As the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti approaches, banks and stock markets across India will observe a holiday on Thursday, April 10, 2025. This significant festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and is observed with various religious ceremonies and processions. It's essential for residents to be aware of which institutions will be closed and which will remain operational on this day.
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks will be closed in several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana. However, some cities will see banks remaining open. For instance, banks in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar, Jammu, Kochi, Kohima, Panaji, Patna, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, and across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will continue to function normally.
While most banks will be closed, online banking services will remain operational, allowing customers to conduct transactions, pay bills, and access various digital services without interruption. This ensures that essential banking functions can still be performed even when physical branches are not open.
In addition to banking, the Indian stock markets, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will also be closed on April 10. This closure affects all market segments, including equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities. The holiday is part of a series of planned market closures throughout April, with additional holidays on April 14 for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti and April 18 for Good Friday. Normal trading hours will resume on Friday, April 11, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. IST.
As Mahavir Jayanti is a public holiday, government offices and educational institutions will also observe a closure. This is particularly prominent in regions with significant Jain populations, where the day is marked with prayers, processions, and various religious activities.
On this day, Jains across the globe engage in rituals that honor Lord Mahavir's teachings, which emphasize non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. The day is characterized by temple visits, charitable acts, and meditation, reflecting the core values of Jainism.
The significance of Mahavir Jayanti is steeped in history. Lord Mahavir was born in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali, with differing beliefs among sects regarding the exact year of his birth; the Swetambar Jains believe he was born in 599 B.C., while the Degambar Jains assert it was 615 B.C. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions, and the day is celebrated as a reminder of his contributions to the philosophy of Jainism.
As part of the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a dry day in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol to respect the religious sentiments associated with the festival. This aligns with the values promoted by Lord Mahavir, who advocated for simplicity and self-control.
In summary, April 10, 2025, will see a significant number of institutions, including banks and stock markets, closed in observance of Mahavir Jayanti. While many public services will not be available, online banking will continue to operate, and the day will be filled with religious observances and communal celebrations across the country. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
As the festival approaches, it is advisable for individuals to check with their local banks and businesses regarding their operational status on this day. The RBI provides a detailed holiday calendar each year, which includes specific closures for various states and regions, ensuring that customers are well-informed.
Overall, Mahavir Jayanti is not only a day of religious significance but also a time for reflection on the teachings of Lord Mahavir, promoting values that resonate deeply within the Jain community and beyond.
