West Bengal Government Announces Two Day Holiday for Dol Purnima and Holi in 2026
Dol Purnima Holiday: The festival of colors in West Bengal is set to be even more vibrant for residents in 2026. The state government and education boards have officially released the holiday schedule for the upcoming year, confirming a delightful double holiday for Dol Purnima and Holi. From state government employees to school students, everyone can look forward to a well-deserved break from work and academics during these festive days.
Festival Dates and Official Announcement
According to notifications from the State Finance Department and education boards, the festival of colors will be celebrated in the first week of March 2026. The Finance (Audit) Department, via Notification No. 4188-F(P2), has declared consecutive holidays for all state government offices, local municipalities, and affiliated bodies.
The holiday schedule is as follows:
- Dol Jatra (Dol Purnima): March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Holi (Day after Dol): March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
Falling mid-week on Tuesday and Wednesday, this schedule offers government employees a perfect festive break to celebrate with family and friends.
Holiday Schedule for Educational Institutions
The School Education Department has also aligned its academic calendar with the festive season, ensuring that both secondary and primary schools remain closed for these two days.
- Secondary Schools: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has included these dates in its ‘Model Holiday List 2026’. Out of the total 65 holidays allocated for the 2026 academic year, March 3 and March 4 have been marked as holidays. Consequently, all government, government-sponsored, and aided secondary schools will suspend academic activities.
- Primary Schools: Similarly, the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) has incorporated these holidays into its academic calendar. These dates fall within the First Term (January 1 to April 15) of the primary school year. Like secondary schools, primary and Junior Basic Schools also have an allocation of 65 holidays annually, which covers these festive days.
This unified holiday approach ensures that students, teachers, and government staff can fully participate in the traditional celebrations of Dol and Holi without any administrative or academic interruptions. While the dates are mandated, parents are advised to stay in touch with their respective school heads for any minor local adjustments.
