The newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has stirred controversy by reducing the public holiday for Bakrid, also known as Eid-al-Adha, from two days to a single day. This decision, which follows the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration’s announcement, has raised eyebrows among the state’s Muslim community and beyond. According to reports from The Indian Express, only Thursday will now be recognized as a public holiday for the festival, which is celebrated with great fervor across the state.
Bakrid, a significant Muslim festival that honors the spirit of sacrifice, is traditionally associated with the ritual slaughter of goats and other animals. The Finance Department of West Bengal issued a notification confirming that government offices and institutions would remain operational on both Tuesday and Wednesday, previously designated as holiday dates. This abrupt change in policy is seen as a notable shift in the government’s approach towards cultural observances.
The notification, which confirms that Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid) will be celebrated on May 28, 2026 (Thursday), marks a pivotal moment for the BJP government as it seeks to establish its administrative identity after assuming power on May 4, 2026. The timing of this decision is particularly significant, as it arrives shortly after the Calcutta High Court declined to intervene in a state government directive relating to the regulation of cattle slaughter in the lead-up to the festival.
On May 13, one of the BJP government’s initial actions was to reinforce the provisions of the Animal Slaughter Control Act, emphasizing stricter enforcement of existing laws. As per the new regulations, individuals must now secure a certificate before proceeding with the slaughter of animals such as buffaloes, cows, and bulls. Furthermore, public slaughtering has been outright banned, drawing a clear line on how the festival will be observed in West Bengal going forward.
This policy change has sparked a mixture of reactions, reflecting the broader sentiments surrounding governance and cultural rights in the state. For many Muslims in West Bengal, Bakrid holds deep religious significance, and the curtailment of holidays may be perceived as an infringement on their cultural practices. As the BJP navigates its new governance role, the implications of such decisions will be closely monitored, not just within the community but across India’s diverse religious landscape.
