Public holidays are days when most of the public has a day off. This is because several public organizations are closed. Several private companies also use the public holiday list as a guideline and give an off day to their employees. This holiday list can vary from one Indian state to another. This is because not all festivals are celebrated across India, some are state-specific. And public holidays are mostly festival related. For example, public holidays in west Bengal might be different than public holidays in Kerala.
This article is about West Bengal’s public holidays. List of holidays in West Bengal in 2021 includes festival-related holidays as well as national holidays. For example, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti is a state-specific holiday whereas Republic Day is a national holiday. West Bengal’s general holidays are good opportunities for public and private sector employees to spend quality time with friends and family. Read ahead to know more about West Bengal public holidays in 2021.
Here’s a list highlighting West Bengal’s general holidays Calendar. It is good to know about West Bengal public holidays in 2021 so that you can plan your tasks and vacations accordingly. Mentioned below is a table mentioning these holidays. Note that the dates may be subject to change.
Holidays in West Bengal During January 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Tuesday
12 January
Swami Vivekanand Jayanti
Saturday
23 January
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
Tuesday
26 January
Republic Day
Holidays in West Bengal During February 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Tuesday
10 February
Saraswati Puja (Sree Panchami)
Holidays in West Bengal During March 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Monday
29 March
Holi
Holidays in West Bengal During April 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Friday
2 April
Good Friday
Wednesday
14 April
Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti/Bengali New year
Thursday
15 April
Bengali New Year
Holidays in West Bengal During May 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Saturday
1 May
May Day
Sunday
9 May
Guru Rabindranath Jayanti
Thursday
13 May
Eid-Ul-Fitr
Wednesday
26 May
Buddha Purnima
Holidays in West Bengal During July 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Tuesday
20 July
Bakri Eid
Holidays in West Bengal During August 2021
Day
Date
Holiday Name
Sunday
15 August
Independence Day
Holidays in West Bengal During September 2021
No public holidays in West Bengal during September 2021.
West Bengal is known for its culturally-charged festivals. One can find a widely celebrated festival almost every month. These festivals are an inviting amalgamation of delicious delicacies and a chance to flaunt traditional attire. Most of the festivals in West Bengal have a secular touch to them. Here are some of the famous festivals celebrated in West Bengal.
Durga Puja: West Bengal’s Durga Puja is a world-renowned festival. It signifies the victory of good over evil, which is a universal concept. Mythology suggests Mahishasura was defeated by Goddess Durga in a battle that went on for ten days, and the last day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi. During Durga Puja, people dress up in new clothes, prepare traditional food items, and visit puja pandals to pray to the Goddess.
Saraswati Puja: Just like Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja is also a popular festival celebrated in West Bengal. The state is known for its association with literature, and as Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, she is revered by the people. The day of the puja is considered auspicious for learning.
Bhai Phota: Bhai Phota strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. It is similar to Raksha Bandhan. This festival is often held in November. As per tradition, the sister places a teeka on the brother’s forehead and they exchange sweets and wish well.
Eid-Ul-Fitr: This is a major festival for the Muslim community living in West Bengal. Eid-Ul-Fitr is usually celebrated in May after Ramzan. It is a festival that brings families and the community together after a month of fasting.
Dol Purnima: This festival can be viewed as a Bengali version of Holi. Dol Purnima is dedicated to Lord Krishna. People wear new clothes and engage in singing devotional songs and dancing. Festivities also include playing with colours in the form of powder or coloured water.
