Bordered by India on the west and Myanmar on the south, Bangladesh is one of the countries in South Asia which has displayed significant advancement in economic and political growth as well as other aspects of development including human, social, health and education.

The country showcases its world class attractions with Sunderbans as the longest mangrove forest to Cox’s Bazar as the largest sea beach. Tiptoe on the Chittagon Hill Tract and you will gain a different hiking and climbing experience as well as witnessing the country’s colorful tribal life and the one of a kind Royal Bengal Tiger.

One of the most densely populated countries, Bangladesh continues to rise on a rapid development amidst previous issues on political, economic and social conflicts. The country has whole year round festivities where you can experience how it is known for having rich religious festivals and unique cultural traditions.

If you are to visit the country, know more about the Public Holidays which are listed below:

Eid e-Milad-un Nabi – January 4, Sunday

The Muslim community observes this celebration which is the birth anniversary of their last prophet, Muhammad. There is a significant crowd in major cities of the country for processions. Mosques and homes are also decorated. This festivity for Muslims is their expression of love for their prophet Muhammad. Recital poems and hymns are pronounced to praise the prophet. Bangladesh flag is also hoisted in all public offices across the country.

Language Martyr’s Day or Sahid Dibash – February 21, Saturday

The country is celebrating this event every 21st of February to commemorate the Bengali Language Movement in 1952 where sacrifices and protests occurred to protect Bengali as the country’s national language. For the sake of language that many lives have been sacrificed. To honor this one of the most significant days in the country’s history, glorious celebrations are held including the offering of flowers and leis on the monuments of the martyrs while flags are raised on half-mast. Alos, to raise more awareness on today’s generation, slogan, essay writing and other competitions are held across the schools in the country.

Sheik Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday – March 17, Tuesday

Bangladesh celebrates the birthday of their nationalist leader, Sheik Majibur Rahman who was also the first president during the Bangladesh Liberation War prior of becoming the Prime Minister during the Independent Bangladesh. To remember this day, the country offers due respect to Father of Bangabandhu through documentary film showing, laying of floral wreath on the Bangabandhu’s mural as well as rally and programs are held. Schools also encourage essay writing contests.

Independence Day – March 26, Thursday

This day commemorates the official declaration of the country’s independence from Pakistan last 1971 lead by the country’s Father of Bangabandhu, Sheik Mujibur Rahman. The celebration is specifically associated with ceremonies, parties and political state affairs. Also, the national flag is decorated on the streets all over the country. The most prestigious state award is likewise given by the government to the outstanding citizen or organization that has done significant contributions in various fields of the country’s development. A thirty-one gun salute is held in the morning while patriotic songs and special programs are aired and broadcast in various media channels.

Bengali New Year Day or Pohela Boishakh- April 14, Tuesday

At the break of dawn, Bangladesh people starts to celebrate the coming of the New Year based on Bengali Calendar. You will see colorful celebrations that symbolize the grandeur of the festivity. Throughout the country, the Bangla culture is being organized with several band performances and cultural programs. Boat racing, wrestling bull racing and cockfights are some of the activities done in various parts of the country. Colorful processions are also held while most people wear new clothes for socialization. Ethnic groups in Chittagong Hill also merge in the observance of this celebration.

May Day – May 1, Friday

The solidarity of workers all over the world is also commemorated in Bangladesh. This is usually the rest day for worker. Some groups organize protests and demonstrations in major cities especially at Dhaka demanding for higher salary wage, safety at work and other protests against inequality to workers.

Buddha Purnima/Vesak – May 4, Monday

This is one of the biggest religious celebrations for Buddhist followers in the country. Also known as Buddha Purnima’s birthday, this is commemorated on the full moon of the first month based on the Bangla calendar. Sermons are held in temples on the life of the Buddha, discourses of the Tipitaka are chanted, group meditations are practiced and the flags are found atop temples. Candles, flowers, incense and puja are offered in the temples and special offers are offered for global peace and prosperity. Buddhist followers make time for family and friends gatherings while some take this event for charity works such as giving foods and clothing to the disadvantages people as well as paying medical expenses of the less fortunate.

Shab e-Barat or Night of the Records – June 4, Thursday

The Islamic countries in the world commemorate this day and one of the most sacred observances in Bangladesh. This day is celebrated with high respect where the Muslim community in Bangladesh pray the whole night for they believed that it is the best time for fortune and forgiveness. Islamic groups likewise organize religious discussions and recitations from the Holy Quran.

