• March 17, Sunday: Sunday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, as explained above.
• March 23, Saturday: Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru Martyrdom Day. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.
• March 24, Sunday: Sunday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, as explained above.
• March 25, Monday: Holi. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.
• March 29, Friday: Good Friday. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.
• March 30, Saturday: Fourth Saturday. This is a regular bank holiday as per the RBI guidelines, as explained above.
• March 31, Sunday: Easter Sunday. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.
• March 31, Sunday: Closing Day Sunday. This is a bank holiday as well as a Punjab govt holiday, as explained above.

Best Places to Visit in Punjab in March 2024

Apart from the Punjab govt holidays and bank holidays in March 2024, there are many other reasons to visit Punjab in this month. March is a great time to explore the beauty, culture, and heritage of Punjab, as the weather is pleasant and there are many festivals and events to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit in Punjab in March 2024:

• Amritsar: Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural hub of Punjab, and the home of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Amritsar is also known for its historical monuments, such as the Jallianwala Bagh, the Wagah Border, and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. Amritsar is a must-visit place in Punjab in March, as you can witness the grand celebrations of Holi and Easter at the Golden Temple, and enjoy the delicious food and shopping options in the city.
• Chandigarh: Chandigarh is the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, and a well-planned and modern city that boasts of its architecture, gardens, and lakes. Chandigarh is a perfect place to visit in Punjab in March, as you can enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden, and the Rose Garden. Chandigarh is also a great place to experience the urban lifestyle and nightlife of Punjab, and indulge in some retail therapy at the Sector 17 market.
• Patiala: Patiala is a royal city of Punjab, and the former seat of the Patiala dynasty. Patiala is famous for its palaces, forts, museums, and temples, that showcase the rich history and culture of Punjab. Patiala is a wonderful place to visit in Punjab in March, as you can explore the magnificent Qila Mubarak, the Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Bagh Palace, and the Baradari Gardens. Patiala is also known for its handicrafts, such as the Patiala salwar, the Patiala jutti, and the Patiala peg.
• Ludhiana: Ludhiana is the largest and the most industrialized city of Punjab, and a major center of trade and commerce. Ludhiana is also a city of contrasts, as it has both modern and traditional aspects. Ludhiana is an interesting place to visit in Punjab in March, as you can witness the rural and urban life of Punjab, and enjoy the attractions such. 

• Anandpur Sahib: Anandpur Sahib is a sacred city of Sikhism, and the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, the collective body of the Sikhs. Anandpur Sahib is also a historical and cultural city, as it has many forts, gurudwaras, and museums that depict the glorious past of Punjab. Anandpur Sahib is a must-visit place in Punjab in March, as you can participate in the Hola Mohalla festival, which is a three-day celebration of martial arts, music, poetry, and spirituality. The festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists every year, who witness the spectacular display of bravery and skill by the Nihang Sikhs.
• Kapurthala: Kapurthala is a princely city of Punjab, and the former capital of the Kapurthala State. Kapurthala is known for its architectural marvels, such as the Jagatjit Palace, the Elysee Palace, the Moorish Mosque, and the Shalimar Gardens. Kapurthala is a beautiful place to visit in Punjab in March, as you can admire the blend of French, Mughal, and Rajput styles of architecture, and enjoy the serene and green surroundings of the city.
• Ropar: Ropar is an ancient city of Punjab, and one of the oldest civilizations of the world. Ropar is also a religious and natural city, as it has many temples, gurudwaras, and lakes that attract pilgrims and nature lovers. Ropar is a fascinating place to visit in Punjab in March, as you can explore the archaeological site of Ropar, where you can see the remains of the Harappan culture, and visit the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which is the largest dam in India and a marvel of engineering.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Punjab govt holidays and bank holidays in March 2024:

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you a complete guide on the Punjab govt holidays and bank holidays in March 2024, as well as the best places to visit in Punjab during this month. Punjab is a wonderful state to visit in March, as you can experience the culture, history, and nature of Punjab, and enjoy the festivals and events that are celebrated in Punjab. If you are looking for more news and updates on Punjab, you can visit PRPunjab, the leading online news portal for Punjab. PRPunjab is your one-stop destination for all the latest and authentic news and information on Punjab. Thank you for reading this article, and stay tuned for more articles from PRPunjab.

Punjab Sarkar Holidays calendar 2024