Good news for those with pending bank work next week. Financial institutions across the country will observe a closure on just a single day, providing ample opportunity for customers to complete their in-person transactions.
Weekly Closure: The Only Shutdown
According to the official holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), all public and private sector banks will remain shut only on Sunday, 16 November. This is part of the regular weekly off and is the only scheduled closure for the upcoming week.
In a departure from the norm for some weekends, 15 November, which falls on the third Saturday of the month, will see banks open for business as usual. This means customers can visit their branches for all standard services on that day without any interruption.
Understanding India's Bank Holiday Schedule
Bank holidays in India are a complex mix of national, regional, and religious observances, leading to variations from state to state. The final list is curated by the RBI and respective state governments.
Apart from these designated holidays, a standard rule applies nationwide: banks remain closed every Sunday and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. So far in November, various regions have witnessed a total of five days of bank closures due to different regional festivals. The last RBI-notified holiday was on 8 November in Bengaluru, Karnataka, for Kanakadasa Jayanthi.
No More Holidays & Available Services
For those wondering about the rest of the month, the RBI calendar confirms that there are no additional bank holidays in November beyond the regular weekend closures.
Even when bank branches are shut, a wide array of essential services remain accessible. Customers can seamlessly use online and mobile banking platforms, which operate 24/7. For immediate cash needs, ATMs are fully functional. Services like UPI, NEFT, and RTGS fund transfers continue uninterrupted.
Furthermore, individuals can submit request forms for demand drafts, chequebooks, and even apply for services like locker facilities or setting up standing instructions. The entire annual holiday list for banks is declared by the RBI under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs cheques and promissory notes, making transactions involving these instruments unavailable on listed holidays.
