Bank Holiday: Major news for bank customers. Banks will be shut on Friday, September 25th. Before heading to a bank branch on this date, it’s advisable to check if banks are operating in your state. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) schedule, some states will have closed banks on Friday. Here is the information on which areas and for what reason banks will be closed:

Reasons for Bank Closure on Friday, September 25th

– Banks in Sikkim will be closed on Friday, September 25th, due to the Indrajatra festival.

– All public and private sector banks such as State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara, Axis, HDFC, and ICICI will remain closed in Sikkim.

– Except for Sikkim, banks will be operational in all other states across the country.

The Indra Jatra festival, also known as Yenya, is the biggest celebration of the Newar community in Sikkim and Nepal. Originating in the Kathmandu Valley in the 10th century, it has become an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Newari community in Sikkim. The festival commemorates Lord Indra’s visit to earth to gather Parijat flowers for his mother, Mother Earth, and the subsequent events that led to abundant rain and prosperous harvests. It is a way to express gratitude to Lord Indra for these blessings.

Moreover, Indra Jatra is a grand eight-day celebration in Sikkim where the Newar community pulls the chariot of Kumari, the living goddess, attracting large crowds. Various traditional dances and performances are part of the festivities, including the Lakhe Dance and the Puli Kishi, or elephant dance. A public holiday has been announced by the Sikkim government during this time.

Bank Branches Operating in Other States:

Banks will be functioning in several states including Delhi, UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.

 

Upcoming Bank Closure Dates in September:

– September 25th: Banks will be closed in Gangtok, Sikkim due to Indrajatra.

– September 26th: Banks will remain closed due to the fourth Saturday.

 

Additionally, bank employees are planning a strike from September 28 to 30. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a three-day strike during this period, claiming to represent around 90 percent of the officers and staff in the banking industry.