EXHIBIT 32.1

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

   PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

         The undersigned executive officer of Banknorth Group, Inc. (the
"Registrant") hereby certifies that the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the three
months ended September 30, 2003 fully complies with the requirements of Section
13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained
therein fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Registrant.

                                                /s/ William J. Ryan
                                                --------------------------------
                                          Name: William J. Ryan
                                          Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 4, 2003

Note: A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to Banknorth Group, Inc. and will
be retained by Banknorth Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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