Breaking News: Punjab Government Declares Holiday for Shab-e-Barat 2026

The Punjab Government has officially announced a public holiday for Shab-e-Barat 2026. All government offices, educational institutions, and several semi-government bodies across Punjab will remain closed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This notification gives students, teachers, and employees time to plan their religious observances without confusion. Shab-e-Barat is an important night in Islam, and this holiday ensures people can celebrate and pray peacefully.

Feature	Details
Occasion	Shab-e-Barat 2026
Date of Holiday	Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Applicable Areas	All districts of Punjab
Government Offices	Closed
Public & Private Schools	Closed
Universities	Closed
Semi-Autonomous Bodies	Closed
Official Notification	Services & General Administration Dept. (S&GAD)

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Official Date of the Shab-e-Barat Holiday

The public holiday is scheduled for February 4, 2026, the day after the night of Shab-e-Barat. This timing allows citizens to rest after the night’s religious activities and continue their observances safely.

The holiday applies uniformly across all Punjab districts.
Government employees can take the day off without any pending work pressure.
Educational institutions can plan their schedules around this official announcement.

This clarity helps millions of residents organize religious and family activities without last-minute confusion.

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Institutions That Will Remain Closed

The Shab-e-Barat holiday impacts various public sector institutions in Punjab:

All Punjab Government Offices – Closed
Public and Private Schools/Colleges – Closed
Government Universities – Closed
Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Bodies – Closed
Local Councils & Municipal Offices – Closed

Private businesses may decide individually but are encouraged to provide leave to employees who wish to observe the day.

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Importance of Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat falls on the 15th night of Sha’ban and is observed with prayers, reflection, and charity. Key practices include:

Offering special Nawafil prayers and seeking forgiveness
Reciting the Holy Quran and remembering deceased relatives
Visiting graveyards to pray for departed souls
Performing acts of kindness and community service

The official holiday ensures that families can participate in these spiritual practices without worrying about work or school schedules.

Public and Travel Considerations

The holiday affects public movement and planning:

Students and parents should confirm school closures through official circulars.
Government employees can plan their day around prayers and family visits.
Citizens visiting mosques or graveyards should anticipate evening and night traffic.
Private sector employees should check with their HR departments for leave approval.

These measures allow safe observance and prevent unnecessary crowding or accidents.

Official Notification and Safety Arrangements

The Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD), Punjab has issued the official notification. Citizens are advised to rely only on government sources for accurate information.

Law enforcement and local administration will manage traffic and security around mosques and shrines.
The Auqaf Department ensures facilities are ready for larger congregations.
Citizens should cooperate with authorities and follow guidelines for a smooth celebration.
For the official notice, visit the Punjab Government Portal.

Conclusion

The Punjab Government’s decision to declare a holiday for Shab-e-Barat on February 4, 2026, is a thoughtful step for citizens. It allows people to participate fully in religious observances, spend time with family, and attend mosques or graveyards without stress. Whether you are a student, employee, or homemaker, this holiday ensures peaceful and safe celebrations. Always check official sources and plan your day accordingly.

FAQs

Q: What is the date of the Shab-e-Barat 2026 holiday in Punjab?
A: The holiday is on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, across all Punjab districts.

Q: Which institutions will remain closed for Shab-e-Barat?
A: All government offices, public and private schools, government universities, and semi-autonomous bodies will be closed.

Q: Do private businesses have to close on Shab-e-Barat?
A: No, private businesses can decide individually, but employees are encouraged to be allowed leave for observance.

Q: Where can I find the official Shab-e-Barat holiday notification?
A: The official notification is issued by S&GAD Punjab and is available on the Punjab Government Portal.