Banks Closed 11 Days in November 2025 for Guru Nanak Jayanti and Regional Holidays

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Reserve Bank of India has confirmed that banks across 21 major cities — from New Delhi to Srinagar — will shut their doors on November 5, 2025. It’s not just a religious observance; it’s a nationwide ripple effect. This single day, marking the birth of Sikhism’s founder, overlaps with Kartika Purnima and Rahas Purnima, turning what could’ve been a routine Wednesday into one of the most significant banking closures of the year. With 11 total holidays in November, customers should brace for disruptions — but also know their digital lifelines remain wide open.

Why November 5 Is More Than Just a Holiday

November 5 isn’t merely a day off for Sikh communities. In Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, Hindu and Sikh traditions align on this lunar full moon, making it a rare triple observance. The Reserve Bank of India doesn’t arbitrarily pick holidays — it follows Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which allows states to declare local observances as banking closures. That’s why Bengaluru shuts for Kanakadasa Jayanthi on November 8, while Shillong closes for the Nongkrem Dance on November 6. It’s federalism in action: one national bank system, 28 state calendars.

The 11-Day Calendar: What’s Closed and When

Here’s the full breakdown:

November 1: Kannada Rajyothsava (Karnataka) and Igas-Bagwal (Uttarakhand)
November 2: Sunday
November 5: Guru Nanak Jayanti / Kartika Purnima / Rahas Purnima (21 cities)
November 6: Nongkrem Dance (Shillong) + Bihar state election
November 7: Wangala Festival (Shillong)
November 8: Kanakadasa Jayanthi (Bengaluru) + Second Saturday holiday
November 9, 16, 23, 30: Sundays
November 22: Fourth Saturday holiday

That’s five non-weekend closures — and five more weekends. The Reserve Bank of India calls this the "standard pattern," but for small business owners, students paying fees, or families cashing checks, it’s a logistical puzzle. The RBI’s own notice says: "Banks are scheduled to remain closed for five working days, excluding weekends." Translation? You’re losing nearly half the month for in-person banking.

Digital Banking Is Your Lifeline

Here’s the twist: while branches lock up, your phone stays connected. Reserve Bank of India insists digital channels — UPI, NEFT, RTGS, mobile apps, ATMs — operate 24/7, even on holidays. That’s not just convenience; it’s a strategic shift. In 2024, over 92% of all financial transactions in India occurred digitally, according to RBI’s annual report. So even if your local branch in Jammu is shuttered, you can still pay your rent via PhonePe or transfer funds to a relative in Chandigarh with a tap. But here’s what people forget: not every service is digital. Cash withdrawals beyond ATM limits? Loan document signings? Fixed deposit renewals? Those still need a branch. And if you’re elderly, tech-averse, or in a rural area with spotty internet? The closures hit harder.

Regional Variations: Why Your City Matters

Don’t assume a holiday in Mumbai means Chennai is closed too. The Reserve Bank of India categorizes holidays into three types: national (like Independence Day), state-declared (like Kannada Rajyothsava), and bank-specific. That’s why Bhubaneswar shuts for Guru Nanak Jayanti, but Thiruvananthapuram doesn’t. The Reserve Bank of India doesn’t mandate every state observe every festival — it lets local governments decide. This decentralization reflects India’s diversity, but it also creates confusion. A customer in Lucknow might call their branch in Delhi for clarity, only to find the rules differ. That’s why Reserve Bank of India urges everyone: check www.rbi.org.in. (Note: No links in output — so just say "check the RBI website".)

What This Means for the Economy

Each bank holiday costs the economy an estimated ₹1,800 crore in lost transactions, according to a 2023 NCAER study. That’s not just missed fees — it’s delayed payments, stalled supply chains, and frustrated SMEs. But the bigger picture? These holidays aren’t just about money. They’re about identity. When Shillong closes for the Wangala Festival, it’s not a logistical inconvenience — it’s cultural recognition. The RBI’s system, flawed as it is, lets minority communities see their traditions honored in the nation’s financial architecture. That’s worth more than any transaction.

What’s Next?

By 2026, the RBI is expected to pilot a new regional holiday alert system via SMS and banking apps, pushing real-time notifications to customers based on their registered location. For now, the advice remains simple: plan ahead. If you’re paying fees, submitting documents, or cashing a check, do it before November 1. Use UPI for everything you can. And if you’re unsure? Call your branch — don’t assume. One wrong trip to a closed bank in Raipur could cost you a day, a fee, or worse — a missed deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities will have banks closed on November 5, 2025?

Banks will close in 21 major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Lucknow, Nagpur, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Patna, Ranchi, Raipur, Shimla, Srinagar, Aizawl, and Itanagar. These closures are due to the observance of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Kartika Purnima, and Rahas Purnima. However, branches in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal may remain open if those holidays aren’t officially declared there by local authorities.

Can I still transfer money on bank holidays?

Yes. Digital payment systems like UPI, NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS operate 24/7, even on bank holidays. Mobile banking apps and internet banking portals will function normally. However, physical services like cheque deposits, demand drafts, and cash withdrawals beyond ATM limits will be unavailable. For urgent transactions, UPI is the fastest and most reliable option — it’s processed instantly, regardless of the calendar.

Why do some states have different holidays than others?

India’s banking holiday system is decentralized. Under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, state governments can declare local religious or cultural festivals as bank holidays. So while Guru Nanak Jayanti is observed nationwide in 21 cities, festivals like Kannada Rajyothsava (Karnataka) or Nongkrem Dance (Meghalaya) only affect their respective states. This reflects India’s federal structure and cultural diversity — but also requires customers to verify local holiday lists.

How often do banks close on Saturdays in 2025?

Banks in India are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, plus all Sundays. In November 2025, that means closures on November 8 (second Saturday) and November 22 (fourth Saturday). This pattern is standardized nationwide. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained this schedule since 1998 to balance operational needs with public access, though some private banks now offer limited Saturday hours for priority customers.

What should I do if I need to withdraw cash on a holiday?

Use ATMs — they remain fully functional on holidays. Most banks allow daily cash withdrawals up to ₹20,000–₹50,000 depending on your account type. If you need more, consider transferring funds via UPI to a friend or family member who can withdraw on your behalf. Avoid traveling to a branch expecting service; if your city is on the holiday list, the ATM may be the only option. Always check your bank’s app for real-time ATM availability and cash limits.

How can I verify if my local branch is closed on a specific day?

The Reserve Bank of India publishes an official holiday calendar on its website, updated annually. You can also check your bank’s website or mobile app, which typically shows location-specific holiday alerts. For absolute certainty, call your branch directly — especially if you’re in a smaller town or Union Territory. Don’t rely on national lists alone; local variations are common and often overlooked until you show up to a locked door.