Dhaka, Sep 19 (V7N) – Shuvo Mahalaya, marking the formal beginning of Durga Puja, will be observed across the country on Sunday, September 21. However, there will be no government holiday on the occasion this year.

A review of the 2025 government holiday list shows that no separate holiday has been kept for Mahalaya. Similarly, Mahalaya does not appear in the holiday lists published by most departments under the Ministry of Education. Traditionally, many employees and students take optional leave on this day.

Government Holidays During Puja

This year, government employees will enjoy four consecutive days off during the Puja season, combining the Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami holidays with the weekly break.

  • Oct 1 (Wednesday): Executive order holiday for Mahanavami

  • Oct 2 (Thursday): General holiday for Vijaya Dashami

  • Oct 3–4 (Friday–Saturday): Weekly holidays

School & College Holidays

  • Primary Schools: Closed from Sept 28 to Oct 7. With the weekly holidays on Sept 26–27, the total break will be 11 days, with classes resuming on Oct 7.

  • Secondary Schools & Colleges: Closed from Sept 26 to Oct 7 as per the Secondary and Higher Education Department’s calendar. Classes will resume on Oct 8.

  • Madrasas: Holidays from Sept 30 to Oct 5, including Fateha-e-Yazdaham. Weekly holidays on Oct 3–4 are also included.

  • Technical Institutions: Only two days of Puja holiday on Oct 1–2, followed by the weekly holidays on Oct 3–4.

This year’s schedule means holiday spans vary across different types of institutions, with primary and secondary students enjoying the longest break.

END/SMA/AJ