Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival. Usually, it falls on the date of 14 January annually and on 15 January (on a leap year). This festival is dedicated to the solar deity, Surya, and is observed to mark a new beginning. It is a time of celebration and thanks giving. This day is marked by a variety of rituals and traditions. Many multi-day festivals are organised on this occasion including, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, and Magh Bihu all over India.
Bank holidays are announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in coordination with state governments. These holidays take into account national and regional festivals, religious and cultural observances, and operational requirements of banks. The RBI shares the official holiday calendar through its website, also informs banks and financial institutions.
Are banks closed on Makar Sankranti?
As per Angle One, banks will be closed in certain states on 14 January for Makar Sankranti and similar festivals, such as Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, and Magh Bihu falling on the same day. States where banks will observe a holiday on 14 January 2025 include:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhubaneswar
- Chennai
- Gangtok
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)
- Itanagar
- Kanpur
- Lucknow
Please note that bank holidays are not the same in all states. Some holidays are valid all over the country, while some are only in specific states. However, even on bank holidays, ATMs and online banking services are available for the customers. They can withdraw cash and complete online transactions without any interruption unless prior notifications specific service unavailability.
Customers are advised to check with their local bank branch for specific holiday schedules in order to plan their financial activities better. Customers should plan the transactions and banking needs to avoid any inconvenience during bank holidays.