Bank Holidays January 2025: Are banks closed today and tomorrow for Lohri, Makar Sankranti? Check details here

Festivals are a significant part of Indian culture and are a way to express values and emotions. As Lohri and Makar Sankranti approach, people are curious about whether banks will remain closed on January 13 and 14 in observance of these festivals.

There is no holiday on January 13 for Lohri, as per the RBI's official holiday list.

While Lohri is not a holiday for banks, Makar Sankranti is a holiday for banks in some states. Specifically, banks will be closed in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Itanagar, Kanpur, and Lucknow in observance of Makar Sankranti and related celebrations, including Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and the Birthday of Hazarat Ali.

January 14 which will be celebrated as Makar Sankranti/Uttarayana Punyakala/Pongal/Maghe Sankranti/Magh Bihu/Birthday of Hazarat Ali, banks will remain closed in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gangtok,Guwahati, Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabd- Telangana, Itanagar, Kanpur, Lucknow.

Bank customers are advised to keep a note that bank holidays can vary by state in India. It is recommended to check with your local bank branch for their specific holiday schedule or list in advance. This will help customers stay informed and make necessary preparations for emergencies or upcoming long weekends.

In total, January features 13 holidays, including weekends. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes the bank holiday calendar, which takes into account a variety of factors such as national and state holidays, cultural and religious observances, operational needs, government announcements, and coordination with other banks.

In addition to the festive, regional, and national holidays in January, all banks, both public and private, will also be closed on two Saturdays and four Sundays.

For cash emergencies and needs, all banks maintain their online websites and mobile banking services, which remain operational during weekends and holidays, unless users are notified otherwise. Customers can also withdraw cash from any bank's ATMs.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces the annual bank holiday calendar under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs the issuance of cheques and promissory notes. As a result, transactions involving these instruments will not be processed on the listed holidays.