Night of Destiny or Laylat al-Qadr-July 13,Monday

More time is devoted by many Muslims in reading the Quran during this day. For Muslims this is the night in which their last prophet Muhammad has received Allah’s last words and wrote them down in the Quran. Either in retreat to mosques or on their privacy, Muslims praise Allah and observe fasting.

Jumatul Bidah – July 17, Friday

Based on the Islamic calendar, this is the last Friday of the month of Ramadan. Compared to other Fridays of the year, this Friday has the highest regards among Muslims. For Muslim community, is day is the day where prayers are accepted. Large number of Islam flowers proceeds to mosques and attend prayers. The Baitul Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka is where the biggest celebration in Bangladesh is held.

Eid ul-Fitr – July 19-21, Sunday to Tuesday

This days-long celebration is one of the very significant religious festivals among Muslims. People go to mosques or open fields for prayers. After the offering of prayers, they return to their homes or visit other homes and eat shirni, a sweet dish or other special dishes. Eid festivals are also observed nationwide with exciting fanfares like boat racing, cricket, kabbadi, football and other traditional Bangladesh games.

National Mourning Day – August 15, Saturday

Every year on the 15th of August, this day is commemorated. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibor Rahman was brutally assassinated along 18 members of his family and close friends including his wife. Bangladesh flag is raised half-mast with the laying down of flowers and leis on the funerals of the Bangabandhu and other members who were assassinated. Memorial activities are also held.

Janmashtami – September 5, Saturday

This day is highly celebrated among Hindus for this is the birth of their deity Lord Krishna or known as Janmashtami. Hindus are fasting and stay awake until midnight which is believed to be the time of Krishna’s birth. Readings of religious scriptures are conducted in Hindu temples with devotional songs and praises.

Eid ul-Adha – September 24-26, Thursday to Saturday

Among the majority of Muslims around the world, this days-long celebration is highly regarded with religious commemorations. This is also popularly called the “Feast of Sacrifice” where Abraham made sacrifices in the name of his devotion to the Almighty. In Bangladesh, Muslims chose a healthy and good aged animal to be sacrificed. Morning prayers are offered until the last day of the celebration on the third day. Devotion and faith to God is shown through prayers, sacrifices and feast.

Ashura – October 24, Saturday

This day is remembered by Shi’a Muslims to honor the martyrdom of Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn ibn Ali at the 10th day in the month of Muharram (Ashura) during the Battle of Karbala. Mourning rituals are held and popular elegies are composed by poets to commemorate massacre of Husayn and group which caused a religious impact among Muslims. Prose and poetry are narrated during ceremonies which have touched the hearts and tears of many Shi’a Muslims.

Victory Day – December 16, Wednesday

During Bangladesh Liberation War in the year 1971 on the 16th day of December is the commemoration of the turnover of Allied Forces High Command over Pakistan. This is to celebrate victory after 9 months war from Pakistan forces with enormous bloodshed to regain the country’s independence. Programs are held elsewhere in the nation initiated by public, private and education institutions. The national flag will be hoist in various establishments. Special prayers and flowers are offered in mosques, temples and other religious places. The celebration will start at sunrise with the execution of the 31 gun salute though cannon fires.

Eid e-Milad-un Nabi – December 24, Thursday

Across the globe, this day is celebrated among Muslim community. This is one of the most sacred days for Muslims in Bangladesh as they commemorate the birthday of the last prophet Muhammad. Quran Tilawat, milad mahfil and other religious, cultural and political activities to honor this day. This is also to remember the good deeds of the prophet. Due respect is given to this special day where Muslims spend the whole night for prayers.

Christmas Day – December 25, Friday

Like any other nations in the world, Christmas is also celebrated among Christians of Bangladesh. Colorful and vibrant decorations are found at home. As this is the most festive celebration among Christians, attending of special masses and programs are held reflecting the birth of Jesus Christ. Exchanging gifts is also done while Christmas jingles and carols are sung along with the display of enchanting lights and Christmas trees. Families and friends share festive meal as well as giving donations to desperate neighbors.

Now that you have a run through of the public holidays in Bangladesh, make your visit more memorable by making your reservations earlier. Enjoy a different experience of Bangladesh ways and cultures as you explore their world’s greatest attractions.

