The festive season in India is upon us, and with it comes a wave of bank holidays. This year, Chhath Puja, a major Hindu festival celebrated with fervor, will bring about bank closures in several states, impacting the daily banking routines of millions.
Bank Closures for Chhath Puja
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared November 7 and 8 as official bank holidays in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal. These closures coincide with the peak of Chhath Puja celebrations, a four-day festival steeped in cultural and religious significance. The festival is particularly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. During Chhath Puja, devotees, primarily women, observe rigorous fasting and perform elaborate rituals to honor the Sun God. This includes gathering at riverbanks and ponds to offer ‘Arghya’ at sunrise and sunset, signifying gratitude and purification.
Impact on Banking Services
The holiday period, combined with regular bank closures on the second Saturday (November 9) and Sunday (November 10), will create a prolonged disruption in in-person banking services.
November 8th: A Day of Closure
On November 8th, banks in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya will be closed for the ‘Morning Arghya’ of Chhath Puja. Meghalaya will also observe the Wangala Festival on this day, contributing to the bank closures. In Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi had declared November 7 a public holiday, ensuring the bank closures align with the Chhath Puja festivities in the capital city.
Digital Banking Options Remain Available
Despite the closures, digital banking platforms, including UPI payments, mobile banking apps, and ATM services, will continue to operate as usual. This ensures that customers can still access essential financial services during the holiday period.
Additional Bank Holidays in November 2024
November will see several other regional bank holidays across India:
* November 12: Egas-Bagwal, celebrated in parts of Uttarakhand.
* November 15: Guru Nanak Jayanti, a holiday in Punjab and among the Sikh community nationwide.
* November 18: Kanakadasa Jayanti, observed in Karnataka.
Stay Informed
For a detailed list of RBI-approved bank holidays for November 2024, including state-wise closures, please refer to the official RBI website. This will help you plan your financial transactions and avoid any inconvenience during the holiday period.
Chhath Puja is a deeply cherished festival, and the bank closures are a testament to its significance. While it may disrupt banking services, the spirit of the festival and its cultural impact resonate throughout India.
