The West Bengal government has declared holiday in all government offices, schools and institutions on 13th and 14th February 2025 on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat and Panchanan Barma Jayanti.
Previously, there was a holiday on Shab-e-Barat only on 14th February, however, after confirming that the festival falls on February 13th, the holiday was extended to cover both days. There will also be a public holiday on 14th February on the occasion of Thakur Panchanan Barma's birth anniversary.
On these days, all government offices, local bodies, statutory bodies, boards, corporations, state government-owned undertakings and all educational institutions in West Bengal will remain closed.
Apart from this, many government employees will get four consecutive days off as February 15th and 16th are Saturday and Sunday.
The Telangana government has also declared a holiday for schools on February 14th on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. This will be an optional holiday, but many schools in Hyderabad and other districts are likely to remain closed on this day.
In addition, there will be a government holiday on February 15th to mark the birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj. Combined with Sunday, February 16th, many in Telangana will also benefit from three consecutive days off.
Shab-e-Barat is an important festival in Islam, which is celebrated on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Shaban. On this occasion, people of the Muslim community offer special prayers.
Men offer prayers in mosques, while women stay at home and pray. This night is considered to be of special importance for special prayers and worship.