The West Bengal government has released its calendar for 2026 and those working for Mamata Banerjee’s administration would be pleased to know that they have more than 150 holidays in the coming year, including a week off.
West Bengal government employees will enjoy their longest vacation in October, with their Durga Puja leave being a 12-day break that will also include the Lakshmi Puja holiday.
According to the West Bengal Finance Department, the Durga Puja holidays will begin on October 15, Chaturthi, and last until October 17, Sashthi, with October 18 being a Sunday, allowing for a smooth transition to the Ashtami, Navami and Dashami holidays of October 19, 20 and 21.
November will also have a number of holidays in store for West Bengal government employees. This month, employees will get more than 10 days off, including Kali Puja and Chhat celebrations.
What is the total number of leave days for WB govt employees?
In 2026, West Bengal government employees will get 27 holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The state government ordered an additional 26 days off, taking the total number of days off to 53. Considering the 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays, those working in the Mamata Banerjee government will be entitled to a total of 104 days off in a year. This means they will not work 43% of the entire year.
Besides, employees who belong to Santhal community will also get 30 June as a day off for Hul Dibas.
Central Government Holidays
The central government has also released the list of public holidays for 2026. There are 14 mandatory and a list of 12 restricted holidays. Employees can choose any three of the 12 restricted holidays.
Mandatory holidays are:
3. Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi
6. Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi)
14. Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Id-e-Milad)
The list of restricted holidays includes:
1. Another day for Dussehra
3. Janamashtami (Vaishnavi)
6. Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak Chaturthi
11. Sri Panchami/ Basant Panchami
12th Vishu / Vaisakhi / Vaisakhadi / Bhag Bihu / Mashadi Ugadi / Chaitra Sukladi / Cheti Chand / Gudi Padava / 1st Navratra / Naoraz / Chhath Pooja / Karva Chauth.
