Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: Is May 9 a bank holiday? Schools to stay closed in these states

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 commemorates the birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. He was a legendary Bengali poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate. His contributions to literature, music, and art have profoundly influenced Indian culture. Tagore¡¯s birthday is traditionally observed on May 7 in the Gregorian calendar.

However, the Bengali calendar celebration falls on the 25th day of Boishakh. In 2025, this corresponds to May 9 itself. May 9, 2025, is not a nationwide bank holiday. But, schools and banks will be closed in certain states on May 9.

Is May 9 a bank holiday for Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025?

Yes, May 9, 2025, is a bank holiday in West Bengal for Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included this day in its official holiday list for banks in West Bengal, including Kolkata. Banks in other states will remain open, but in West Bengal, all banking operations will be closed. This will affect services like in-branch banking, cheque clearance, and fund transfers in the state.

Where is Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 observed as a holiday?

Banks and government offices in these regions may observe the holiday, while others follow the regular schedule:

• West Bengal: Kolkata, Howrah, Siliguri
• Tripura
• Assam (certain cities like Guwahati have bank holidays on other dates such as May 7 for Panchayat elections)
• Mizoram

Schools to stay closed on May 9 in these states

Schools and educational institutions in West Bengal will remain closed on May 9 to honour Rabindranath Tagore¡¯s birth anniversary. The day is marked by cultural programs, poetry recitations, and performances of Rabindra Sangeet, celebrating Tagore¡¯s literary and artistic legacy.

Cities like Kolkata, Howrah, and Siliguri typically have school closures or cultural programs dedicated to Tagore¡¯s legacy. Other states may not observe a school holiday on this day, as the celebration is more region-specific.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: Date confusion explained

The dual observance of Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti comes from the difference between the Gregorian and Bengali calendars. Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, and many states in India observe his birthday on this date. But, in West Bengal, the Bengali calendar date of 25 Boishakh is followed for official and cultural celebrations.

In 2025, this date falls on May 9. This explains why May 9 is the bank holiday and school closure day in West Bengal, while other states may mark the occasion on May 7.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: Cultural significance and celebrations

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm in West Bengal and Bengali communities worldwide. The day includes cultural events like dance dramas, poetry readings, and musical performances of Tagore¡¯s compositions. Institutions like Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, founded by Tagore, are key locations for the festivities.

The celebration honours Tagore¡¯s contributions to literature, music, art, and philosophy, and his legacy as the author of national anthems for India & Bangladesh. The May 9 bank holiday in West Bengal for Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 is an important occasion. It shows the cultural pride and literary heritage of the region.

Boishakh 25: May 8 or May 9?

The 25th day of Boishakh in the Bengali calendar overlaps with May 8 or May 9 in the Gregorian calendar, depending on the year. In 2025, it is officially observed on May 9. This aligns with the Bengali cultural calendar and the traditional Poncheeshe Boishakh celebrations.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.