The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has reduced the official public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid, from two days to one. The move marks a major change from the policy followed under former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
According to a notification issued by the state Finance Department, only May 28, 2026, will now be observed as a public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha. Government offices, schools, and public institutions will remain open on the earlier dates that were previously part of the holiday schedule.
BJP Government Revises Earlier Holiday Calendar
Before the change in government, the state’s 2026 holiday calendar had included a two-day break for the festival. Employees and educational institutions were expected to receive leave on the day before Eid ul-Adha as well as on the main festival day.
However, the Finance Department’s latest order has cancelled the earlier holidays scheduled for May 26 and May 27. These days will now be treated as regular working days across government departments, state-run corporations, and statutory bodies.
The decision is being seen as one of the first administrative changes introduced by the BJP government after coming to power in the state.
Government Aligns Festival Leave With Central Pattern
Under the previous TMC administration, the two-day Bakrid break was presented as a step toward inclusivity, considering West Bengal’s large Muslim population. Critics of the policy had often accused the government of “appeasement politics” and argued that extended holidays affected public services and administrative work.
The BJP government appears to be moving toward a system similar to the central government calendar, where Eid-ul-Adha is generally observed with a single public holiday.
Supporters of the move say reducing the break will help maintain regular government functioning and avoid delays in citizen services and official work.
Calcutta High Court Refuses to Stay Slaughter Rules
In another development ahead of the festival, the Calcutta High Court declined to interfere with a state government notification enforcing stricter rules under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen observed that the guidelines regulating animal slaughter before the festival were in line with constitutional principles.
The court also referred to past Supreme Court rulings that stated certain animal sacrifices are not compulsory religious practices, allowing the state government to enforce regulatory measures.
