Good Friday 2024: What Is Open, What Is Closed On This Long Weekend

Good Friday 2024: Good Friday holds a solemn yet profound significance in the Christian calendar. It serves as a poignant moment for believers worldwide to contemplate the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down his life for the redemption of humanity.?

In many cities across India, Good Friday is observed as a holiday, allowing individuals to engage in prayer, reflection, and religious observances. Additionally, banks remain closed on Good Friday, in accordance with the calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).?

This year, Good Friday falls on Friday, March 29th, providing an opportunity for Christians and non-Christians alike to pause and acknowledge the depth of the event that shapes the core of the Christian faith.

Is Good Friday a national holiday in India?

Good Friday is not recognised as a national holiday in India. The country only observes three national holidays: Republic Day on January 26th, Independence Day on August 15th, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd.

As for the closure of banks on Good Friday, it varies across states. According to the RBI calendar, banks will remain closed in most states except Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

Even though regular bank branches will be closed, online banking services and ATMs will work smoothly.

RBI categorises holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays and Banks' Closing of Accounts. Good Friday falls in the first category.

What is open, and what is closed on the Good Friday long weekend?

On March 29, in observance of Good Friday, the Indian stock market, bond market, and commodity markets will remain closed. Trading activities across various segments, including cash, derivatives, securities lending and borrowing (SLB), and commodity futures, will be paused for the day.

Normal trading operations will resume on April 1st, with both the BSE and NSE commencing the day with a 15-minute pre-opening session starting at 9:00 am, followed by regular trading.

MCX will also resume its regular trading hours on the same day. The morning session will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, followed by the evening session from 5:00 pm until 11:30/11:55 pm.

Is tomorrow a holiday for schools in India?

Educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities might have scheduled breaks or closures during this period.

Some businesses, particularly smaller establishments, may opt to close for the duration of the long weekend. It's advisable to verify specific closures with individual businesses.

Government offices, including post offices and municipal buildings, typically observe public holidays and will likely be closed during the weekend.

Note: Details mentioned here are as per the information available.?

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