Bank customers across India need to mark their calendars as financial institutions will remain shut for two consecutive days this week. The nationwide bank closure affects both public and private sector banks, following the Reserve Bank of India's established holiday schedule.
Weekly Banking Closures Schedule
Banks will remain closed on Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 as part of the regular weekly off days. November 22 specifically marks the fourth Saturday of the month, which automatically qualifies as a bank holiday under RBI regulations.
The central banking authority designates all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month as mandatory closures for banks nationwide. This standardized approach helps maintain consistency in banking operations while allowing for necessary maintenance and staff rest periods.
Understanding India's Bank Holiday System
India's bank holiday structure varies significantly across different states, with closures determined by a combination of national observances, regional festivals, and religious celebrations. The Reserve Bank of India collaborates with state governments to finalize the annual holiday list before publishing it on their official website and circulating notifications to all financial institutions.
So far in November, banks in various regions have already experienced six days of closures due to regional festivals and local observances. The most recent RBI-designated holiday occurred on November 15 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, to commemorate the Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary and State Formation Day celebrations.
Jharkhand marked two significant occasions simultaneously - the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the Silver Jubilee of its Foundation Day. The state officially separated from southern Bihar on this date in 2000, becoming India's 28th state.
Banking Services Availability During Holidays
While physical branches remain closed during bank holidays, customers can continue accessing numerous financial services through alternative channels. Online and mobile banking platforms remain fully operational during holiday periods, unless specific technical issues arise that prompt service disruption notifications from individual banks.
For immediate cash needs, ATMs continue functioning normally, allowing withdrawals and balance inquiries. Digital payment systems including UPI, bank applications, and card transactions proceed without interruption. Customers can also initiate fund transfers using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms and submit requests for demand drafts and chequebooks.
Additional services that remain accessible during bank holidays include credit card, debit card, and ATM card applications through card services, account maintenance form submissions, standing instruction setups, and locker application processes.
The RBI declares all annual holiday calendars under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs cheque and promissory note transactions. Consequently, services involving these financial instruments remain unavailable during designated holidays.
Looking ahead, banking customers can expect uninterrupted service for the remainder of November, as no additional RBI-designated holidays are scheduled after this weekend's closures. The next bank holiday will occur in December, following the release of the updated holiday calendar by the Reserve Bank of India.
