Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and families. The holiday structure of private companies is different from that of the government. Sunday is a regular holiday for government officials, whereas a majority of private companies shall remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays of every month. Besides these regular holidays, all employees working in both private and public sectors get public holidays and national holidays.

West Bengal Holidays in 2026

Following are the national, public and bank holidays in West Bengal in 2026, which residents of the state can avail during the calendar year.

Date   Holiday  Day 
1 January 2026   New Year’s Day  Thursday 
12 January 2026   Swami Vivekananda Birthday  Monday 
22 January 2026  Day before Saraswati Pooja  Thursday 
23 January 2026  Netaji SC Bose Birthday  Friday 
23 January 2026  Saraswati Pooja  Friday 
26 January 2026  Republic Day  Monday 
4 February 2026  Shab-e-Barat  Wednesday 
15 February 2026  Maha Shivaratri  Sunday 
3 March 2026  Doljatra  Tuesday 
4 March 2026  Day after Doljatra  Wednesday 
16 March 2026  Shri Shri Harichand Thakur Birthday  Monday 
20 March 2026  Id-ul-Fitr/ Day before Ramazan  Friday 
21 March 2026  Id-ul-Fitr/ End of Ramadan  Saturday 
26 March 2026  Ram Navami  Thursday 
31 March 2026  Mahavir Jayanti  Tuesday 
1 April 2026  Annual Accounts Closing Day  Wednesday 
3 April 2026  Good Friday  Friday 
14 April 2026  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Birthday  Tuesday 
15 April 2026  Bengali New Year’s Day  Wednesday 
1 May 2026  Buddha Purnima/ Birthday of Pandit Raghunath  Friday 
1 May 2026  May Day  Friday 
9 May 2026  Birthday of Rabindra Nath Tagore  Saturday 
27 May 2026  Id-Ud-Zoha/ Bakrid  Wednesday 
26 June 2026  Muharram  Friday 
16 July 2026  Ratha Yatra  Thursday 
15 August 2026  Independence Day  Saturday 
26 August 2026  Milad-un-Nabi  Wednesday 
28 August 2026  Raksha Bandhan  Friday 
4 September 2026  Janmashtami  Friday 
22 September 2026  Karam Puja  Tuesday 
2 October 2026  Gandhi Jayanti  Friday 
10 October 2026  Mahalaya  Saturday 
14 October 2026  Durga Pooja – Maha Chaturthi  Wednesday 
15 October 2026  Durga Puja – Maha Panchami  Thursday 
17 October 2026  Dussehra – Maha Shashthi Saturday 
18 October 2026  Durga Puja – Saptmi  Sunday 
19 October 2026  Durga Puja – Ashtami  Monday 
20 October 2026  Durga Puja – Vijaya Dashmi  Tuesday 
20 October 2026  Durga Puja – Navami  Tuesday 
25 October 2026  Lakshmi Puja  Sunday 
8 November 2026  Kali Puja  Sunday 
11 November 2026  Bhatridwitiya  Wednesday 
12 November 2026  Day before Bhatridwitiya  Thursday 
15 November 2026  Chhath Puja Parv  Sunday 
24 November 2026  Guru Nanak Jayanti  Tuesday 
25 December 2026  Christmas Day  Friday 

The list of holidays in West Bengal in 2026 offers an insight into public, regional, and bank holidays observed in the state. This can be effectively utilised when we include our leaves, offering us the advantage of taking advantage over general holidays.

Bank Holidays in West Bengal in 2026

Date   Holiday  Day 
10 January 2026   Second Saturday  Saturday 
12 January 2026   Swami Vivekananda Birthday  Monday 
23 January 2026  Netaji SC Bose Birthday  Friday 
23 January 2026  Saraswati Pooja  Friday 
24 January 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
26 January 2026  Republic Day  Monday 
14 February 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
28 February 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
3 March 2026  Doljatra  Tuesday 
14 March 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
21 March 2026  Id-ul-Fitr/ End of Ramadan  Saturday 
28 March 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
3 April 2026  Good Friday Friday 
11 April 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
14 April 2026  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti  Tuesday 
15 April 2026  Bengali New Year’s Day  Wednesday 
25 April 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
1 May 2026  Buddha Purnima/ Birthday of Pandit Raghunath  Friday 
1 May 2026  May Day  Friday 
9 May 2026  Birthday of Rabindra Nath Tagore/ Second Saturday  Saturday 
23 May 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
27 May 2026  Id-Ud-Zoha/ Bakrid  Wednesday 
13 June 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
26 June 2026  Muharram  Friday 
27 June 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
11 July 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
25 July 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
8 August 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
15 August 2026  Independence Day  Saturday 
22 August 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
12 September 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
26 September 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
2 October 2026  Gandhi Jayanti  Friday 
10 October 2026  Mahalaya/ Second Saturday  Saturday 
18 October 2026  Durga Puja – Saptmi  Sunday 
19 October 2026  Durga Puja – Ashtami  Monday 
20 October 2026  Durga Puja – Vijaya Dashmi  Tuesday 
20 October 2026  Durga Puja – Navami  Tuesday 
21 October 2026  Vijaya Dashmi  Wednesday 
24 October 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
25 October 2026  Lakshmi Puja  Sunday 
8 November 2026  Kali Puja  Sunday 
14 November 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
24 November 2026  Day before Bhatridwitiya  Thursday 
28 November 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 
12 December 2026  Second Saturday  Saturday 
25 December 2026  Christmas Day  Friday 
26 December 2026  Fourth Saturday  Saturday 

