Holidays in West Bengal in 2026

Overview of West Bengal Holidays 2026

Every year on January 12, West Bengal celebrates the anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's birth. Vasant Panchami and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti are also celebrated in the same month. Holi Dahan will be celebrated in March 2026. In addition to celebrating Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, April commemorates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, the man who drafted the Indian Constitution.

There will be a significant Islamic holiday called Muharram in July. At the end of the year, West Bengal commemorates two of the most important Hindu holidays in India, Vijay Dashami and Diwali. Christmas, the most important Christian holiday of the year, is observed on December 25 and marks the end of the festive calendar.

Major Festivals Celebrated in West Bengal

Known for its rich cultural legacy and spirited celebrations, West Bengal observes a wide range of festivals that reflect the state’s religious diversity, artistic traditions, and historical significance. These festivals form an integral part of the West Bengal holiday calendar and are celebrated with great enthusiasm across communities.

• Durga Puja
  Celebrated annually in September or October, Durga Puja is the most iconic and widely observed festival in West Bengal. Spanning five days, it features grand pandals, artistic idol installations, cultural performances, and large community gatherings across cities and towns.
• Kali Puja
  Observed in October or November, shortly after Durga Puja, Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The festival is marked by night-long worship, elaborate rituals, and beautifully illuminated temples, especially in Kolkata.
• Saraswati Puja
  Celebrated in January or February, Saraswati Puja honours the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and arts. It holds special significance in schools, colleges, and households, where students worship books and musical instruments.
• Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
  Observed in April, Poila Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year. The day is celebrated with traditional meals, cultural processions, music, and people dressed in traditional Bengali attire.
• Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha
  Celebrated based on the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are important festivals for the Muslim community in West Bengal. These state-recognised holidays reflect the region’s cultural harmony and are marked by prayers, feasts, and charitable acts.
• Christmas
  Celebrated on 25th December, Christmas is observed with great enthusiasm, especially in Kolkata. Areas like Park Street are beautifully decorated, adding a festive charm to the year-end celebrations.
• Rath Yatra
  Usually held in June or July, Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and features colourful chariot processions. The festival is prominently celebrated at ISKCON temples and in several towns across West Bengal.

Regional Holidays Specific to West Bengal

Alongside national public holidays, West Bengal also observes several regional holidays rooted in local history, literature, tribal heritage, and community traditions.

• Rabindra Jayanti
  Celebrated in May, on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh, Rabindra Jayanti honours Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The day is marked by poetry recitations, cultural programmes, and musical tributes.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
  Observed on 23rd January, this day commemorates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters and a prominent figure from Bengal.
• Jamai Shasthi
  Celebrated in May or June, Jamai Shasthi is a traditional Bengali festival honouring sons-in-law. Families host elaborate feasts and exchange gifts as a symbol of affection and familial bonding.
• Chhath Puja
  Usually observed in October or November, Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly by migrant communities from Bihar and Jharkhand, particularly in regions bordering those states. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and involves rigorous rituals.
• Hul Diwas
  Observed on 30th June, Hul Diwas commemorates the Santhal rebellion against British colonial rule. It is primarily celebrated in tribal regions such as Purulia, Bankura, and Jhargram, highlighting the state’s tribal heritage.