The Government of West Bengal has officially notified the complete list of public holidays for 2026 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, along with state-specific and sectional holidays, as per Notification No. 4188-F(P2) dated November 27, 2025, issued by the Finance (Audit) Department.
This comprehensive schedule covers key festivals like Durga Puja (Mahalaya on October 10, Maha Ashtami on October 19, Navami on October 20, Dashami on October 21), Eid-ul-Fitr (March 21), Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Christmas (December 25), ensuring offices remain closed except for specific exceptions like the Registrar of Assurances and Collector of Stamp Revenue in Kolkata.
List-I includes 28 mandatory public holidays,
List-II adds 25 state-ordered holidays (such as additional Durga Puja days from October 15-17 and 22-24), and List-III provides sectional holidays for communities like Shivaratri (February 15) and Hul Diwas (June 30).
Muslim festival dates like Eid-ul-Fitr and Bakrid may shift based on moon sighting, with separate notifications issued accordingly; no substitute holidays apply if they fall on Sundays or weekly offs. Banks note a special yearly closing on April 1, while government offices stay open.
Key List-II & List-III Highlights, List-II features extras like Day before Saraswati Puja (January 22), Holi (March 4), Rath Yatra (July 16), Rakhi Purnima (August 28), Lakshmi Puja extra (October 26), Kali Puja extras (November 9-10), and Karam Puja (to be notified).
North Bengal districts get Bir Chilarai Birthday alignment. List-III includes community-specific days: Shivaratri (February 15), Durga Puja Saptami (October 18), Lakshmi Puja (October 25), Kali Puja (November 8), Chhat Puja (November 15), and Easter Saturday (April 4 for Christians).
General instructions emphasize no substitutes for weekly offs and TV/AIR announcements for last-minute changes. This holiday calendar aids planning for employees, businesses, and festivals in West Bengal.