Photo by Ariful Islam 

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Eid Milad un-Nabi – Monday, 13 January 2014

”Jasne Julush” processions make traffic congested on this day when the birth and death anniversary of Prophet Muhammad is commemorated. These processions, made colorful with Bengali flags and banners with Islamic scripts, are prayer processions seeking forgiveness of sins and imploring for favors.

Shahid Dibash Day – Friday, 21 February 2014

Also known as the Language Martyr’s Day, this day commemorates the 1952 protests to use Bangla, instead of the elite-spoken Urdu, as the national language. The struggle for independence against Pakistan came forth as a result of this demand for national language. Martyrs are honored on this day in the Shahid Minar (Martyrs Monument) where wreaths are laid and the red-and-green Bangladeshi flag is lowered to half-mast. To reinforce the use of Bangla as a national language, there are essay-writing contests held in schools all throughout.

Bangabandhu (Father of the Nation Birthday) – Monday, 17 March 2014

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, regarded as the Father of the Bengali Independence and friend of the Bengal (“Bangabandhu”), was born on this day in 1920. To remember his pivotal role in the struggle for independence from Pakistan, poetry readings, cultural presentations and wreath-laying ceremonies in front of his statues are held on this day.

Shadhinota Dibôsh – Wednesday, 26 March 2014

The National Day marks the struggle for independence from Pakistan which started on this day in 1971. The National Martyrs’ Memorial near the capital, Dhaka, sees massive participation because of fairs and concerts that are held after the formal ceremonies. A 31-gun salute is fired at dawn to honor and remember the contributions of fallen men and women who gave their lives for the independence.

Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year’s Day) – Sunday, 13 April 2014

The Bengali equivalent of a spring festival, Naba Barsho, as it is known locally, marks the start of the Bengali cropping season. As with the Western spring festival, Bengalis clean up their homes, put on new “sarees,” their traditional garments, adorn themselves with gems, and give each other sweets, gifts and greeting cards. On this occasion, younger members of the family seek blessings from their elders. Poila Baisakh is a joyous occasion as people sing, dance and engage in merriment until daybreak.

Labor Day – Thursday, 1 May 2014

Bangladesh joins the international community in honoring the social and economic contributions of its workers, especially that these (outsourced) workers are making bigger impacts in Bangladesh’s modern economy.

Boishakhi Purnima – Monday, 5 May 2014

More popularly known as Wesak or Buddha Purnima, “Bhikkus” or Bengali monks celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha by offering flowers, lighting candles and burning incense before the statues of Buddha, and watering the Bo tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. The busiest temple on this day is in Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox’s Bazaar.

Shab-e-Barat – Sunday, 15 June 2014

It is on this day that Allah is said to write the destinies of each one in the coming year, so Bengali Muslims pray in earnest on this day for his blessings and forgiveness. Families also take this time to remember their departed and visit their graveyards.

Jamat-ul-Bida – Friday, 25 July 2014

Also called Jumu’ah-tul-Wida, the Friday of Farewell is marked by the faithful in submissive worship, a ritual called “ibadah” in anticipation of the end of Ramadan.

Shab-e-Qadar – Wednesday, 23 July 2014

“Quran Khawani” and “milad” recitals are performed throughout the country to mark the day on which the first verses of Quran were revealed. Graveyards come alive on this day as families visit their departed to implore their blessings.

Eid-ul-Fitr –Sunday to Tuesday, 27 to 29 July 2014

To mark the end of fasting, Muslims assemble for “jamaat” or Eid prayers in mosques, the most crowded of which is in Baitul Mukarram in the capital. Alms-giving is practiced on this day. On the festive side, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated for three days with traditional banquets, henna painting, and imploring the elders – touching their feet – for blessings.

National Mourning Day – Friday, 15 August 2014

Sheikh Mujibur and his family were assassinated on this day in 1975. He was the first president of Bangladesh and revered as the Father of the Nation. Wreaths are laid in his tomb in Tungipara in Gopalganj and flags are brought to half-mast to mourn his passing.

Janmastami –Sunday, 17 August 2014

The Bangladeshi celebration of the birth of Krishna, a major Hindu god, is celebrated with fasting and prayers until midnight when Krishna was born.

Bijaya Dashami – Thursday, 25 September 2014

This public holiday is the Bengali equivalent of Durga Puja. The goddess is worshipped in makeshift prayer rooms called “pandals” and “puja mandapa,” and skits depicting her life are performed around these structures. A tradition of daughter-homecoming to her father’s house continues to this day.

