Plan your finances around major festivals like Holi and Diwali with this official holiday schedule
In India, bank holidays are determined by a combination of national mandates and state-specific observances. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stipulates certain holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, while individual states declare additional holidays based on local festivals and events. Consequently, the schedule of bank holidays can vary significantly across different regions of the country.
National Bank Holidays
There are three primary national holidays during which banks across all states remain closed:
Republic Day: Celebrated on January 26th, this day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
Independence Day: Observed on August 15th, commemorating India’s independence from British rule in 1947.
Gandhi Jayanti: Held on October 2nd, honoring the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement.
On these dates, all banks nationwide remain closed, irrespective of the state or region.
State-Specific Bank Holidays
Beyond the national holidays, each state in India has its own set of holidays based on local festivals, cultural events, and historical anniversaries. These state-specific holidays result in bank closures that are unique to each region. For instance, Pongal is predominantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, leading to bank closures in that state, while it remains a working day in others.
Month-Wise Breakdown of Bank Holidays in 2025
January 2025:
January 1 (Wednesday): New Year’s Day – Restricted holiday in some states.
January 14 (Tuesday): Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Magha Bihu/Hazrat Ali’s Birthday – Celebrated in various forms across multiple states.
January 26 (Sunday): Republic Day – National holiday observed nationwide.
February 2025:
February 26 (Wednesday): Maha Shivaratri – A significant Hindu festival leading to bank closures in several states.
March 2025:
March 14 (Friday): Holi – The festival of colors, resulting in bank holidays in many northern and central states.
March 31 (Monday): Id-ul-Fitr – Marks the end of Ramadan; observed as a holiday in most states.
April 2025:
April 6 (Sunday): Ram Navami – Celebrated in various states, leading to localized bank holidays.
April 10 (Thursday): Mahavir Jayanti – Observed primarily in states with significant Jain populations.
April 18 (Friday): Good Friday – Christian observance leading to bank closures in several states.
May 2025:
May 12 (Monday): Buddha Purnima – Celebrated in states with Buddhist influence, resulting in bank holidays.
June 2025:
June 7 (Saturday): Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) – Observed nationwide, though the date may vary based on lunar sightings.
August 2025:
August 15 (Friday): Independence Day – National holiday with banks closed across all states.
August 16 (Saturday): Janmashtami – Celebrated in many states, leading to bank closures.
October 2025:
October 2 (Thursday): Gandhi Jayanti – National holiday observed nationwide.
October 20 (Monday): Diwali (Deepawali) – Major Hindu festival resulting in bank closures in most states.
November 2025:
November 5 (Wednesday): Guru Nanak’s Birthday – Observed in states with significant Sikh populations.
December 2025:
December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day – Celebrated nationwide, leading to bank closures.
Second and Fourth Saturdays
In addition to the aforementioned holidays, banks in India remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. This bi-monthly closure was implemented to provide bank employees with additional rest days and has been in effect since 2015.
Regional Variations and Observances
India’s vast cultural diversity means that certain festivals and events are celebrated exclusively in specific regions, leading to localized bank holidays. For example, Onam is a significant festival in Kerala, resulting in bank closures within the state, while it remains a regular working day elsewhere. Similarly, festivals like Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala, and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lead to state-specific bank holidays.
Planning Ahead
For individuals and businesses, being aware of these bank holidays is crucial for planning financial transactions, ensuring timely payments, and avoiding any disruptions. It’s advisable to consult the official holiday list released by the Reserve Bank of India or respective state governments to stay informed about the specific bank holidays in each region.
Bank holidays in India for 2025 encompass a blend of national and state-specific observances, reflecting the country’s rich cultural tapestry. By understanding and keeping track of these holidays, one can ensure seamless financial planning and avoid any inconveniences arising from unexpected bank closures.
