Despite state government declarations of a public holiday in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, banking services will continue uninterrupted across India on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India has not approved a nationwide bank holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Shahid Diwas, ensuring customers can access all branch services without disruption.
Understanding the Holiday Confusion
The uncertainty about banking operations stems from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's announcement declaring November 25 as a public holiday to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. In a social media post, Gupta stated: "The Delhi Government has decided to declare 25 November 2025 as a holiday on the sacred occasion of the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib's courage, compassion and message of religious freedom will always inspire us."
While schools and government offices in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will remain closed today, the banking sector operates under a different regulatory framework. The Reserve Bank of India maintains a separate holiday calendar that doesn't automatically include all state-declared holidays.
Significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Shahid Diwas
Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheed Diwas commemorates the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life defending religious freedom and protecting the rights of oppressed communities during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign. His courageous stand against forced conversions and ultimate sacrifice have established him as an enduring symbol of moral strength and heroism in Indian history.
The Delhi government is organizing a three-day commemoration at the Red Fort from November 23-25 to mark this significant anniversary. Across Punjab and other regions with significant Sikh populations, devotees have been participating in Nagar Kirtan processions, including recent gatherings at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk in Jalandhar.
Banking Operations and Upcoming Holidays
Financial institutions across India will maintain normal working hours today, with all banking services available to customers. This includes:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals
- Check clearing services
- Loan processing
- Account-related services
- Digital banking support
All scheduled bank holidays for November 2025 concluded in the first half of the month, making today a regular banking day nationwide. Looking ahead to December, the next major nationwide bank holiday will be Christmas on December 25, when banks throughout India will remain closed.
Customers are advised that while banking services continue normally today, they should plan their financial activities accordingly for the upcoming Christmas holiday period. Those in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh should note that although banks remain open, other government services and educational institutions in these states will observe the public holiday declared for Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom anniversary.
