May is a pleasant month to visit Punjab, the land of five rivers, rich culture, and vibrant history. Punjab offers a variety of attractions, from historical monuments, religious shrines, natural beauty, to delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for a spiritual, adventurous, or relaxing trip, Punjab has something for everyone.
But before you plan your trip to Punjab, you need to know the holidays in May 2024, both for the government and the banks. Holidays can affect your travel plans, as they may impact the availability of transport, accommodation, and services. Holidays can also be opportunities to witness the festive spirit and traditions of Punjab.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Punjab govt holidays, bank holidays, best places to visit, and weather in May 2024. PRPunjab Readers, read on to find out how to make the most of your Punjab trip in May 2024.
Punjab Govt Holidays in May 2024
Punjab govt holidays are days when the state government offices, schools, colleges, and other public institutions are closed. They are usually observed to commemorate the birth or death anniversary of a prominent leader, a religious festival, or a historical event. Punjab govt holidays are applicable to all the districts and cities of Punjab, such as Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, etc.
According to the official calendar of the Punjab government, there are four govt holidays in May 2024. Here is a table that shows the Punjab govt holidays in May 2024, along with the dates, days, and reasons for the holidays.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Reason |
| 1 May | Wednesday | May Day / Labour Day / Maharashtra Day | To celebrate the achievements and rights of the workers and labourers |
| 9 May | Thursday | Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day | To pay tribute to the fifth Sikh guru, who was executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606 |
| 18 May | Saturday | Buddha Purnima | To mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism |
| 25 May | Saturday | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | To honor the legendary Rajput king, who fought against the Mughal empire in the 16th century |
Bank Holidays in May 2024
Bank holidays are days when banks and other financial institutions are closed for business. They are different from govt holidays, as they may vary from state to state, depending on the regional and religious festivals. Some bank holidays are also observed nationwide, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there are eight bank holidays in May 2024 in Punjab. However, not all of them are applicable to all the banks and branches. Some of them are specific to certain regions or communities. Here is a table that shows the bank holidays in May 2024 in Punjab, along with the dates, days, and reasons for the holidays.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Reason |
| 1 May | Wednesday | May Day / Labour Day / Maharashtra Day | To celebrate the achievements and rights of the workers and labourers |
| 9 May | Thursday | Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day | To pay tribute to the fifth Sikh guru, who was executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606 |
| 11 May | Saturday | Second Saturday | A regular bank holiday on the second Saturday of every month |
| 18 May | Saturday | Buddha Purnima | To mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism |
| 25 May | Saturday | Fourth Saturday / Maharana Pratap Jayanti | A regular bank holiday on the fourth Saturday of every month / To honor the legendary Rajput king, who fought against the Mughal empire in the 16th century |
| 26 May | Sunday | Sunday | A regular bank holiday on every Sunday |
| 27 May | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr | To celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk |
| 29 May | Wednesday | Guru Amar Das Jayanti | To celebrate the birth anniversary of the third Sikh guru, who was born in 1479 |
Best Places to Visit in May 2024 in Punjab
Punjab is a state that offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical monuments, religious shrines, natural beauty, to delicious cuisine. May is a good time to visit Punjab, as the weather is pleasant and the fields are green. You can also witness the festive spirit and traditions of Punjab during the holidays and festivals.
Here are some of the best places to visit in May 2024 in Punjab, along with their highlights and distance from Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab.
