School Holiday on Rabindra Jayanti 2025: Check State-wise School Closure Updates

Rabindra Jayanti, celebrated annually to honour the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore—India’s first Nobel laureate in Literature—is one of the most culturally revered occasions in the country, especially in West Bengal, Tripura, and parts of the northeastern states. The day commemorates the legacy of Tagore as a poet, philosopher, artist, and visionary who reshaped Bengali literature and music. In Kolkata and across West Bengal, this day is popularly known as Poncheeshe Boishakh, as it is observed on the 25th day of the Boishakh month in the Bengali calendar.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 Date

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. Rabindra Jayanti is typically celebrated on the 25th day of Boishakh in the Bengali calendar, also known as Pochishe Boishakh. In 2025, Rabindra Jayanti falls on Friday, May 9 in West Bengal. However, in other parts of India, the occasion will be observed on Wednesday, May 7 as per the Gregorian calendar.

The discrepancy arises as West Bengal follows the Bengali calendar, according to which Tagore was born in 1268 Bengali Era (25 Boishakh), which overlaps with either May 8 or May 9 in the Gregorian calendar depending on the year. Thus, schools and institutions in West Bengal observe the holiday based on this traditional date.

Will Schools Remain Closed on Rabindra Jayanti 2025?

Rabindra Jayanti is observed as a school holiday in West Bengal, as per the state government’s official holiday list. Most government and private schools, particularly in Kolkata and nearby districts, remain closed to allow students and teachers to participate in various cultural programmes honouring Tagore's legacy. Schools often host special events either on the day or a day prior, including Tagore dance dramas, poetry recitations, and Rabindra Sangeet performances.

In other states like Tripura and some northeastern regions, select schools and colleges also remain shut or organise half-day programmes depending on local directives.

Bank Holiday on Rabindra Jayanti

While Rabindra Jayanti is not a nationwide bank holiday, banks in West Bengal will remain closed under the Negotiable Instruments Act, as notified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regional office. Customers in West Bengal are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly.

School Holiday on Rabindra Jayanti 2025: State-Wise Details

Schools across several states declare a holiday in honour of Rabindra Jayanti. Here's what to expect this year:

• West Bengal: All government and private schools are expected to remain closed on May 9, 2025. Cultural events and literary programs dedicated to Tagore are organized across schools and institutions.
• Tripura: Due to its cultural linkage with Bengal, schools in Tripura generally observe a holiday on Rabindra Jayanti.
• Assam (Barak Valley): In regions with a significant Bengali-speaking population, local schools may declare a holiday, though it's not uniform across the state.
• Rest of India: Rabindra Jayanti is not a public holiday in other states, so regular school schedules are likely to continue. However, the occasion may be observed in schools through morning assemblies or special classes on May 7.

Rabindra Jayanti in 2025 is a significant cultural occasion, especially in West Bengal and Tripura, where schools and banks observe a holiday. The day is dedicated to celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy through various cultural events. Students and parents are advised to check with the school authorities for specific holiday schedules and event participation details.

Check: School Summer Vacation and Holidays in May 2025