West Bengal, a state rich in culture and tradition, offers a diverse array of holidays that are celebrated with great enthusiasm. From religious festivals to state-specific observances, the list of holidays in West Bengal is a vibrant mix of heritage, spirituality, and communal harmony. This blog aims to take you through these special days, giving you a peek into the cultural fabric of this enchanting region and helping you plan your visits accordingly.
West Bengal public holidays 2024
Date
Holiday
12 Jan
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
23 Jan
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
26 Jan
Republic Day
14 Feb
Vasant Panchami
25 Mar
Doljatra
29 Mar
Good Friday
10 Apr
Idul Fitr
14 Apr
Bengali New Year
14 Apr
Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
1 May
May Day
8 May
Guru Rabindranath Jayanti
23 May
Buddha Purnima
17 Jun
Bakrid / Eid al Adha
15 Aug
Independence Day
2 Oct
Mahalaya Amavasye
2 Oct
Gandhi Jayanti
10 Oct
Maha Saptami
11 Oct
Maha Ashtami
12 Oct
Maha Navami
13 Oct
Vijaya Dashami
17 Oct
Lakshmi Puja
1 Nov
Diwali
15 Nov
Guru Nanak Jayanti
25 Dec
Christmas Day
List of bank holidays in West Bengal in 2024
West Bengal is set to observe a number of bank holidays in 2024, giving citizens and employees ample time to celebrate cultural and national events with their loved ones. Knowing these holidays can help you plan your schedules and vacations accordingly:
Date
Holiday
12 Jan
Swami Vivekanand Jayanti
13 Jan
Second Saturday
23 Jan
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti
26 Jan
Republic Day
27 Jan
Fourth Saturday
10 Feb
Second Saturday
14 Feb
Vasant Panchami
24 Feb
Fourth Saturday
9 Mar
Second Saturday
23 Mar
Fourth Saturday
25 Mar
Holi
29 Mar
Good Friday
10 Apr
Eid al Fitr
13 Apr
Second Saturday
14 Apr
Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti
27 Apr
Fourth Saturday
1 May
May Day
8 May
Guru Rabindranath Jayanti
11 May
Second Saturday
23 May
Buddha Purnima
25 May
Fourth Saturday
8 Jun
Second Saturday
17 Jun
Eid al Adha
22 Jun
Fourth Saturday
13 Jul
Second Saturday
27 Jul
Fourth Saturday
10 Aug
Second Saturday
15 Aug
Independence Day
24 Aug
Fourth Saturday
14 Sep
Second Saturday
28 Sep
Fourth Saturday
2 Oct
Mahatama Gandhi Jayanti
10 Oct
Maha Saptami
11 Oct
Maha Ashtami
12 Oct
Second Saturday
12 Oct
Maha Navamt
13 Oct
Dusshera
26 Oct
Fourth Saturday
1 Nov
Deepawali
9 Nov
Second Saturday
15 Nov
Guru Nanak Jayanti
23 Nov
Fourth Saturday
14 Dec
Second Saturday
25 Dec
Christmas
28 Dec
Fourth Saturday
Understanding West Bengal’s unique festivals
Durga Puja
One of the most significant and awaited holidays in West Bengal is Durga Puja. This five-day festival, usually falling in September or October, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The entire state transforms into a colourful and lively canvas, with pandals (temporary structures) showcasing exquisite art forms and cultural performances.
Poila Boishakh
Marking the first day of the Bengali calendar, Poila Boishakh is celebrated with joy and fervour across West Bengal. This day, typically in April, sees locals dressing in traditional attire, participating in cultural programs, and savouring special Bengali delicacies.
Kali Puja and Diwali
Kali Puja, coinciding with Diwali, is another major festival. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, the deity of power and destruction, with grandeur and devotion. The festival is marked by lighting diyas, bursting crackers, and sharing sweets.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in India’s independence movement. Celebrated on January 23, it’s a day of national pride and remembrance in West Bengal. The state organizes various cultural programs, seminars, and patriotic events to honour Netaji’s contributions and ideals.
Vijaya Dashami
Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Durga Puja, signifies the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This day, filled with both joy and a bit of melancholy, sees large processions for the immersion of Durga idols. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time for visiting friends and relatives to exchange sweets and greetings.
Mahalaya Amavasye
Mahalaya Amavasye heralds the onset of Durga Puja, the most significant festival of West Bengal. This day, occurring in September or October, is marked by early morning rituals where people remember their ancestors through prayers and offerings. It’s a time of reflection and preparation for the grandeur of Durga Puja.
Conclusion
West Bengal’s festivals are a vibrant showcase of culture and tradition, from the grandeur of Durga Puja to the patriotic celebrations of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti. For those eager to experience these rich traditions firsthand, considering a Loan for Travel from Tata Capital can be a wise step. It offers a hassle-free way to manage expenses, ensuring a memorable and immersive journey into the heart of Bengal’s festive spirit.
1. Which holidays apply exclusively to West Bengal?
Some holidays that apply exclusively to West Bengal include Bengali New Year, Guru Rabindranath Jayanti, and Durga Puja.
2. How do bank holidays differ from government holidays in West Bengal in 2024?
Bank holidays in West Bengal are specifically designated for banks, including second and fourth Saturdays, and certain regional holidays. Whereas, Government holidays include public holidays for government offices and institutions.
3. Are there any holidays in West Bengal that might affect business operations in 2024?
Some major holidays in West Bengal that might affect business operations include Durga Puja and Dussehra.
30 August 2024
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