Bihar Holiday List for 2024 – Bank, Government and General Holidays

Traditional and Common festivals in Bihar

Some of the traditional and culturally significant festivals celebrated in Bihar are –

Chhath Puja: Chhath Puja is one of the major festivals celebrated in Bihar. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is observed twice a year, once in the summers (Chaiti Chhath) and once around a week after Diwali (Kartik Chhath). During this festival, people offer prayers to the Sun God and perform rituals near rivers or water bodies.

Bihula: Bihula is a folk festival celebrated in Bihar. It is associated with the legend of Bihula, a local heroine who saved her husband from a snakebite. The festival is marked by songs, dances, and performances that depict the story of Bihula.

Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in Bihar and other parts of India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People fly kites, prepare special dishes, and take holy dips in rivers to celebrate this festival

Pitrapaksha Mela: Pitrapaksha Mela is an annual fair held in Gaya, Bihar. It is a religious gathering where people pay homage to their ancestors by performing rituals and offering prayers. The fair attracts a large number of pilgrims from different parts of the country.

Hariyali Teej: Also known as Chhoti Teej or Shravan Teej, Hariyali Teej falls during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). It is celebrated primarily by women in North India, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Women dress up in green attire, symbolizing the lush greenery of the monsoon season, and pray for the well-being of their spouses. They also swing on decorated swings, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances. This falls on 7th August on a Wednesday.

Kajari Teej: Kajari Teej, also known as Badi Teej, is observed three days after Raksha Bandhan during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is celebrated mainly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. Women worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, seeking their blessings for a happy married life and the prosperity of their families. Agricultural communities also view this festival as an auspicious time for sowing crops. This falls on 22nd August on a Thursday.

Hartalika Teej: Hartalika Teej falls on the Tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is primarily observed in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Women observe fasts and pray to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for marital bliss and longevity of their husbands. The festival derives its name from the word ‘Harit,’ meaning ‘abduction,’ as it commemorates the legend of Goddess Parvati’s abduction by her friends to prevent her forced marriage to a demon. This falls on 6th September on a Friday.

Akha Teej: Akha Teej, also known as Akshaya Tritiya, is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April-May). It holds significance for both men and women and is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures, marriages, and investments. People perform puja, offer prayers, and seek blessings for prosperity and success. This is on 10th May, 2024.

Common Holidays for Bihar State in 2024

Long weekends in 2024

Do you want to plant for long weekend trips? Here are some of the days in this year that you can plan your holidays and enjoy the days on stretch.

January 26,27, and 28 – Friday (Republic day), Saturday, and Sunday

March 8,9 and 10 – Friday (Maha Shivratri), Saturday, and Sunday

March 22, 23, and 24 – Friday (Bihar Diwas), Saturday, and Sunday

March 29, 30 and 31 – Friday (good Friday), Saturday and Sunday

June 17,18, and 19 – Friday (Eid-ul Zuha/ Bakri Id), Saturday, and Sunday

August 17, 18 and 19 – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Raksha Bandhan)

August 24, 25, and 26 – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Shrikrishna Janmashtami)

November 8,9, and 10 – Friday(Chhath Pooja), Saturday, and Sunday