As the festival of colors, Holi, approaches, banks across several Indian states will observe holidays in line with regional customs and state-wise regulations. While physical bank branches will remain closed on certain dates, customers will still be able to access services through online banking, UPI transactions, and ATMs without disruption.
Bank Holidays for Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025)
Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Deepak, is a significant cultural tradition that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated by lighting bonfires to remove negativity and welcome prosperity. On March 13, 2025, banks will remain closed in the following states:
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- Jharkhand
This ritual marks the beginning of the Holi celebrations and is observed with various religious and cultural practices.
Bank Holidays for Holi (March 14, 2025)
On March 14, 2025, banks will remain closed in several states to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, which is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. The following states will observe a bank holiday for Holi: Gujarat, Orissa, Chandigarh, Sikkim, Assam, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Srinagar
Holi is known for its vibrant celebrations, including throwing colored powders, singing, and dancing. The festival signifies unity and the triumph of good over evil.
Bank Holidays for Yaosang (March 15, 2025)
On March 15, 2025, most banks will remain open as it is the third Saturday of the month. However, certain states like Tripura, Orissa, and Manipur will observe bank closures for Yaosang, a major festival in Manipur that marks the arrival of spring. Yaosang is celebrated with music, dance, and sports, promoting community bonding and joy.
Two-Day Bank Holiday in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand
Residents of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand will benefit from a two-day bank holiday on March 13 and March 14, 2025, allowing them to fully participate in the celebrations of Holika Dahan and Holi. This extended break ensures that people can engage in cultural rituals and festivities without the need to attend to banking activities.
Impact on Banking Services
While physical bank branches will remain closed during these holidays, customers can still access essential banking services through:
- Internet Banking
- Mobile Banking
- UPI Transactions
- ATM Withdrawals
It is advisable for customers to complete important banking transactions ahead of the holidays to avoid any inconvenience.
