Bihar Holidays 2026 | Complete Calendar | State Festivals | National Holidays

Bihar Holidays 2026

December 2025

Current Date

30 Total Holidays

Complete Bihar Holiday Calendar 2026

Welcome to the comprehensive Bihar Holiday Calendar 2026! This detailed guide provides you with all the important dates, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you're planning a trip to Bihar, organizing events, or simply want to stay informed about cultural celebrations, our calendar covers everything from traditional Bihar festivals to national holidays and international observances.

State Festivals

Traditional celebrations like Chhath Puja, Sama Chakeva, and Bihar Diwas

National Holidays

Republic Day, Independence Day, and other patriotic celebrations

International Events

Women's Day, Labour Day, and global observances

💡 Search tips: Try searching for "Chhath Puja", "Bihar", "National", or specific holiday names

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November 2026

December 2026

Sunny Days Special Events
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January 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Christmas Day
Religious
26
27
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Religious
28
29
30
31

Upcoming Holidays

New Year's Day
Jan 01, 2026
12 days
⏰ Countdown
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Jan 14, 2026
25 days
⏰ Countdown
Republic Day
Jan 26, 2026
37 days
⏰ Countdown
Basant Panchmi / Saraswati Puja
Feb 03, 2026
45 days
⏰ Countdown
Mahashivratri
Feb 26, 2026
68 days
⏰ Countdown

Holiday Statistics

29
Total Holidays
30 Bank Holidays
🎉 Celebrations
5
State Festivals
🌾 Cultural
8
National Holidays
🇮🇳 Patriotic
15
Religious
⛪ Spiritual
30
Bank Holidays
🏦 Financial

Bank Holidays 2026

All major banks in Bihar will be closed on these dates. Plan your banking activities accordingly.

New Year's Day
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026
Bank Closed
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026
Bank Closed
Republic Day
Monday, Jan 26, 2026
Bank Closed
Basant Panchmi / Saraswati Puja
Tuesday, Feb 03, 2026
Bank Closed
Mahashivratri
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026
Bank Closed
Holi
Saturday, Mar 14, 2026
Bank Closed
Holi
Sunday, Mar 15, 2026
Bank Closed
Bihar Diwas
Sunday, Mar 22, 2026
Bank Closed
Eid-ul-Fitr
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026
Bank Closed
Ram Navami
Monday, Apr 06, 2026
Bank Closed
Mahavir Jayanti
Friday, Apr 10, 2026
Bank Closed
Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
Bank Closed

Important Bank Holiday Information

  • • All Banks Closed: National holidays, major festivals, and religious observances
  • • Half Day: Some banks may operate with reduced hours on certain holidays
  • • Online Banking: Available 24/7 even on bank holidays
  • • ATM Services: Usually available unless there are technical issues
  • • Emergency Services: Some banks provide emergency banking services

Major Banks Affected in Bihar

Public Sector Banks
  • • State Bank of India (SBI)
  • • Bank of India
  • • Bank of Baroda
  • • Punjab National Bank
  • • Canara Bank
  • • Union Bank of India
  • • Indian Bank
  • • Indian Overseas Bank
Private Sector Banks
  • • HDFC Bank
  • • ICICI Bank
  • • Axis Bank
  • • Kotak Mahindra Bank
  • • IndusInd Bank
  • • Yes Bank
  • • Federal Bank
  • • Karur Vysya Bank
Regional & Cooperative Banks
  • • Bihar State Cooperative Bank
  • • Bihar Rural Bank
  • • Cooperative Banks
  • • Rural Banks
  • • Foreign Banks

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main Bihar festivals in 2026?

The main Bihar festivals in 2026 include Chhath Puja (October 28), Holi (March 14-15), and Diwali (October 22).

How many national holidays are there in Bihar 2026?

Bihar observes several national holidays in 2026 including Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). These are official government holidays when banks, schools, and government offices remain closed.

What is Chhath Puja and why is it important?

Chhath Puja is the most important festival in Bihar, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his wife Usha. It involves rigorous rituals and is celebrated over four days. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God for prosperity, well-being, and happiness.

What is Bihar Diwas and why is it observed?

Bihar Diwas (March 22, 2026) is the foundation day of Bihar. It marks the day when the British carved out the state from the Bengal Presidency in 1912. The day is celebrated with various cultural programs and events across the state.

How is Valentine's Day celebrated in Bihar?

