On April 10, 2025, all public and private banks across India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), will be closed in observance of Mahavir Jayanti. This significant holiday, celebrated by the Jain community, marks the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankar of Jainism.
The observance of Mahavir Jayanti is particularly noted in several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana. Given the importance of the day, schools, colleges, and government offices will also remain closed in these regions.
As part of the holiday schedule, banks will not only be closed on Mahavir Jayanti but also on April 12, 2025, due to the second Saturday of the month, and on April 13, 2025, for the weekly Sunday holiday. This week presents a lengthy bank holiday period, which may affect customers needing to conduct financial transactions.
In addition to Mahavir Jayanti, several other holidays are scheduled throughout April 2025. On April 14, banks will close for Ambedkar Jayanti, observed in states like Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh. April 15 will see closures for the Bengali New Year, Himachal Day, and Bohag Bihu in Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
April 18 will be marked by Good Friday closures in Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Srinagar. The following Sunday, April 20, will also see public and private banks closed in observance of Easter Sunday. A local tribal festival, Garia Puja, will lead to bank closures on April 21 in Tripura.
Additionally, the fourth Saturday of the month, April 26, will see all banks closed nationwide, followed by the weekly Sunday closure on April 27. On April 29, banks in Himachal Pradesh will close for Bhagwan Shree Parshuram Jayanti, and on April 30, closures will occur in Karnataka for Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya.
Customers should be aware that banks follow a regular holiday schedule, closing on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, along with every Sunday. This routine will continue throughout April 2025, impacting banking operations significantly.
During these bank holidays, customers can still conduct transactions using ATMs, mobile banking, online banking, and bank applications. However, it is crucial to note that checks and promissory notes related to the Negotiable Instruments Act will not be available for transactions on these holidays.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for issuing the annual official bank holiday list, which outlines all scheduled closures. Customers are encouraged to check with their local bank branches for confirmation of the holiday schedule and to plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience during extended closures or emergencies.
Mahavir Jayanti is not merely a bank holiday but a day of immense significance for the Jain community. It celebrates the teachings and life of Bhagwan Mahavir, who was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in Vaishali. The Svetambara tradition marks his birth in 599 BCE, while the Digambara tradition places it in 615 BCE.
At the age of 30, Mahavir renounced his kingdom to pursue a path of spirituality. After 12 years of rigorous penance and meditation, he attained 'Kaivalya Gyan' or supreme knowledge. His teachings emphasized the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha), which continue to resonate deeply within and beyond the Jain community.
The day of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with various rituals, including prayers, temple ceremonies, and community service, reflecting the core tenets of Jainism. Many Jains engage in charity and donations to the less fortunate, upholding Mahavir's teachings of compassion and service.
As the country prepares for this important day, individuals are reminded to be mindful of the banking schedule and plan accordingly for any financial needs. The combination of Mahavir Jayanti and the subsequent bank holidays provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together, celebrate their heritage, and reflect on the teachings of one of the most revered figures in Indian spirituality.
In summary, April 10, 2025, is a significant day for the Jain community and a reminder for all to observe the values of peace and coexistence that Bhagwan Mahavir championed. With banks closed across many states, it is essential for customers to manage their transactions wisely during this holiday period.
