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The approach of Chhath Puja, an important Hindu festival, brings with it a period of bank closures in several Indian states. From November 7 to November 10, 2024, banks in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal will observe consecutive holidays, impacting banking services in these regions. This closure is primarily due to the observance of Chhath Puja, a festival celebrated with elaborate rituals and offerings to the Sun God.
The specific dates for the closure and the associated festivities are as follows: On November 7 (Thursday), banks will be closed in Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, and West Bengal in observance of Chhath Puja’s evening arghya (offering). November 8 (Friday) will see banks closed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya due to the morning arghya of Chhath Puja and the Wangala Festival, respectively. November 9 (Saturday) will be a nationwide bank holiday due to the second Saturday closure, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s regulations. Finally, November 10 (Sunday) will be a nationwide bank holiday, with all banks closed across the country.
Beyond the Chhath Puja holidays, several other closures are scheduled throughout November. For instance, banks will be closed nationwide on November 3 (Sunday), November 17 (Sunday), and November 24 (Sunday). On November 15 (Friday), banks in certain states, including Mizoram, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and others, will be closed for Guru Nanak Jayanti/Kartik Purnima celebrations. Additionally, November 18 (Monday) sees banks in Karnataka closed due to Kanakadasa Jayanti, and November 23 (Saturday) will be observed as the fourth Saturday and Seng Kut Snem festival in Meghalaya. Customers should be aware of these closures and plan accordingly, especially those who need to access banking services during these periods.
The article highlights the importance of planning ahead and completing necessary banking transactions before the holiday period commences. While bank branches will be closed, digital banking options, including internet banking, mobile banking applications, and ATMs, will remain functional. These digital channels offer convenient access to essential banking services, ensuring customer convenience and uninterrupted financial transactions during the holiday period.
Source: Banks to close for four consecutive days next week for Chhath Puja: Key dates and details