Yes, Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026) and other international holidays like International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) are celebrated in Bihar, especially in urban areas. While these are not official holidays, they are widely observed by younger generations and commercial establishments, reflecting the state's cosmopolitan culture.

What is the significance of Sama Chakeva?

Sama Chakeva is a prominent festival of Mithilanchal region of Bihar. It is celebrated in winter when birds from the Himalayas migrate towards the plains. The festival marks the brother-sister relationship.

Is Labour Day a public holiday in Bihar?

Labour Day (May 1, 2026) is celebrated as International Workers' Day in Bihar. While it's not always a complete public holiday, many government offices and educational institutions may have reduced working hours or special arrangements. Trade unions and workers' organizations organize rallies and events to celebrate workers' rights and achievements.

How is Independence Day celebrated in Bihar?

Independence Day (August 15, 2026) is celebrated with great patriotic fervor across Bihar. The day begins with flag hoisting ceremonies in schools, colleges, and government offices. Cultural programs, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting India's freedom struggle are organized. The main celebration takes place at the state capital Patna with the Chief Minister's address.

What is the significance of Gandhi Jayanti in Bihar?

Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2026) commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. In Bihar, this day is observed with prayer meetings, seminars on Gandhian philosophy, and community service activities. Schools organize special assemblies, and government offices remain closed. The day promotes Gandhian values of non-violence, truth, and simplicity.

How is Children's Day celebrated in Bihar?

Children's Day (November 14, 2026) celebrates the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called "Chacha Nehru" by children. In Bihar, schools organize special programs, cultural activities, and competitions for children. Many schools also distribute sweets and gifts to students, making it a memorable day for children across the state.

Is Christmas celebrated in Bihar?

Yes, Christmas (December 25, 2026) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bihar. Churches are beautifully decorated, midnight masses are held, and communities come together for celebrations. The festival promotes communal harmony and is celebrated by people of all faiths.

What is the significance of International Women's Day in Bihar?

International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) is celebrated across Bihar to recognize women's achievements and promote gender equality. Various organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies organize seminars, workshops, and cultural programs highlighting women's contributions to society. The day also focuses on women's rights, empowerment, and addressing gender-based challenges.

How far in advance should I plan for Bihar festivals?

For major festivals like Chhath Puja, it's recommended to plan at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you're planning to travel to Bihar. These festivals attract many visitors, so accommodations and transportation should be booked early. For smaller celebrations, planning 2-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.

Which cities in Bihar are best for experiencing festivals?

Patna (capital city) offers grand celebrations for all major festivals, Gaya is famous for Pitrapaksha Mela, and Madhubani is known for its vibrant Sama Chakeva celebrations. Each city has its unique way of celebrating and offers different cultural experiences.

Are there any special holidays specific to Bihar in 2026?

Yes, Bihar has several state-specific holidays and festivals. Bihar Diwas, Chhath Puja, and Sama Chakeva are unique to Bihar and are celebrated as state holidays. Additionally, various tribal festivals and local celebrations occur throughout the year, though these may not be official holidays. The state government may also declare additional holidays for local events.

What traditional foods are associated with Bihar festivals?

Bihar festivals feature a variety of traditional foods. Chhath Puja is celebrated with dishes like Thekua and Kharna. During other festivals, people prepare special rice dishes, sweets like Litti Chokha, and other delicacies.

What cultural activities are organized during Bihar festivals?

Bihar festivals feature rich cultural activities including traditional dance performances, music concerts, folk dances, poetry recitations, and cultural competitions. Many festivals also feature traditional art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and cultural workshops for visitors.

How can tourists participate in Bihar festivals?

Tourists can participate in Bihar festivals by attending public celebrations, visiting temples during festival times, and joining community events. Many hotels and tour operators offer special festival packages. It's recommended to dress modestly, respect local customs, and participate in cultural activities. Learning basic Hindi or local greetings and festival customs can enhance the experience significantly.

Are photography and videography allowed during festivals?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during most Bihar festivals, but it's important to respect local customs and seek permission when necessary. Some temple areas may have restrictions, and it's polite to ask before taking photos of people. Many festivals offer excellent opportunities for cultural photography, but always be respectful and avoid disrupting ceremonies or celebrations.

Where can I get more information about specific festival dates and events?

For detailed information about Bihar festivals, you can visit the official Bihar Tourism website, contact local tourism offices, or check with local temples and cultural organizations. This calendar provides the main dates, but specific event schedules may vary by location. Local newspapers and cultural magazines also publish detailed festival calendars and event information throughout the year.