| Place | Highlights | Distance from Chandigarh |
| Amritsar | The Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, Jallianwala Bagh, the site of a tragic massacre in 1919, Wagah Border, the ceremonial gate between India and Pakistan | 230 km |
| Ludhiana | The largest city of Punjab, known for its hosiery and textile industry, Lodhi Fort, a 500-year-old fort built by Sikandar Lodhi, Nehru Rose Garden, a beautiful park with over 17,000 rose plants | 105 km |
| Jalandhar | The oldest city of Punjab, known for its sports goods and leather industry, Devi Talab Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, Pushpa Gujral Science City, a science museum and park | 145 km |
| Patiala | The former princely state of Punjab, known for its royal heritage and culture, Qila Mubarak, a 18th-century fort and palace complex, Baradari Gardens, a scenic park with fountains and sculptures | 70 km |
| Anandpur Sahib | The birthplace of the Khalsa, the Sikh brotherhood, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five temporal seats of Sikhism, Virasat-e-Khalsa, a museum and memorial dedicated to the Sikh history and culture | 80 km |
| Kapurthala | The former capital of the Kapurthala State, known for its French and Indo-Saracenic architecture, Jagatjit Palace, a 19th-century palace modeled after the Palace of Versailles, Kanjli Wetland, a Ramsar site and a bird sanctuary | 175 km |
| Ropar | The site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, Ropar Wetland, a Ramsar site and a biodiversity hotspot, Bhakra Nangal Dam, the highest gravity dam in India | 45 km |
| Bathinda | The oldest city of Punjab, known for its thermal power plants and oil refineries, Qila Mubarak, a 15th-century fort where Guru Gobind Singh stayed, Rose Garden, a sprawling park with over 100 varieties of roses | 225 km |
Weather of Punjab in May 2024
Punjab has a subtropical climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall. May is the last month of summer in Punjab, before the onset of the monsoon. The weather of Punjab in May 2024 is expected to be warm and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms and dust storms. The average temperature of Punjab in May 2024 is likely to be around 32°C, with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The average rainfall of Punjab in May 2024 is likely to be around 25 mm, with most of it occurring in the second half of the month.
The weather of Punjab in May 2024 may vary from region to region, depending on the altitude, latitude, and proximity to water bodies. The northern and eastern parts of Punjab, such as Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, may experience higher temperatures and lower humidity than the southern and western parts, such as Patiala, Bathinda, and Fazilka. The hilly areas of Punjab, such as Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, and Nangal, may have cooler and wetter weather than the plains.
The weather of Punjab in May 2024 may also affect your travel plans, as it may impact the availability of transport, accommodation, and services. You may need to book your tickets and hotels in advance, as May is a peak tourist season in Punjab. You may also need to pack your clothes and accessories accordingly, as May is a hot and sunny month in Punjab. You may need to carry light cotton clothes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, umbrellas, and water bottles. You may also need to avoid outdoor activities during the afternoon, when the sun is at its peak. You may also need to check the weather forecast regularly, as May is a month of thunderstorms and dust storms in Punjab.
Conclusion
Punjab is a state that offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical monuments, religious shrines, natural beauty, to delicious cuisine. May is a pleasant month to visit Punjab, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the fields are green. You can also witness the festive spirit and traditions of Punjab during the holidays and festivals.
FAQ
How many govt holidays are there in May 2024 in Punjab?
There are four govt holidays in May 2024 in Punjab, namely May Day, Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day, Buddha Purnima, and Maharana Pratap Jayanti.
How many bank holidays are there in May 2024 in Punjab?
There are eight bank holidays in May 2024 in Punjab, namely May Day, Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day, Second Saturday, Buddha Purnima, Fourth Saturday, Sunday, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Guru Amar Das Jayanti.
What are some of the best places to visit in May 2024 in Punjab?
Some of the best places to visit in May 2024 in Punjab are Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Anandpur Sahib, Kapurthala, Ropar, and Bathinda.
What is the weather of Punjab in May 2024?
The weather of Punjab in May 2024 is expected to be warm and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms and dust storms. The average temperature of Punjab in May 2024 is likely to be around 32°C, with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The average rainfall of Punjab in May 2024 is likely to be around 25 mm, with most of it occurring in the second half of the month.
However, before you plan your trip to Punjab, you need to know the holidays in May 2024, both for the government and the banks. Holidays can affect your travel plans, as they may impact the availability of transport, accommodation, and services. Holidays can also be opportunities to witness the festive spirit and traditions of Punjab.
In this article, we have told you everything you need to know about Punjab govt holidays, bank holidays, best places to visit, and weather in May 2024. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. And don’t forget to visit our website https://prpunjab.in/ for more news and updates.
PRPunjab Readers, we wish you a happy and safe journey to Punjab in May 2024. Enjoy the beauty, culture, and history of Punjab, and share your experiences with us. Thank you for reading.