Himachal Pradesh Declares Public Holiday on 11 November for Bhai Dooj 2026 but not for Banks

The Himachal Pradesh Government has declared 11 November 2026 (Wednesday) as a public holiday on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. The announcement has been made by the General Administration Department (GAD), Government of Himachal Pradesh, through an official notification dated November 10, 2026.

According to the notification, the holiday will apply to all government departments, boards, corporations, schools, colleges and universities under the Himachal Pradesh Government. The state government has announced this holiday to allow its employees to celebrate the festival of Bhai Dooj with their families.

Holiday Applicable to Government Offices, Schools and Colleges

As per the notification issued by the General Administration Department, all departments, boards and corporations under the Himachal Pradesh Government will observe a holiday on 11 November 2026. The holiday will also apply to government schools, colleges and universities across the state. Employees and students of the covered institutions will therefore get a holiday on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.

Will Banks also remain closed?

The declared holiday will not be treated as a holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This means the holiday is being declared for the specified government departments and institutions, but it is not a holiday for bank employees.

Bank employees may feel disappointed with this decision. On one hand, the Himachal Pradesh Government has declared a public holiday on 11 November so that its employees can celebrate Bhai Dooj with their families. On the other hand, bank employees may not get the same benefit from this holiday, as the notification clearly states that it is not a holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Bank employees are often posted in places far away from their homes and families. Festivals like Bhai Dooj are important occasions for them to spend time with their loved ones. Therefore, bank employees also expect suitable holidays so that they can celebrate festivals with their families.

Also Read: Delhi Government Declares Holiday on 16 November for Chhath Puja, Will Banks also remain closed?