Punjab is set to observe a seven-hour bandh on Friday, August 21, with the shutdown scheduled from 7 am to 2 pm. The bandh has been called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to demand the release of Sikh prisoners.
Punjab Bandh Reason
The Morcha has been seeking parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the 1995 assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The organisation is also calling for the release of other ‘Bandi Singhs’, a term referring to Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during Punjab’s insurgency in the 1990s.
The shutdown is expected to affect movement and commercial activity across the state, prompting residents to check whether schools, colleges, markets, public transport and essential services will operate normally. Here is what people can expect during the bandh.
Are Schools and Colleges closed in Punjab due to bandh?
The Punjab government has clarified that schools and colleges will remain open on Friday, August 21. Colleges are not covered by the advisory issued for private schools. Students are therefore advised to check with their respective college or university for information about classes, examinations and other scheduled activities.
Punjab Bandh August 21: Will offices be closed?
There is no indication of a statewide shutdown of offices.
Are Markets and Shops closed because of Punjab Bandh
Markets are expected to remain shut during the bandh period. As a result, shops and other businesses may not be accessible during these hours. Residents who have non-essential shopping plans may want to finish their purchases before the bandh begins or wait until after 2 pm.
Punjab Bandh 2026: Will Public Transport be opened?
Public transport services are also likely to be disrupted during the bandh. People travelling by buses and other road-based transport may therefore face delays or difficulty reaching their destinations. Those with important journeys should plan ahead and allow additional travel time.
Essential Services To Remain Available
Essential services are expected to be exempt from the shutdown. Morcha leaders said medical emergencies, travel to airports, examinations and wedding ceremonies will be permitted during the bandh. Hospitals and medical stores are also expected to continue functioning, particularly for emergency and essential requirements.
What About Trains?
Passengers travelling by train on August 21 should therefore check the latest status of their service before leaving for the station.
Punjab Bandh Timings
The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 2 pm on Friday, August 21, covering a total of seven hours. The shutdown is expected to have its biggest impact on markets, public transport and road movement. While the state government has said schools and colleges will remain open, individual institutions may take separate decisions.
