Bihar Government Releases 2026 Holiday List: Check How Many Days Off State Employees Will Get

Bihar Public Holiday List 2026 — The Bihar government has officially announced the holiday calendar for the year 2026, bringing clarity and relief for state government employees planning their work schedules, travel, and personal commitments. The notification outlines a detailed list of general holidays, restricted (optional) holidays, and separate bank holidays applicable across the state.

According to the official release, all government offices, revenue courts, and subordinate courts under the Bihar government will remain closed on designated general holidays. In addition to these fixed holidays, employees will be eligible to avail up to three optional (restricted) holidays during the calendar year. It has also been clarified that dates of certain Muslim festivals may change depending on the sighting of the moon.

General Public Holidays in Bihar for 2026

The list of general holidays includes major religious, cultural, and historical occasions observed across the state. On these days, government offices will remain closed statewide.

Some of the key general holidays announced for 2026 include:

• Basant Panchami – January 23 (Friday)

• Sant Ravidas Jayanti – February 1 (Sunday)

• Shab-e-Barat – February 4 (Wednesday)

• Mahashivratri – February 15 (Sunday)

• Samrat Ashok Ashtami – March 26 (Thursday)

• Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti – April 23 (Thursday)

• Janaki Navami – April 25 (Saturday)

• Kabir Jayanti – June 29 (Monday)

• Chehallum – August 4 (Tuesday)

• Durga Puja (Saptami) – October 17 (Saturday)

• Chitragupt Puja / Bhai Dooj – November 10 (Tuesday)

These holidays reflect Bihar’s cultural diversity and commemorate religious events as well as important historical figures connected to the state.

Optional (Restricted) Holidays for 2026

In addition to general holidays, the state government has notified a comprehensive list of optional holidays. Employees may choose up to three days from this list based on personal, religious, or cultural preferences.

Some notable optional holidays include:

• New Year’s Day – January 1

• Makar Sankranti – January 14

• Karpoori Thakur Jayanti – January 24

• Holika Dahan – March 2

• Last Friday of Ramzan – March 13

• Eid-ul-Fitr – March 22

• Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) – May 29

• Anugrah Narayan Sinha Jayanti – June 18

• Muharram – June 27

• Raksha Bandhan – August 28

• Hartalika Teej – September 14

• Vishwakarma Puja – September 17

• Jivitputrika Vrat – October 4

• Durga Puja (Kalash Sthapana) – October 11

• Jayaprakash Narayan Jayanti – October 11

• Chhath Puja (Kharna) – November 14

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Jayanti – December 3

• Christmas Eve – December 24

These optional holidays provide flexibility, allowing employees to align leave choices with personal beliefs and traditions.

Bank Holidays in Bihar for 2026

The Bihar government has also released a separate holiday list specifically for banks operating in the state. On these dates, banking services will remain suspended.

Key bank holidays include:

• Republic Day – January 26

• Holi – March 3–4

• Eid-ul-Fitr – March 21

• Bihar Day – March 22

• Ram Navami – March 27

• Mahavir Jayanti – March 31

• Good Friday – April 3

• Ambedkar Jayanti – April 14

• Labour Day / Buddha Purnima – May 1

• Independence Day – August 15

• Gandhi Jayanti – October 2

• Durga Puja – October 18–20

• Diwali – November 8

• Chhath Puja – November 15–16

• Christmas – December 25

Additionally, banks across Bihar will remain closed on April 1, 2026, due to annual account closing procedures.

What This Means for Employees

With the release of the 2026 holiday list well in advance, Bihar government employees and bank staff can now plan vacations, family events, and financial activities more efficiently. The mix of general, optional, and bank holidays ensures a balanced work-life schedule while respecting the state’s cultural and religious diversity.

Overall, the 2026 holiday calendar provides much-needed clarity and serves as an essential planning tool for both employees and the general public across Bihar.