As the world observes Good Friday on April 18, 2025, many banks across India will be closed in observance of this significant day in the Christian calendar. Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is recognized as a gazetted bank holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This closure affects a wide range of cities and states, as outlined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
According to the RBI holiday calendar, banks in various regions, including major cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi, will not open their doors for over-the-counter services on this day. This means that customers in these areas will be unable to conduct cash deposits, cheque clearances, or account-related transactions at physical bank branches. However, the RBI has reassured the public that digital banking services will remain fully operational. Customers can still access internet banking, mobile banking apps, and ATMs for essential operations, such as fund transfers, bill payments, and cash withdrawals.
Banking operations will resume as usual on Saturday, April 19, 2025, which is designated as a regular working day. However, it is important to note that banks will again be closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025, due to the weekend. This pattern of closures is common in April, as many other holidays are also observed during the month.
In total, April 2025 features a robust schedule of bank holidays across India. The RBI has categorized these holidays into three types: holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, RTGS holidays, and bank account closing holidays. Specifically, the month has a total of 13 specified bank holidays, including observances for various festivals and commemorative days, which can lead to differing closure schedules across states.
While Good Friday will see the closure of banks in most states, including Delhi, some regions will remain unaffected. Notably, banks in Tripura, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh will remain open on April 18, 2025. This means that residents in these areas can still access banking services without interruption.
As part of the April holiday schedule, other notable closures include:
- April 20 (Sunday) – Weekend Holiday
- April 21 (Monday) – Garia Puja: Banks in Tripura will remain closed for this tribal festival.
- April 26 (Saturday) – Fourth Saturday: All banks across India will close.
- April 29 (Tuesday) – Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti: Banks in Himachal Pradesh will close for this observance.
- April 30 (Wednesday) – Basava Jayanti & Akshaya Tritiya: Banks in Karnataka will close to honor Basava Jayanti and celebrate Akshaya Tritiya.
Customers are encouraged to check with their local branches for specific details regarding these closures and to plan accordingly. The RBI has emphasized the importance of being aware of these holiday schedules, especially for those who rely on banking services for their daily transactions.
In addition to bank closures, the Indian stock markets will also be shut on April 18, 2025, aligning with the bank holiday due to Good Friday. This synchronization of closures reflects the widespread observance of the day across various sectors.
As the month progresses, it is essential for bank customers to keep track of the holiday calendar to avoid any inconvenience. The RBI provides updates and notifications regarding bank holidays, which can be accessed through their official website or through bank notifications. Customers should also be mindful of potential technical issues that could arise during holiday periods, even with digital services.
In summary, Good Friday on April 18, 2025, will see banks closed across most of India, while digital services remain accessible. With a busy holiday schedule ahead, customers are advised to plan their banking needs accordingly and stay informed about upcoming closures.