Eid ul-Azha – Friday, 3 October 2014

“Qurbani” or the sacrificial ritual of the animal is performed on this day to commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Be forewarned that millions of livestock are slaughtered on this day in ancestral villages, leaving Dhaka, the capital, relatively deserted, but the rest of the countryside practically bathed in blood.

Ashura – Monday, 3 November 2014

On this day, Shiite Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hussein whom they consider the founder of their religion. Devotees celebrate the day by walking on live charcoal and flagellating themselves.

Bijoy Dibosh –Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Victory Day is celebrated with a 31-gun salute and laying of wreaths at the National Memorial Monument. It is on this day in 1971 that Bangladesh finally broke free from Pakistani rule after a 9-month independence movement which started on March 26 (celebrated as National Day).

Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014

Bengali Christians celebrate the nativity of Christ with “Bara Din,” or literally, Big Day mass. Bengali cakes called “pithas” are the centerpiece on this day in Christian households.

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Below is the calendar for Bangladesh public holidays 2013, with a handful holidays (Islamic) dependent on the sighting of the new moon.

Eid Milad un-Nabi – Friday, 25 January 2013
The birth and death anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad is one of the most important religious festivals in Bangladesh. To commemorate this major Islamic event, thousands participate in “Jasne Julush” processions reciting prayers for forgiveness of transgressions and special favors. Vehicles that take part in the massive processions are festooned with green and red Bengali flags and Islamic banners with elaborate Quran scripts. “Doa Mahfil” masses are also offered in special places and mosques around the country, seeking auspicious blessings for everyone.

Shahid Dibash Day – Thursday, 21 February 2013
On this day in 1952, protesters who wanted to make Bangla or Bengali (instead of Urdu which was spoken only by the elite minority) the official language of the country were killed. Out of this movement came forth other struggles that led to the war for independence from Pakistan. Also known as the Language Martyr’s Day, this day is commemorated with a mourning service that culminates in the Shahid Minar (martyr’s monument) where a more formal wreath-laying ceremony takes place later in the day. The green and red Bangladeshi flag is lowered to half-mast and schools honor the martyr’s struggles by holding essay writing competitions in Bangla.

Bangabandhu (Father of the Nation Birthday) – Sunday, 17 March 2013
Born on this day in 1920 to a middle class family, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was considered the Father of Bengali independence (from Pakistan). To commemorate his leadership against Pakistani rule, Bengalis hold special programs and competitions for children in an effort to educate them about the sacrifices of the Father of the Nation. Open discussions and poetry recitations are held all throughout the country to celebrate the life and works of “Bangabandhu,” (friend of the Bengal) while cultural presentations and street rallies remind every citizen of the sacrifices he made. More formal wreath-laying ceremonies in front of his statues are attended by key government officials.

Shadhinota Dibôsh – Tuesday, 26 March 2013
On this day in 1971, the struggle for independence from Pakistan began. To celebrate National Day, civic parades are held, with heaviest participation at the National Martyrs’ Memorial near Dhaka, the country’s capital. The fallen men and women who took part in the struggle for liberation are honored with a 31-gun salute at dawn. Bangladeshi flags decorate the main thoroughfares in the capital, and fairs and concerts are also performed in or around this marker to make the mood more festive.

Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year’s Day) – Sunday, 14 April 2013
Locally known as “Naba Barsho,” the Bengali New Year is similar in concept to Western spring festivals. This day marks the start of the crop season in the Bengali calendar. On this day, Bengalis clean up their houses, wear new “sarees” (traditional garments), wear gems, exchange sweets, gifts and greeting cards, seek blessings from their elders, and participate in daybreak cultural, dance and musical celebrations that extend well into the day.

Labor Day – Wednesday, 1 May 2013
As a country with eager young workers, Bangladesh honors the social and economic contributions of its labor force to nation-building.

Boishakhi Purnima – Thursday, 23 May 2013
On this day, the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is commemorated. Also called Wesak or Buddha Purnima, Buddhist Bengalis, particularly the “Bhikkus” or monks, celebrate this day with a procession, cultural programs, prayers and open discussions. To celebrate the natal day of Buddhism’s founder, the devout in Bangladesh light candles and incense and put out offerings before the statues of Buddha in various temples throughout the country, the busiest of which is in Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox’s Bazar where the largest concentrations of followers can be found. Buddhist orders also perform a ritual of watering bodhi trees that were saplings from the original tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Shab-e-Barat – Tuesday, 25 June 2013
On this day, Allah is said to arrange the affairs of His creations for the next year, writing their destinies while taking into account His creations’ past deeds. Bengalis take this time of the year to forgive others and seek forgiveness of their own transgressions, reflect on the Qur’an and visit the graveyards of their departed. This is also the most auspicious day to ask Allah for favors, so devout Muslims offer special prayers at night for better things in life.

