Planning holidays in advance is essential for smooth business operations and effective workforce management. For organizations operating in Bihar, having a clear understanding of the official holiday list helps with attendance planning, payroll processing, shift scheduling, and labour law compliance.
This article provides the complete Bihar holiday list for 2026, covering national holidays, regional holidays, and optional holidays as observed in the state. It is designed to support HR teams, compliance professionals, employers, and employees who need a reliable reference for leave planning and operational continuity.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear picture of important festival dates, state-specific observances, and peak holiday periods in Bihar during 2026.
Overview of Bihar Holidays in 2026
Bihar observes a mix of national and regional holidays that reflect the state’s cultural, historical, and religious diversity. In 2026, the holiday calendar includes:
National holidays observed across India
Regional holidays specific to Bihar’s traditions and notable leaders
Optional holidays that organizations may allow based on internal policy
Practical insight: Regional holidays such as Chhath Puja, Durga Puja, and Holi have a significant impact on attendance in Bihar. Advance planning during these periods helps avoid last-minute disruptions.
Bihar Holiday List 2026 (Date-Wise)
Below is the detailed and structured Bihar holiday list for 2026, arranged by month for easy reference.
January 2026 Holidays in Bihar
01 January 2026 (Thursday) – Optional – New Year
14 January 2026 (Wednesday) – Regional – Makar Sankranti
23 January 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Vasant Panchami
24 January 2026 (Saturday) – Regional – Karpoori Thakur Jayanti
26 January 2026 (Monday) – National – Republic Day
HR planning tip: Multiple holidays fall close to Republic Day. Teams may request extended leave around this period.
February 2026 Holidays in Bihar
01 February 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Sant Ravidas Jayanti
04 February 2026 (Wednesday) – Regional – Shab-e-Barat
16 February 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Mahashivratri
Operational tip: Religious holidays in February are spread out, making it easier to manage attendance with minimal disruption.
March 2026 Holidays in Bihar
02 March 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Holi Ka Dahan
02 March 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Ramzan
03 March 2026 (Tuesday) – Regional – Holi
21 March 2026 (Saturday) – Regional – Eid-ul-Fitr
22 March 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Eid-ul-Fitr
26 March 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Emperor Ashoka Ashtami
HR planning tip: Holi is one of the most widely observed festivals in Bihar. Expect higher leave requests during the first week of March.
April 2026 Holidays in Bihar
03 April 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Mahavir Jayanti
03 April 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Good Friday
14 April 2026 (Tuesday) – Regional – Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti
23 April 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti
25 April 2026 (Saturday) – Regional – Janaki Navami
27 April 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Ram Navami
Compliance tip: April has multiple back-to-back holidays. Payroll and attendance cut-off dates should be communicated clearly.
May 2026 Holidays in Bihar
01 May 2026 (Friday) – Regional – May Day
01 May 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Buddha Purnima
28 May 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Eid-al-Zuha (Bakrid)
Workforce tip: May Day is especially relevant for factories and labour-intensive establishments.
June 2026 Holidays in Bihar
18 June 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Anugrah Narayan Sinha Jayanti
26 June 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Muharram
27 June 2026 (Saturday) – Regional – Muharram
29 June 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Kabir Jayanti
Planning tip: Late June includes consecutive holidays. Backup staffing plans are recommended.
August 2026 Holidays in Bihar
04 August 2026 (Tuesday) – Regional – Chehallum
15 August 2026 (Saturday) – National – Independence Day
24 August 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Final Hearing Monday Shravana
28 August 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Birthday
28 August 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Raksha Bandhan
HR insight: Multiple holidays fall on the same date in August. Expect higher absenteeism around the last week of the month.
September 2026 Holidays in Bihar
04 September 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Shri Krishna Janmashtami
14 September 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Haritalika Teej Fast
17 September 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Vishwakarma Puja
Industry tip: Vishwakarma Puja is significant for manufacturing units, workshops, and technical establishments.
October 2026 Holidays in Bihar
02 October 2026 (Friday) – National – Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
04 October 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Jivitputrika Fast
11 October 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Jayaprakash Narayan Jayanti
14 October 2026 (Wednesday) – Regional – Chhath Puja Kharna
17 October 2026 (Saturday) – Regional – Durga Puja (Saptami)
18 October 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Durga Puja
19 October 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Durga Puja
21 October 2026 (Wednesday) – Regional – Durga Puja (Ekadasi)
21 October 2026 (Wednesday) – Regional – Shri Krishna Singh Jayanti
Critical planning period: October is the most holiday-heavy month in Bihar. Leave planning should be finalized well in advance.
November 2026 Holidays in Bihar
08 November 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Diwali
10 November 2026 (Tuesday) – Regional – Chitragupta Puja / Bhai Dooj
15 November 2026 (Sunday) – Regional – Chhath Puja
16 November 2026 (Monday) – Regional – Chhath Puja
HR insight: Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in Bihar, often resulting in extended employee travel.
December 2026 Holidays in Bihar
03 December 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Dr. Rajendra Prasad Jayanti
24 December 2026 (Thursday) – Regional – Christmas Eve
25 December 2026 (Friday) – Regional – Christmas
Planning tip: December has fewer holidays, making it suitable for audits, reviews, and year-end compliance activities.
How HR Teams Can Use the Bihar Holiday List 2026
Plan annual leave and restricted holiday policies
Schedule shifts and production cycles efficiently
Avoid payroll errors related to paid holidays
Align attendance rules with state-specific observances
For the most accurate and updated state-wise holiday records, HR teams should always rely on a centralized compliance platform.
???? Verify Bihar holiday calendar in Digiliance’s Official Digital Library
Frequently Asked Questions on Bihar Holidays 2026
What are the national holidays in Bihar in 2026?
The national holidays in Bihar for 2026 are Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2 October).
Is Chhath Puja a government holiday in Bihar?
Yes, Chhath Puja is observed as a regional holiday in Bihar, including Kharna and the main puja days.
Is Raksha Bandhan a holiday in Bihar in 2026?
Yes, Raksha Bandhan falls on 28 August 2026 and is listed as a regional holiday in Bihar.
Why is the Bihar holiday list important for businesses?
The Bihar holiday list helps businesses manage attendance, payroll, compliance calendars, and workforce planning efficiently throughout the year.
Conclusion
The Bihar holiday list 2026 plays an important role in both employee planning and organizational compliance. With major festivals like Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, Bihar experiences several high-impact holiday periods throughout the year. Early planning and clear communication help businesses maintain productivity while respecting cultural and legal obligations.
For accurate, state-specific holiday tracking and labour compliance management, always refer to a trusted digital compliance platform like Digiliance.
