On May 3, 2025, banks across India will be open for business, despite it being a Saturday. This day marks the first Saturday of the month, and according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, banks operate on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays, while they remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. However, customers should be aware that certain regions may still observe local holidays.
In Goa, for example, some areas will be closed due to the Shree Lairai Devi Zatra festival in Shirgao. In contrast, major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai will have regular banking hours. Customers are encouraged to verify with their local branches or check online for any specific holiday notices related to their region.
The RBI has designated a total of 13 bank holidays for May 2025, which include both national and regional observances. On May 1, the Labour Day and Maharashtra Day were observed, leading to bank closures in several cities including Mumbai, Nagpur, and Kolkata. Following this, the month will see several other holidays as well.
According to the RBI holiday calendar, the upcoming bank holidays are as follows:
- May 1 (Thursday): Labour Day / Maharashtra Day - Banks closed in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other states.
- May 3 (Saturday): Limited observance for Lairai Zatra in Goa.
- May 7 (Wednesday): Basava Jayanti / Akshaya Tritiya - Holiday in Karnataka and Odisha.
- May 10 (Saturday): Second Saturday - Nationwide holiday.
- May 14 (Wednesday): Parashurama Jayanti - Holiday in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
- May 17 (Saturday): Buddha Purnima - Holiday in Delhi, Bihar, UP, and other regions.
- May 24 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday - Nationwide holiday.
In addition to these holidays, online banking services will remain unaffected even on official bank holidays. Customers can continue to access ATMs, online banking, and other digital services 24/7. This means that transactions such as fund transfers, bill payments, and account management can still be conducted without interruption.
As the month progresses, it is advisable for customers to plan their banking activities around the holiday schedule. With multiple regional holidays, different states may have varying closures that could impact local banking operations. For instance, on May 12, banks will close in several cities including Agartala, Aizawl, Bhopal, and Mumbai for Buddha Purnima.
Moreover, the RBI has also highlighted the importance of checking with local branches to confirm any specific observances that may affect banking services. As some states celebrate unique festivals, understanding the local holiday calendar will help customers avoid any inconvenience.
For example, May 16 marks State Day in Gangtok, which will lead to bank closures in that region. Similarly, on May 26, banks in Agartala will be closed to commemorate the birthday of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, and on May 29, Maharana Pratap Jayanti will result in closures in Shimla.
In conclusion, while banks will be open on May 3, 2025, and throughout much of the month, customers should remain vigilant about local observances that may affect their banking needs. The RBI's official holiday calendar serves as a valuable resource for planning financial transactions. Always check with your bank for the most accurate and updated information regarding holiday schedules.
Stay informed and make sure to manage your banking activities effectively, especially during the busy holiday season!
