Bengal declares holiday on December 26; Govt offices, schools & colleges to remain shut a day after Christmas

Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has declared a state holiday a day after Christmas on December 26.
All the school, colleges and government offices will remain closed on this day. However, office of Collector of Stamp Revenue, Kolkata and Registrar of Assurance, Kolkata will be open on December 26.

As per the West Bengal official notification, all the state government offices, local bodies, statuary bodies, boards corporations and undertakings controlled or owned by the state government, educational institutions, other offices and institutions under the control of the state government with the exception of the offices of Registrar of Assurance, Kolkata and Collector of Stamp Revenue, Kolkata will remain closed on December 26.


Every year, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. On this day, Christian community and others around the world celebrate the occasion by singing carols and exchanging gifts. The festival aims to spread the messages of peace and prosperity.

In some countries, Boxing Day holiday is celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). The Boxing Day was originally started as a holiday to give gifts to the poor. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire including Canada, Australia and New Zealand. December 26 Boxing Day is also observed as Saint Stephen's Day in some European countries.

1. Is Christmas on the 24 or 25?
   As per the Gregorian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December by the majority of Christians.
2. Why do we celebrate Christmas Day?
   We celebrate Christmas Day to mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whose teaching has formed the basis of their religion.
3. What is the night after Christmas called?
   It’s called Twelfth Night. It’s also known as Epiphany Eve.