This is a holiday page customised for the state of West Bengal, the fourth most populous state in the country. Both the state and central governments have unveiled the calendar of holidays in West Bengal for the year 2026. Holidays can be clustered as public holidays, bank holidays, and national holidays. Bank holidays are restricted only to scheduled and private banks.

There are three national holidays. Republic Day is the first national holiday and is celebrated in January every year. Independence Day is the second national holiday and is celebrated in August every year. The third national holiday is Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, which is celebrated in October every year. Independence Day honors the freedom from the UK, while Republic Day honors the creation of the constitution of India. The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, is honored by celebrating Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October.

West Bengal Public & Bank Holidays 2026: Complete Overview

West Bengal’s holiday calendar for 2026 reflects the state’s rich cultural diversity, blending religious, regional, and national celebrations. These holidays provide an opportunity for people to celebrate traditions, spend time with family, and plan travel in advance.

In January, the state celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, along with Vasant Panchami and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti.

March brings the festival of Holi with Holika Dahan, while April marks the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar. The Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, is also celebrated with great enthusiasm.

In July, Muharram is observed across the state. Toward the end of the year, major festivals like Diwali and Vijay Dashami are widely celebrated. The year concludes with Christmas, one of the most significant Christian festivals.

Major Festivals Celebrated in West Bengal

West Bengal is famous for its grand festivals, which are an integral part of its cultural identity and tourism appeal.

Durga Puja – The Grand Celebration

Durga Puja is the most important festival in the state, celebrated over five days with elaborate pandals, artistic idols, and cultural events.

Kali Puja – Devotion and Lights

Kali Puja is observed soon after Durga Puja, marked by prayers, lights, and deep spiritual devotion.

Saraswati Puja – Festival of Learning

Saraswati Puja is especially celebrated in schools and colleges, honoring the goddess of wisdom and learning.

Poila Boishakh – Bengali New Year

Poila Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar with cultural programs, feasts, and traditional attire.

Eid & Christmas Celebrations

Festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Christmas are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Kolkata.

Regional Holidays in West Bengal

Apart from national holidays, West Bengal also observes several unique regional holidays that reflect its cultural heritage:

  • Rabindra Jayanti – Celebrating Rabindranath Tagore with music and cultural events
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti – Honoring the legacy of the freedom fighter
  • Jamai Shasthi – Celebrating family bonds
  • Chhath Puja – Observed by migrant communities
  • Hul Diwas – Remembering tribal history

These regional holidays are often declared by the state government and may vary across districts.

Why the West Bengal Holiday Calendar 2026 Matters

The West Bengal holiday calendar is essential for effective planning:

  • Helps employees plan leave and travel schedules in advance
  • Allows early booking of tickets, reducing travel costs
  • Assists businesses and students in organizing their yearly activities
  • Enables tourists to plan trips around major festivals for a richer cultural experience

Whether you are a resident or a traveler, understanding the 2026 holiday calendar helps you make the most of your time and experience the vibrant culture of West Bengal.

FAQs on West Bengal Holidays

Are banks in Kolkata closed on the second Saturday of the month?

Yes, the second and fourth Saturdays of the month are holidays for all banks in Kolkata and West Bengal.

Which bank holidays fall in West Bengal?

Bank holidays are observed by West Bengal every second and fourth Saturday of the month. In addition, they observe public holidays as holidays.

Are bank holidays when I can use NEFT?

Yes, on West Bengal bank holidays, all online banking services are accessible.

Which holidays apply exclusively to West Bengal?

West Bengal-specific festivals include Saraswati Pujo, Bengali New Year, Durga Pujo, Laxmi Pujo, Kali Pujo, and the birth anniversaries of Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore.

Except on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, are West Bengal's banks closed on any other Saturdays?

Except on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, banks in West Bengal are open on all other Saturdays.