As Good Friday approaches, many bank customers in India are eager to know if their local branches will be open on April 18, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed that several banks across various states will close for the observance of this significant Christian holiday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Specifically, banks in states including Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu, and Srinagar will suspend operations on this day.
Good Friday, falling on April 18, will see banking services resume as usual on Saturday, April 19, while a regular weekend closure will follow on Sunday, April 20. Despite the physical branches being closed, customers can still access digital banking services, including ATMs, SMS banking, WhatsApp banking, mobile banking apps, and internet banking, all of which will operate without disruptions.
The RBI categorizes holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and Good Friday is classified as a public holiday, meaning that both public and private sector banks will observe the closure. This holiday affects physical banking services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and branch consultations.
In addition to bank closures, the Indian stock market, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), will also remain closed on April 18 for Good Friday. Trading will resume on Monday, April 21, at 9:15 AM, marking a complete halt in all trading activities for the day.
April is notable for several holidays in India, with banks also closed on April 15 for Bengali New Year, Himachal Day, and Bohag Bihu, affecting states like West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. The following days will see further closures, including Easter Sunday on April 20, Garia Puja in Tripura on April 21, the Fourth Saturday on April 26, and Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti on April 29 in Himachal Pradesh.
In the United States, Good Friday is observed on the same date, April 18, but it is not a federal holiday. However, twelve states, including Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, recognize it as an official holiday. Consequently, banks in these states may operate on reduced hours or remain closed entirely. It's advisable for customers to check with their local branches beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.
While the NYSE and NASDAQ will also be closed on Good Friday, the bond market will have an early closure on Maundy Thursday, April 17, at 2 PM ET, marking the end of trading activities before the holiday.
Good Friday is a time for reflection and mourning among Christians, marking the day Jesus was crucified, with many observing the day through prayer and church services. In India, it is a public holiday in many states, and various institutions, including schools and government offices, will be closed. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh officially recognize Good Friday as a holiday, ensuring that all government buildings and educational institutions remain closed.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Education Department has announced that schools will be closed on April 18, while in Bihar, all state government buildings, educational institutions, and colleges will observe the holiday. The same applies to Uttarakhand, where government buildings and schools will also be closed.
In Chandigarh, the administration has clarified that Good Friday will be a public holiday across all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions, and industrial establishments. However, they noted that this holiday does not fall under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which governs public holidays in India.
As the day approaches, it’s essential for individuals to plan their banking and trading activities accordingly. With both banks and stock markets closed, customers are encouraged to utilize digital banking platforms for any urgent transactions. This way, they can ensure that their financial needs are met even during the holiday.
In summary, Good Friday on April 18, 2025, will see widespread closures of banks and stock markets across India and the United States, marking a significant day of reflection for many. Customers are urged to prepare in advance to avoid any disruptions in their banking and trading activities during this time.