Jamat-ul-Bida – Friday, 2 August 2013
The Friday of Farewell, also known as Jumu’ah-tul-Wida, happens on the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan before the occurrence of Eid-ul-Fitr. Devout Muslims dedicate this day in solemn prayer and submissive worship, in a prayer ritual called “ibadah.”

Shab-e-Qadar – Tuesday, 6 August 2013
It was said that on this day, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad. To celebrate the birth of Islam, Muslims offer special prayers and perform “Quran Khawani” and “milad” rituals (reciting verses from Quran) in mosques all throughout the country. Families also visit the graveyards to seek blessings from their departed.

Eid-ul-Fitr – Thursday to Saturday, 8 to 10 August 2013
After a month-long abstinence from food, drinks and intimate relations during daylight hours, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast is celebrated in Bangladesh for three days. Several “jamaat” (Eid assemblies for prayer) are scheduled throughout the day, when people congregate in mosques and religious halls for worship, the busiest of which is in Baitul Mukarram mosque in Dhaka. “Zakat” and “fitra” are done on this occasion, a form of alms-giving or monetary donation that goes to specific groups of people. Hand-painting using henna, wearing of new clothes, visiting relatives and friends, sharing traditional meals are popular traditions performed during this Eid. This is also the day when young people touch the feet of their elders to seek and receive blessings.

National Mourning Day – Thursday, 15 Augut 2013
On this day in 1975, the Father of the Nation and first president of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur was assassinated by a group of junior military officers. Because of his nationalist agenda for a sovereign Bengali state (which was then known as East Pakistan), Sheikh Mujibur and his family were assassinated in a coup, killing 19 other members of his family and personal staff. To commemorate this grim event and remind citizens of the price paid to achieve their independence, Bangladeshis hoist their flags at half mast and offer giant wreaths before the grave of Sheikh Mujibur at Tungipara in Gopalganj.

Janmastami – Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Bangladesh is on the northern portion of the Indian continent, so Hinduism is as much part of the Bengalis as it is of the Indians. On this day, Hindu Bengalis celebrate the birth of Krishna, one of the eight avatars or incarnations of Vishnu. The devout celebrate this day by fasting and offering prayers until midnight when Krishna was said to be born.

Bijaya Dashami – Monday, 14 October 2013
Outside of India, Bangladesh follows next to Nepal in terms of Hindu population. Durga Puja is a celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga who is considered the mother of the universe and a demon-slaying symbol of female dynamism. In Bangladesh, the mother goddess Durga is worshipped by millions of devotees on this day in thousands of “pandals” (makeshift structures for the veneration of the goddess) or “puja mandapa” (temples of worship). Daughters come home to their fathers’ households to celebrate. Concerts, musical events and plays depicting the life of the goddess are held in places around “pandals”. The last day of the five-day long Durga Puja in Bangladesh is Bijaya Dashami.

Eid ul-Azha – Tuesday to Thursday, 15 to 17 October 2013
This day commemorates the readiness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Wealthy Bengalis perform a sacrificial ritual called “Qurbani” on the first day of the Eid when goats or cows are slaughtered and their meat distributed to the poor. The capital, Dhaka, is often deserted on the Eid days as people go back to their ancestral villages to celebrate Islam’s second largest festival after Eid-ul-Fitr. Millions and millions of livestock are slaughtered for “Qurbani” so streets are literally painted in blood red.

Ashura – Thursday, 14 November 2013
On the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar, Shiite Muslims commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Hundreds of thousands of devoted followers take to the streets and carry banners containing verses from Islamic scripts, chanting slogans that reflect their faith. Walking on live charcoal and self-flagellation are the most prominent features of this event.

Bijoy Dibosh – Monday, 16 December 2013
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan after a nine-month struggle which started on March 26. Victory day is ushered with a 31-gun salute and formally celebrated by a parade of troops and wreath-laying ceremonies at the National Memorial Monument.

Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December 2013
The birth of the Christian savior is also celebrated on this day with homemade decorations and “Bara Din” (Big Day) masses. “Pithas” or traditional Bengali cakes are popular on this day in Christian households.

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