On April 1, banks across most states in India will be closed for annual closing, marking the beginning of the new financial year 2024-25. While some states like Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and West Bengal will operate normally, most banks will focus on year-end formalities, necessitating overtime work from staff to complete essential procedures.
In April 2024, banks will remain shut for 12 days, varying across states due to the Reserve Bank of India’s calendar, incorporating public holidays, regional holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The holiday calendar, determined by the RBI and state governments, reflects local customs and practices.
Here’s a breakdown of bank holidays in April 2024:
- April 5: Banks closed in Telangana and Jammu for Babu Jagjivan Ram’s Birthday/Jumat-ul-Vida.
- April 9: Banks closed in multiple states for Gudhi Padwa/Ugadi Festival/Telugu New Year’s Day/Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba)/1st Navratra.
- April 10: Banks closed in Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Jammu, and Srinagar due to Bohag Bihu/Cheiraoba/Baisakhi/Biju festivals.
- April 15: Banks suspend offline operations in Assam and Himachal Pradesh for Bohag Bihu and Himachal Day.
- April 16: Banks closed in several states for Ram Navami.
- April 20: Banks’ branches in Tripura closed for Garia Puja festival.
Additionally, regular closures include:
- April 13: Second Saturday
- April 27: Fourth Saturday
- April 7, 14, 21, 28: Sundays
Despite closures, online banking services remain operational, allowing customers to access their accounts via websites, mobile apps, or ATMs for urgent transactions. However, for tasks requiring bank staff assistance, customers should be mindful of the holiday schedule and plan visits accordingly.
While this list provides a general overview, regional variations may exist. Individuals are advised to verify the holiday schedule with their specific bank branch or official website for accurate information.
The RBI releases the comprehensive bank holiday list annually, considering national/state holidays, cultural/religious observances, operational requirements, and government announcements. Nationwide access to online banking persists during bank closures, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about scheduled holidays for effective planning.
