Bank Holidays 2024: Are Banks closed today, November 8 on Chhath Puja (Morning Arghya) and Wangala festival? Check here
Bank Holidays 2024: Chhath Puja is an important festival in North India, particularly celebrated in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This festival is a time when devotees honour the Sun God through various rituals and prayers. Given the significance of Chhath Puja, several states will observe a bank holiday on November 8. Below, we provide all the details on these closures and how to manage your banking needs during this festive period.
Chhath Puja 2024 Bank Holidays: States Observing Closures
To mark the occasion of Chhath Puja, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared bank holidays in numerous regions. Banks in states like Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, and West Bengal will remain closed on November 8. Some states will start their holiday as early as November 7, leading to a four-day bank closure in certain areas. For customers in these states, this means banking services will not resume until after the weekend, potentially affecting your banking plans.
Bank Closures in Meghalaya for the Wangala Festival
While Chhath Puja is being celebrated in North India, Meghalaya will observe the Wangala Festival on November 8. Known as the "100 Drum Festival," Wangala is a traditional festival of the Garo tribes, who express their gratitude to Saljong, the Sun God, for a successful harvest. This lively event features traditional dance, music, and drumming, attracting both participants and spectators.
Other Bank Holidays in November 2024
In addition to the Chhath Puja bank holiday, banks will be closed on November 9 and 10, as these dates are the second Saturday and Sunday of the month. Uttarakhand will also observe the festival of Egas-Bagwal on November 12, leading to additional bank closures in that state. To help you plan your banking requirements, here is a quick breakdown of the bank holidays in November:
- November 8: Chhath Puja holiday in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal
- November 9: Second Saturday, banks closed nationwide
- November 10: Regular Sunday closure
- November 12: Egas-Bagwal festival in Uttarakhand
Additionally, banks will also be closed on other Sundays this month: November 15, 18, 23, and 24. Various states, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and others, will observe further local holidays throughout November.
Detailed Bank Holiday List for November 2024
According to RBI guidelines, banks are closed every Sunday and on the second and fourth Saturdays. In November, additional closures are listed under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which allows for bank holidays on important state events and national festivals. Here is a breakdown of the specific days and reasons for closures:
| Date & Day | Events | States with banks closure |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 (Friday) | Deepavali, Kut, and Kannada Rajyotsava | Tripura, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Manipur |
| November 2 (Saturday) | Diwali, Laxmi Puja, and Govardhan Puja | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh |
| November 3 (Sunday) | Sunday | Nationwide bank closure |
| November 7 (Thursday) | Chhath Puja (Evening Arghya) | West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand |
| November 8 (Friday) | Chhath Puja & the Wangala Festival | Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya |
| November 9 (Saturday) | Second?Saturday | Banks will be closed nationwide |
| November 10 (Sunday) | Sunday | Nationwide closure |
| November 15 (Friday) | Guru Nanak Jayanti, Karthika Purnima, and Rahas Purnima | Mizoram, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and several other states |
| November 17 (Sunday) | Sunday | Nationwide closure |
| November 18 (Monday) | Kanakadasa Jayanti | Karnataka |
| November 23 (Saturday) | Seng Kutsnem and Fourth Saturday | All over India |
| November 24 (Sunday) | Sunday | Nationwide closure |
How to Access Banking Services During Chhath Puja
If you live in an area where banks are closed for Chhath Puja or other November holidays, you can still access vital banking services through digital channels. Online banking, mobile apps, and UPI services are all available, allowing you to make payments and transfer funds with ease. ATMs will also be accessible for cash withdrawals, ensuring you have minimal disruption during the holidays.
Bank Holidays Reflect India¡¯s Cultural Diversity
November¡¯s bank holidays show the rich cultural diversity of India, with each region celebrating unique festivals. From Chhath Puja in the North to the Wangala Festival in the Northeast, these occasions highlight India¡¯s varied traditions. While banks may be closed on specific days, digital banking ensures that you can still carry out essential financial activities without interruption.
Summary of Bank Holidays in November 2024
- Chhath Puja 2024: Bank holidays on November 8 in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal
- Additional Closures: November 9 (Saturday), November 10 (Sunday), and November 12 (Egas-Bagwal in Uttarakhand)
- Digital Banking: Available during the holiday period for essential transactions
To avoid any inconvenience, make the most of digital banking options, allowing you to manage your financial needs even during these closures.
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