National Holidays of Bangladesh

Below you will find a list of all official, public and national holidays in Bangladesh.

Shahid Dibash (Language Martyrs’ Day)
– 2015-02-21

This national holiday gives citizens of Bangladesh the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by many in an effort to protect Bangla as a national langue during a period in 1952 that came to be known as the Bengali Language Movement. The events at that time prompted UNESCO to observe 21 February as International Mother Language Day, a decision supported by Bangladesh and 28 other countries.

Shadhinota Dibôsh (Independence Day)
– 2015-03-26

Independence Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh to commemorate the declaration of independence, and the beginning of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The day includes parades, with activities centered on the Jatiyo Sriti Soudho (National Martyrs’ Memorial) near Dhaka.

Pôhela Boishakh (Bangla New Year’s Day)
– 2015-04-14

Activities on the Bangla New Years’ Day include visiting relatives, neighbors and friends, with special foods being prepared and shared. New Year fairs are held in various locations around Bangladesh, featuring entertainment, traditional performances, and market stalls selling handicrafts, toys, food and agricultural products.

Me Dibôsh (May Day)
– 2015-05-01

Celebrated around the world, May Day or Labor Day, is an opportunity to display solidarity with workers around the world.

Vesak/Wesak/Vesakha (Buddha Day)
– 2015-05-04

Also referred to as Buddho Pumima, this Buddhist holiday is a celebration of the birth, life, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha. It is determined by the traditional lunar calendar in Bangladesh. It is a time for Buddhists to gather at the temples, hoist the Buddhist flag, sing hymns, and offer flowers, candles and incense – the latter being a reminder than life is transient, and as flowers fade and candles and incense burn out, so too life withers and passes away.

Eid ul-Fitr
– 2015-07-19

This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting and intense worship for adherents of the Muslim faith. Eid ul-Fitr includes expressions of thanks to Allah for strengthening them through Ramadan, with special services and processions taking place.

Krishna Janmaashtami
– 2015-09-05

This holiday marks the birth of Krishna, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Celebrations include dramatic productions based on the life of Krishna, dancing, singing and chanting holy mantras.

Durga Puja (Vijaya Dasami)
– 2015-10-22

Stretching over five days, with the last day being a national holiday, this Hindu celebration commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the evil demon Ravana. In Bangladesh, celebrations are held throughout the country, with Mymensingh being a popular gathering place for the festival. In 2014, Durga Puja will take place from September 30 to October 4.

Eid ul-Adha
– 2015-09-24

This festival is a reminder of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God’s command. The occasion serves as a reminder to all Muslims that they should submit to God and be prepared to sacrifice anything that God wishes.

Bijôe Dibôsh (Victory Day)
– 2015-12-16

Victory Day commemorates the Pakistani Army’s surrender to the Indo-Bangladeshi High Command in Dhaka in 1971.

Bôṛodin (Christmas Day)
– 2015-12-25

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

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