Bank holidays 2025

Bank Holidays 2025: When to Check Your Balances and Avoid the Queues!

Curious about when banks will be closed this January? Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal are your answers!

As the new year rolls in, so do the vibrant celebrations of Indian festivals, and with them, a slew of bank holidays! In January 2025, we’re looking at a colorful collision of cultural festivities like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal, which means banks will be closed on specific days. If you’re planning a trip to the bank on January 13 or 14, prepare yourself for the doors to be shut! Yes, you heard that right—those dates are marked as significant bank holidays in many regions across India.

The festivities kick off with Lohri on January 13, celebrated primarily in Punjab and Haryana, where people gather around bonfires, sing folk songs, and dance to traditional beats. It’s not just a celebration of the harvest, but a time to rejoice with family and friends, making it the perfect day to forget that bank errand (or maybe even your balance!). The very next day, January 14, is dominated by Makar Sankranti—an auspicious day celebrated all over India, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac of Capricorn. Expect kite-flying contests and sweet sensations as people indulge in special treats like tilgul.

While you’re busy enjoying delicious sweets and beautiful kites, keep in mind that several key metropolitan areas like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai will see their banks closed on these festive days. Fear not, though! If you absolutely need to conduct transactions, don’t forget that online banking services will be up and running, allowing you to send money, pay bills, or check your balance without missing a beat in your celebratory vibe.

As January progresses, it’s important to remember that this month holds a whopping 13 bank holidays when combined with regular and regional closures. Don’t let your financial plans fall into disarray—mark your calendars and make sure you have your banking needs sorted out ahead of time. After all, who wants to be that person standing outside a locked bank window when they could be savoring sweet treats!

Fun fact: Did you know that Makar Sankranti is the only Indian festival that is celebrated on the same date every year? Unlike other festivals which follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14, making it a consistent celebration of new beginnings each year! And speaking of consistency, remember to check if your regional bank observes local traditions—because while you’re enjoying that endless supply of Pongal, your bank might just be closed enjoying the festivities too!