Bank holidays 2025: Are banks closed for Lohri and Makar Sankranti on January 13 and 14? Check details here

Lohri and Makar Sankranti Bank Holidays: With 2025 just beginning, many people are curious about bank holidays for January. In total, there are 13 bank holidays this month, which include all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. With Lohri on January 13 and Makar Sankranti on January 14, there is some confusion about whether banks will remain open or closed on these days. Let¡¯s clear the doubts.

Are Banks Closed for Lohri on January 13?

Lohri, celebrated primarily in Punjab and Haryana, is not considered a bank holiday. Therefore, banks across India will remain open on January 13, 2025, as per the Reserve Bank of India¡¯s (RBI) holiday schedule.

Is Makar Sankranti a Bank Holiday on January 14?

The answer depends on where you live. Makar Sankranti, also called Pongal, Uttarayana Punyakala, Magh Bihu, or Maghe Sankranti, is a bank holiday in certain states. On January 14, 2025, banks will be closed in the following cities:

- Ahmedabad

- Bengaluru

- Bhubaneswar

- Chennai

- Gangtok

- Guwahati

- Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana)

- Itanagar

- Kanpur

- Lucknow

This holiday is also linked with the Birthday of Hazrat Ali in some regions, which contributes to the closures.

Why Do Bank Holidays Vary Across States?

In India, bank holidays are not uniform across the country because they depend on cultural, religious, and regional observances. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes an official calendar of bank holidays, taking into account:

- National and state-specific holidays

- Religious or cultural events

- Government announcements

Operational requirements of banks

Since Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated in certain parts of India, banks in those regions will remain closed. However, in other states where the festival isn¡¯t traditionally observed, banks will continue to operate.

What Should Bank Customers Keep in Mind?

If you have important banking tasks to complete around January 13 and 14, 2025, here¡¯s what you can do:

- Confirm with your local branch: Each state follows a unique holiday schedule, so it¡¯s wise to check with your bank beforehand.

- Plan ahead: If you anticipate any financial emergencies, ensure you withdraw cash or complete transactions before these dates.

- Utilise digital banking: Even if banks are closed, online and mobile banking services remain operational.

By staying informed about bank holidays 2025, including Lohri bank holidays and Makar Sankranti bank holidays, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and plan your finances effectively.