Overview:
Bihar observes Durga Puja holidays in the third week of October 2026. One reported state government list shows holidays on Sunday 18 October, Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October, while one education department calendar summary lists a longer break from 17 to 21 October. Diwali on 8 November and Chhath on 15 and 16 November follow. This guide puts the dates in one table, explains why sources differ, shows how to plan leave, and tells you where to find the final notice for offices, schools and banks. It also gives travel and safety tips. It also lists official sources.
This guide explains Durga Puja holiday Bihar in simple words. Every year, the same questions come up before Durga Puja. Also, Will my office be closed? Also, Do schools have a longer break? In addition, Are banks open on Ashtami? In particular, In 2026, the answers depend on which list you read.
This guide gives the reported dates in one place. Moreover, First, we show the holiday dates for October and November. In general, Next, we explain why sources differ. Furthermore, Then we help you plan leave, travel and bank work. Also, we do not invent any date. Where sources disagree, we say so and tell you where to find the final notice.
18–20 Oct
Durga Puja holidays on one reported state list
17–21 Oct
the longer break on one education calendar summary
8 Nov
Diwali, a Sunday
15–16 Nov
Chhath holidays on the same state list
Durga Puja Holiday Bihar 2026: The Reported Dates
Two kinds of lists matter in Bihar. Additionally, One is the state government holiday list. In addition, the other is the education department calendar for schools. Besides, they are not always the same.
| Date | Day | Occasion | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 October | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | State list |
| 17 October | Saturday | Durga Puja (Saptami) | Education calendar summary |
| 18 October | Sunday | Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami) | State list, education summary |
| 19 October | Monday | Durga Puja (Maha Navami) | State list, education summary |
| 20 October | Tuesday | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | State list, education summary |
| 21 October | Wednesday | Durga Puja | Education calendar summary only |
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: Why Do the Lists Differ?
A state holiday list covers government offices. In addition, an education calendar covers schools. Schools often get a longer break, so their list can start earlier and end later. Also, summaries on websites can lag behind official changes or mix the two lists. So a date on a third-party site may be out of date.
Therefore, always check the circular of your own office or school. In fact, your head office, school principal or district education office has the final word.
Read the circular of your own office or school. A website summary is only a guide.
The safest rule before you plan leave
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: What This Means for Government Offices
The state list as reported shows Durga Puja holidays on 18, 19 and 20 October. Since 18 October is a Sunday, that day does not give an extra working day off. Besides, the two weekdays are Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 October.
If you add the weekend, the break can run from Saturday 17 to Tuesday 20 October. That is four days in a row for those who work on a Monday to Friday week. However, many offices work on Saturdays, so check your own rule.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: What This Means for Schools
An education calendar summary lists a longer break from 17 to 21 October. Many schools also add days of their own. Of course, Private schools may follow a separate calendar. Moreover, ask your school or read the notice on its website or gate.
For the exam cycle and result tips, read our guide to the BRABU result process if you study at a college linked to Bihar University.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: What This Means for Banks
Bank holidays are set by the Reserve Bank of India and differ by state. We do not print a bank list here, because we could not confirm one for Bihar from an official page. In particular, use these safe steps.
- Open the Reserve Bank of India holiday list for the year.
- Look at the entry for Bihar, or for Patna.
- Check your bank’s own notice or branch board.
- Finish cheque and cash work before the long break.
- Use online banking and UPI for urgent needs.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: Diwali and Chhath: The Next Holidays
After Durga Puja, the next big holidays come in November. Moreover, the state list as reported shows these dates.
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| 8 November | Sunday | Diwali |
| 10 November | Tuesday | Bhai Dooj (listed as a restricted holiday) |
| 15 November | Sunday | Chhath Puja |
| 16 November | Monday | Chhath Puja (the morning arghya) |
Diwali and the first Chhath day both fall on a Sunday, so they do not give an extra weekday off. Plan your travel early, since many people go home for Chhath. Also, read our guides to the festival special train and to Muzaffarpur Junction for rail tips.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: How to Plan Leave and Travel
Use this simple plan.
- First, confirm the holiday with your own office or school.
- Next, decide which extra day, if any, you need to apply for.
- Then, book trains or buses as early as you can.
- Also, tell your team the dates you will be away.
- Finally, keep a copy of your leave approval.
Travelling to Muzaffarpur
Trains fill fast before Durga Puja and Chhath. Furthermore, read our Delhi to Muzaffarpur travel guide and our Patna to Muzaffarpur train guide. In addition, use only official booking sites, and avoid touts.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: A Week-by-Week Planner for October
This planner helps you see the festival week at a glance. It mixes the reported holiday days with the Navratri days, so you can plan work and worship.
| Date | Day | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 11 October | Sunday | Navratri begins, and Kalash Sthapana takes place |
| 12 to 15 October | Monday to Thursday | Normal working days for most offices |
| 16 October | Friday | Shashthi in Bihar, when many pandals open |
| 17 October | Saturday | Saptami, and the start of the school break on one calendar |
| 18 October | Sunday | Maha Ashtami, a reported holiday |
| 19 October | Monday | Maha Navami, a reported holiday |
| 20 October | Tuesday | Vijayadashami, a reported holiday |
| 21 October | Wednesday | An extra school holiday on one calendar summary |
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: How to Read a Holiday Notice
Many people get confused by official notices. Use these simple steps.
