Fake Muharram Holiday Alert: Govt Debunks Viral Notice Claiming Holiday on June 26
Muharram Holiday: A forged order claiming a public holiday on account of Muharram is circulating on social media — the government says it is fake and all offices will be open
North Desk Correspondent
Chandigarh, June 25
The Chandigarh Administration has officially clarified that a purported office order circulating on social media — claiming June 26, 2026 (Friday) has been declared a public holiday on account of Muharram — is fake.
In a press note issued on Thursday, the Administration stated that no such order has been issued by it and described the circulated document as “fake, false and misleading.” The general public, government employees and all stakeholders have been advised not to rely on or circulate such unverified documents. The Administration added that its official notifications and orders are issued only through authorised channels.
Earlier in the day, the Home Department had also issued an internal circular — addressed to all Heads of Departments, Boards, Corporations and Institutions in Chandigarh — directing that all government offices would remain open on June 26.
Muharram Holiday: Why the confusion?
The timing of the fake notification is no coincidence. June 26 is Muharram — specifically Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram and the most significant day of the Islamic month. The Government of India has listed June 26 as a gazetted public holiday for Muharram, and central government offices, banks, post offices, and stock exchanges — including the BSE and NSE — will remain closed for the day.
India observes Ashura on June 26 because Muharram began here on June 17, one day later than in Gulf countries, where the month started on June 16.
Since the holiday falls on a Friday, many people across the country will get a three-day break, with Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28 immediately following. It is this long-weekend prospect that appears to have fuelled the rapid spread of the forged notice.
What is actually closed on June 26?
Muharram Holiday: Central government offices, banks, post offices, and stock exchanges — BSE and NSE — will be closed on June 26. This includes central government offices located in Punjab, Haryana, and UT Chandigarh, covered under the CGEWCC Chandigarh holiday circular.
However, the Chandigarh Administration — which runs the Union Territory government — is a separate entity and has now made clear its offices will function normally.
Punjab and Haryana: Working day
Punjab and Haryana do not include Muharram in their official holiday calendars, making June 26 a regular working day in both states. Punjab and Haryana state government offices, schools affiliated with both state boards, and most private sector establishments will remain open.
At a glance
Closed: Central government offices in Chandigarh, all banks, post offices, BSE and NSE.
Open: Chandigarh Administration offices, Punjab government offices, Haryana government offices, state board schools, private sector (unless employer notifies otherwise).
Verify before you share
Fake holiday notifications are a recurring problem, particularly ahead of long weekends. The Administration’s reminder that its orders are issued only through authorised channels is a useful benchmark — if a holiday order arrived via a WhatsApp forward and cannot be traced to an official government website or gazette, treat it with suspicion.
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