On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, banks will be closed in some regions of India due to the observance of Parshuram Jayanti, a significant festival dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), this holiday will affect banking operations in Himachal Pradesh, where the day is marked as a public holiday in honor of this auspicious occasion. For those planning to conduct banking activities, it is essential to be aware of this closure.
Parshuram Jayanti, celebrated on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh, is a day of great reverence among Hindus. It is believed that Lord Parshuram was born during the Pradosh Kaal on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, a time considered particularly auspicious for new beginnings and religious observances. This year, the festival falls on the same day as Akshaya Tritiya, enhancing its significance.
In Himachal Pradesh, banks will be closed for the festival, while in other states such as Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa, and Jammu-Kashmir, banking services will remain operational.
Despite the closure of physical bank branches in Himachal Pradesh, customers need not worry about accessing their funds or conducting transactions. Digital banking services, including online banking, mobile banking, UPI, and ATM services, will continue to function normally. This means that residents can still send money online, pay bills, and manage their finances without interruption.
As for the celebrations of Parshuram Jayanti, devotees engage in various religious practices to honor the deity. It is believed that worshipping Lord Parshuram brings strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Rituals often include bathing in sacred rivers, offering prayers, and performing specific pujas during auspicious timings. For 2025, the recommended timings for Parshuram Jayanti puja are from 10:47 AM to 12:24 PM, 3:36 PM to 5:13 PM, 5:13 PM to 8:49 PM, and finally from 8:13 PM to 9:36 PM.
Devotees are encouraged to perform the puja with a clean heart and mind, offering items such as sandalwood, tulsi leaves, kumkum, incense, flowers, and sweets to Lord Parshuram. It is also customary to recite specific mantras during the worship, such as "Om Jamadagnyaya Vidmahe Mahaviraya Dhimahi, Tanno Parshuram Prachodayat." This mantra invokes the blessings of Lord Parshuram, seeking wisdom and strength.
In addition to the religious observances, Parshuram Jayanti is also a time for sharing good wishes and blessings among friends and family. People send heartfelt messages to their loved ones, wishing them happiness and success on this auspicious day. Messages often reflect the virtues associated with Lord Parshuram, such as bravery, righteousness, and the pursuit of truth.
As the day unfolds, many participate in processions and community gatherings, celebrating the legacy of Lord Parshuram. His teachings emphasize the importance of justice and the protection of dharma, making him a revered figure in Hindu culture.
For those in Himachal Pradesh, while the physical banking services may be unavailable, the spirit of Parshuram Jayanti can be felt through the community's celebrations and the continued availability of digital banking options. This blend of tradition and modernity allows individuals to honor their cultural heritage while also managing their day-to-day financial needs.
Looking ahead, the next bank holiday will occur on April 30, 2025, in Karnataka for Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya. As these holidays approach, residents are reminded to plan their banking activities accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
In summary, Parshuram Jayanti serves as an important reminder of cultural values and the significance of divine blessings in everyday life. As people across India celebrate this day, they reflect on the virtues of Lord Parshuram and the impact of his teachings on their lives.