- Find the date and the department name at the top.
- Read whether it is a “gazetted holiday”, a “restricted holiday” or a “closed holiday”.
- Check if it covers offices, schools, courts or banks.
- Look for lines about compensatory leave or work on a holiday.
- Keep a screenshot or a printed copy.
A gazetted holiday is a full holiday for government offices. Moreover, a restricted holiday is optional leave that an employee may take. A notice from one department may not apply to another, so ask your office clerk if you are unsure.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: Tips for Students and Parents
Students often use the break to revise. Additionally, parents can plan family time too. Furthermore, try these ideas.
- Make a small study plan for the break, with short daily slots.
- Finish any school project before the break begins.
- Visit relatives, but keep time for rest.
- Read our BPSC TRE 4 syllabus guide if you prepare for the teacher exam.
- Avoid late night travel with young children.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: Tips for Shop Owners and Small Businesses
The festival season is busy for shops. Furthermore, plan ahead.
- Stock the items that sell in the festival week.
- Tell customers your opening hours on a board or on social media.
- Pay staff on time before the holidays.
- Keep cash safe, and use digital payments.
- Follow the district orders on lights and loudspeakers.
Read our economy guide to see how local trade works in Muzaffarpur.
Durga Puja holiday Bihar: Travel Day Planner
On the day before a long holiday, roads and stations get crowded. Additionally, use this checklist.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirmed ticket or booking | Avoids last minute trouble |
| ID proof | Needed on trains and at hotels |
| Charged phone and power bank | Helps with tickets and maps |
| Water and snacks | Helps on delayed trips |
| Small cash and UPI | Some shops may be offline |
What Stays Open During the Holidays?
Even on holidays, some services keep working. Besides, these often include hospitals, police, fire services, power supply and some transport. Many markets stay open late during the festival. Besides, read our hospitals guide to know the main hospitals. In fact, In an emergency, dial 112. Facts about Durga Puja holiday Bihar can change, so confirm them on official pages.
Festival Safety Tips
- Keep your valuables safe in crowded markets and pandals.
- Do not leave a home empty without telling a trusted neighbour.
- Avoid unsafe wiring and overloaded sockets in decorations.
- Follow district orders on traffic and loudspeakers.
- Read our pandal visit and safety guide before you go out at night.
Key Dates to Mark
- Navratri begins on 11 October. Read our Navratri dates guide and Kalash Sthapana guide.
- The state list, as reported, shows Durga Puja holidays on 18, 19 and 20 October.
- One education calendar summary shows a break from 17 to 21 October.
- Diwali is on 8 November, and Chhath holidays are on 15 and 16 November.
Key Takeaways
- One reported state list shows Durga Puja holidays on 18, 19 and 20 October 2026.
- One education calendar summary shows a longer school break from 17 to 21 October.
- Diwali on 8 November and Chhath on 15 and 16 November follow on the state list.
- Sunday holidays do not add an extra weekday off.
- Bank holidays come from the RBI list, so check your bank’s own notice.
- Always read the circular of your own office or school for the final dates.
Did You Know?
Why can one state list give different holiday dates?
A holiday list can be updated after a first release, and different departments publish their own calendars. A school calendar often adds extra days around a festival. Websites that copy a list can also fall behind. So the official circular is always the best source.
Conclusion
Durga Puja holidays in Bihar fall around 17 to 21 October 2026, but the exact days depend on the list you read. In fact, One reported state list shows 18, 19 and 20 October, and one education calendar summary shows a longer break. In fact, check the circular of your own office or school, confirm bank work on the RBI list, and book your travel early. With a little planning, you can enjoy the festival without last minute stress. In general, Bookmark this guide and share it with your team and family.
FAQs
What are the Durga Puja holidays in Bihar in 2026?
One reported state list shows holidays on 18 October (Maha Ashtami), 19 October (Maha Navami) and 20 October (Vijayadashami). Additionally, One education calendar summary shows a longer break from 17 to 21 October. Of course, check the circular of your office or school for the final dates.
Are banks closed during Durga Puja in Bihar?
Bank holidays come from the Reserve Bank of India list and differ by state. We could not confirm a Bihar bank list from an official page, so open the RBI holiday list, check the entry for Bihar or Patna, and read your bank’s own notice before you plan.
Are schools closed from 17 to 21 October 2026?
One summary of the Bihar education department calendar lists Durga Puja holidays from 17 to 21 October. Schools may add days or follow a separate calendar, especially private schools. Of course, ask your school or read its notice to confirm the dates for your class.
When are Diwali and Chhath holidays in 2026?
The reported state list shows Diwali on Sunday 8 November, and Chhath Puja on Sunday 15 November and Monday 16 November. In particular, Bhai Dooj on 10 November is listed as a restricted holiday. Of course, confirm each date in your own office circular.
Does a holiday on Sunday give an extra day off?
No. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, such as Maha Ashtami on 18 October or Diwali on 8 November, you do not get an extra weekday off, unless your office announces one. Check your office notice, since some departments give a compensatory day.
