11 February 2026: Calendar, Festivals, Special Day, Public & Bank Holiday Updates in India

Today

Date - 11 February 2026
Day - Wednesday

1. Festivals & Observances

Today, 11 February 2026, is not marked by any major Hindu festival or religious observance across India. The month of February brings important celebrations later in the month, including Maha Shivratri as per the lunar calendar, but the 11th itself remains a regular day in the Hindu religious calendar.

However, this date holds global significance as International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the United Nations to promote equal access and participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

From a spiritual perspective, even ordinary days carry profound meaning. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, we should remember the Supreme Lord at all times, not only during festivals. Regular days like this remind us that devotion is a daily practice. Each moment offers an opportunity to live with awareness, integrity, and service to others—qualities that bring us closer to Krishna consciousness.

2. Special Day

Today is observed internationally as International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognizing the critical role women and girls play in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation worldwide. Additionally, 11 February 2026 marks a historic milestone in the global struggle for freedom and justice, as this date commemorates the anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990, which signaled the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Birth Anniversary

Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison was born on 11 February 1847 in Milan, Ohio, United States. He was an American inventor and businessman whose innovations profoundly shaped modern life. Edison developed numerous devices including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the practical electric light bulb. He held over 1,000 patents during his lifetime and established the world's first industrial research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. His approach combined scientific inquiry with practical application, demonstrating that persistence and systematic experimentation could overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Edison passed away on 18 October 1931. In the United States, his birthday is celebrated as National Inventors' Day, honoring the contributions of inventors to society. His legacy reminds us that knowledge, when applied with dedication and integrity, can illuminate the world—both literally and metaphorically.

Brahmabandhav Upadhyay

Brahmabandhav Upadhyay was born on 11 February 1861 in Khanyan village, Hooghly district, West Bengal. Born as Bhavani Charan Bandyopadhyay into a Kulin Brahmin family, he became a pioneering theologian, journalist, freedom fighter, and educational reformer. He was a classmate of Swami Vivekananda at the General Assembly's Institution in Calcutta and maintained close associations with Rabindranath Tagore. Upadhyay played a significant role in helping Tagore establish the educational institution at Santiniketan, contributing to the vision of holistic education that blended Indian cultural values with modern learning. He founded the journal Sophia and later Sandhya, using journalism as a tool for both spiritual discourse and nationalist awakening. His writings promoted Indian independence and cultural identity during British colonial rule. Though he explored different spiritual paths during his lifetime, including Christianity, he remained deeply committed to Indian philosophical traditions, particularly Vedanta. Upadhyay passed away on 27 October 1907. It is widely believed that he gave Rabindranath Tagore the title Visva Kavi (Universal Poet), recognizing Tagore's literary genius. His life exemplifies the search for truth across boundaries, the courage to question conventions, and dedication to both spiritual and national freedom.

Tilka Manjhi

Tilka Manjhi was born on 11 February 1750 in present-day Jharkhand, India. He was a courageous tribal leader who stood among the earliest freedom fighters to resist British colonial oppression in India. As a leader of the Santhal community, he organized resistance against British exploitation and fought tirelessly for the rights and dignity of tribal people. Tilka Manjhi led the famous Santhal rebellion and waged a determined struggle against unjust British policies that dispossessed indigenous communities of their land and livelihood. He attacked British officials and disrupted colonial administration through guerrilla tactics. Eventually captured by the British in 1785, he was executed by hanging. His sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. Tilka Manjhi represents the spirit of resistance against oppression and the enduring fight for human dignity and freedom.

Death Anniversary

Jamnalal Bajaj

Jamnalal Bajaj passed away on 11 February 1942. He was a prominent Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and freedom fighter who was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi regarded him with great affection and often referred to him as his fifth son. Bajaj served as the treasurer of the Indian National Congress from 1920 until his death, providing crucial financial support to India's independence movement. He established important institutions including the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha, Gau Seva Sangh, and Gandhi Seva Sangh. A strong advocate for social reform, he actively opposed caste discrimination and worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities. He was awarded the title Rai Bahadur by the British, which he renounced as a mark of his commitment to India's freedom. The Jamnalal Bajaj Award was instituted in his memory to honor exceptional contributions to social service. His life demonstrates that true wealth lies not in accumulation but in service to society and adherence to dharma.

Deendayal Upadhyaya

Deendayal Upadhyaya passed away on 11 February 1968. He was an Indian politician, economist, sociologist, and thinker who served as president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He developed the political philosophy of Integral Humanism, which emphasized the importance of cultural values and human dignity in governance and development. Upadhyaya advocated strongly for decentralized development and believed in empowering the poorest sections of society. His philosophy sought to integrate economic development with spiritual and cultural values, arguing that true progress must address the complete human being rather than merely material needs. His ideas continue to influence Indian political thought, particularly regarding economic and social policy. The circumstances of his death during a train journey remain unclear. Regardless of political affiliation, his contributions to Indian philosophical and political discourse are widely respected.

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed passed away on 11 February 1977 while serving as the fifth President of India. He held office from 1974 until his death, becoming the second President to die in office after Dr. Zakir Hussain. Ahmed was a lawyer and politician from Assam who had a distinguished career in public service spanning several decades. He served in various capacities in the Indian National Congress and the Government of India before being elected President. During his presidency, India experienced the controversial period of the Emergency declared in 1975. Despite the political challenges of his tenure, he maintained dignity in office. After his death, Vice President B.D. Jatti served as Acting President until a new President was elected. His life reflected dedication to constitutional duty during complex times.

Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath passed away on 11 February 1963 in London, England. She was an American poet and writer whose confessional style of poetry profoundly influenced modern literature. Born on 27 October 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, Plath demonstrated exceptional literary talent from childhood. She studied at Smith College and Cambridge University, where she met British poet Ted Hughes, whom she later married. Her works include the poetry collection The Colossus and the semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar, published under a pseudonym shortly before her death. Her posthumous collection Ariel, which included powerful poems written in the final months of her life, brought her widespread recognition. The Collected Poems, edited by Ted Hughes and published in 1981, won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Plath struggled with depression throughout her life. She died at the age of 30, leaving behind two young children. Her work continues to resonate with readers worldwide for its emotional intensity, technical brilliance, and unflinching exploration of mental anguish. Her life reminds us of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassion toward those experiencing psychological suffering.

Historic Anniversary

Nelson Mandela's Release from Prison (11 February 1990)

On this day in 1990, Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison in Cape Town, South Africa, after 27 years of imprisonment. His release marked a decisive turning point in South African history and signaled the beginning of the end of apartheid. Mandela had been imprisoned since 1962 for his struggle against racial segregation and injustice. Throughout his long incarceration, he became a global symbol of resistance to oppression and the fight for human dignity. What made Mandela's journey truly remarkable was his response to decades of unjust imprisonment. Rather than emerging with bitterness or a desire for revenge, he advocated for reconciliation and peaceful negotiation. His first public speech after release called for continued struggle until apartheid was dismantled, but emphasized dialogue and unity. Mandela later became South Africa's first democratically elected President in 1994 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his role in the peaceful transition. His life teaches a profound lesson resonant with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita: that true strength lies not in hatred or retaliation, but in forgiveness, steadfastness in righteousness, and the pursuit of justice for all. Even in the darkest circumstances, the light of truth and compassion ultimately prevails.

3. Holiday Updates

Public Holiday: 11 February 2026 is not a government-declared public holiday in India. All government offices and institutions remain open.

Bank Holiday: As per Reserve Bank of India guidelines, 11 February 2026 is not a bank holiday. Banks across India are open and regular services are available.