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

Today

Date - 4 February 2026
Day - Wednesday

1. Festivals & Observances

Today, 4 February 2026, the world observes World Cancer Day, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control. This international day aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, while encouraging compassionate, patient-centered care.

The ongoing global campaign highlights the idea that every cancer journey is unique, calling for people-centered care that respects individual needs and circumstances. This reminds us that behind every diagnosis lies a human story of courage, resilience, and hope.

From a spiritual perspective, this day offers an opportunity for reflection on health, compassion, and service to others. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches that balance of body and mind is essential for true well-being. True health encompasses not just physical wellness but also mental peace and spiritual strength.

When we care for those suffering from illness, we serve the Supreme. Acts of compassion, support for patients and families, and efforts toward medical advancement reflect the divine quality of service. Today reminds us that our bodies are temporary vessels, but the care and love we show to others create lasting spiritual merit.

2. Special Day

Although today is not marked as a national special day, India remembers distinguished personalities on their birth and death anniversaries.

Birth Anniversary

Narayan Gangopadhyay

Celebrated Bengali writer and academic Narayan Gangopadhyay was born on 4 February 1918 in Baliadingi, Dinajpur district of Bengal (now Bangladesh). Born as Taraknath Gangopadhyay, he adopted "Narayan" as his pen name and became one of the leading figures of modern Bengali literature. His father, Pramathnath Gangopadhyay, was a police officer whose frequent transfers meant young Narayan studied in various places including Dinajpur, Faridpur, Barisal, and Kolkata. He matriculated from Dinajpur Zila School in 1933 and later faced political challenges during his college years, being interned as a revolutionary suspect in 1935. Despite these obstacles, he passed his Bachelor of Arts with distinction from Brojomohun College in Barisal in 1938, where the famous poet Jibanananda Das was his teacher. In 1941, he completed his Master of Arts from the University of Calcutta, receiving the prestigious Brahmamayee Gold Medal for outstanding results, and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy in 1960 for research on short stories in Bengali literature. Gangopadhyay is best known for creating the beloved fictional character Tenida, who remains an iconic figure in Bengali children's literature. His literary contributions include numerous novels such as Upanibesh (3 volumes, 1944-1947), Samrat O Shresthi, Shilalipi, and Lalmati, along with acclaimed short story collections like Trophy and Bhatiyali. He taught at several colleges including City College, Kolkata, and was a regular contributor to renowned literary magazines like Shanibarer Chithi and Desh. His writings reflect his deep historical awareness, patriotic feelings, and love for Bengal's nature. He was honored with the Ananda Award in 1946 and the Basumati Literary Prize in 1968. Narayan Gangopadhyay passed away on 8 November 1970 in Kolkata, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire readers across generations.

Death Anniversary

Satyendra Nath Bose

Legendary Indian mathematician and theoretical physicist Satyendra Nath Bose passed away on 4 February 1974 in Kolkata at the age of 80. Born on 1 January 1894 in Calcutta, he was a brilliant scholar who consistently topped his examinations throughout his academic career. He is best known for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics during the early 1920s, particularly his collaboration with Albert Einstein in developing Bose-Einstein statistics. This groundbreaking work led to the classification of particles now known as "bosons", named in his honor by physicist Paul Dirac. His research paper on Planck's quantum radiation law, sent directly to Einstein in 1924, revolutionized our understanding of particle behavior. Despite never receiving the Nobel Prize, his contributions earned him India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan (1954), and the title of National Professor (1959), which he held for 15 years. A polymath with interests spanning physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, philosophy, arts, and music, Bose was fluent in Bengali, English, French, German, Sanskrit, and Hebrew. The S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences was established in Kolkata in 1986 in his honor. His legacy reminds us that true knowledge seeks to understand the divine laws governing creation itself.

3. Holiday Updates

Public Holiday: Today, 4 February 2026, is not a nationally or state-declared public holiday in India. Government offices, educational institutions, and workplaces remain open across the country.

Bank Holiday: Today, 4 February 2026, is not a bank holiday under Reserve Bank of India guidelines. Banks across India remain open and regular banking services will be available.