Are Banks Closed on Lohri? As the festive season of Lohri approaches on January 13, 2025, many are curious about whether banks will remain closed on this day. Let’s explore the banking schedule for Lohri and related holidays to help you plan your financial transactions better.
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What Is Lohri, and Is It a Bank Holiday?
Lohri, primarily celebrated in Punjab and parts of North India, marks the harvest festival and holds great cultural significance. While it is a joyous occasion with traditional bonfires, singing, and dancing, January 13, 2025, is not listed as a bank holiday in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official calendar.
Banks across India will remain operational on this day unless otherwise specified by regional authorities or individual institutions.
RBI’s Official Calendar for January 2025
The RBI releases an annual list of bank holidays, which varies by region depending on local festivals and observances. According to the RBI’s 2025 holiday calendar, banks will observe holidays for festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu on January 14, but not on Lohri.
Key Bank Holidays in January 2025:
- January 1: New Year (Regional)
- January 6: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Punjab, Haryana)
- January 14: Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Multiple States)
- January 23: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (Tripura, Odisha, West Bengal)
Regional Bank Holidays for Lohri and Makar Sankranti
While Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, it does not impact banking operations nationwide. However, January 14, 2025, sees bank closures in multiple states for Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and other regional festivals.
States Observing Bank Holidays on January 14:
- Ahmedabad: Uttarayana / Makar Sankranti
- Chennai: Pongal
- Guwahati: Magh Bihu
- Hyderabad: Makar Sankranti
- Lucknow and Kanpur: Makar Sankranti
In contrast, banks in Delhi-NCR and other major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata will remain open on both January 13 and 14.
Banking Services During Holidays
Even during bank holidays, essential banking services remain operational through digital platforms and ATMs. Here’s what you need to know:
- Available Services:
- Online banking and mobile banking platforms
- ATMs for cash withdrawals and deposits
- Unavailable Services:
- Cheque clearance and promissory note transactions (suspended on official holidays as per the Negotiable Instruments Act)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are banks closed on Lohri 2025?
Answer: No, banks will remain open on January 13, 2025, as Lohri is not a bank holiday according to the RBI calendar.
Q2: Which states observe bank holidays on January 14, 2025?
Answer: States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh observe holidays on January 14 for festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu.
Q3: Can I use online banking during holidays?
Answer: Yes, online banking and ATM services will remain fully operational, allowing you to conduct transactions without disruption.
Conclusion
While Lohri is a culturally significant festival, it does not qualify as a bank holiday in 2025. Banks across most of India, including Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, will remain open on January 13. For January 14, specific regions will observe holidays for Makar Sankranti and other festivals. Customers are encouraged to check their local bank’s holiday schedule to avoid inconvenience.
For the latest updates on bank holidays, visit the RBI official website.
Also Read: Bank Holidays 2025 Mumbai