As the month of May 2025 begins, it’s important for individuals and businesses to plan ahead, especially if they have tasks involving bank branches. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a list of holidays when banks across various states and cities will remain closed. This includes national holidays, local observances, and weekly offs like Sundays and second/fourth Saturdays.
While offline banking services will be paused on these dates, digital banking platforms like UPI, mobile apps, and net banking will remain operational as usual.
Let’s take a closer look at the complete list of bank holidays in May 2025, where they apply, and how you can still manage your financial tasks seamlessly.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Bank Holidays in May 2025
Date |
Day |
Occasion |
Applicable Cities/States |
|---|---|---|---|
May 1 |
Thursday |
Labour Day / Maharashtra Day |
Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, AP, Telangana, Imphal, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna, Panaji |
May 4 |
Sunday |
Weekly Off |
All India |
May 9 |
Friday |
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti |
Kolkata |
May 10 |
Saturday |
Second Saturday (Weekly Off) |
All India |
May 12 |
Monday |
Buddha Purnima |
Agartala, Aizawl, Bhopal, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Shimla, Srinagar, and others |
May 16 |
Friday |
State Day |
Gangtok (Sikkim) |
May 18 |
Sunday |
Weekly Off |
All India |
May 25 |
Sunday |
Weekly Off |
All India |
May 26 |
Monday |
Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti |
Agartala |
May 29 |
Thursday |
Maharana Pratap Jayanti |
Shimla |
May 31 |
Saturday |
Fourth Saturday (Weekly Off) |
All India |
How Bank Holidays Are Determined
Bank holidays are governed by three categories under RBI’s guidelines:
- National Holidays: Fixed across India (e.g., Independence Day, Republic Day)
- State-Specific Holidays: Vary depending on regional observances (e.g., State Day, local festivals)
- Weekly Offs: All banks remain closed on Sundays and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
The RBI Holiday Calendar ensures that holidays are spread throughout the year and aligned with cultural, historical, and religious observances across India.
Key State-Wise Observances in May 2025
1. May 1 – Labour Day & Maharashtra Day
Observed as a public holiday in many states:
- Celebrated as Labour Day in most parts of India.
- Recognized as Maharashtra Day in Maharashtra.
- Major metro cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru observe a full banking holiday.
2. May 9 – Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
- A public holiday in West Bengal commemorating the birthday of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
- Banks will remain closed in Kolkata.
3. May 12 – Buddha Purnima
- Celebrated across multiple states to mark the birth of Lord Buddha.
- Bank closures in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, and more.
4. May 16 – State Day in Sikkim
- Observed as Sikkim Statehood Day in Gangtok.
- Limited banking operations in the state.
5. May 26 – Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti
- Celebrated in Tripura (Agartala) to honor poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birth anniversary.
6. May 29 – Maharana Pratap Jayanti
- Regional public holiday observed in Himachal Pradesh (Shimla).
What Remains Open: Digital Banking Services
Even on bank holidays, customers can access most of their routine banking services through digital platforms:
Available Services on Holidays:
Service |
Platform |
|---|---|
Money Transfer |
UPI, IMPS, NEFT (available 24/7) |
Balance Enquiry |
Mobile Banking, Net Banking, ATM |
Bill Payments |
UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) |
FD/RD Management |
Internet Banking, Mobile App |
Cheque Book Requests |
Internet or Mobile Banking |
Note: Some functions like cheque clearance, branch-specific services, and cash deposits may not be available until the next working day.
Tips to Manage Banking During Holiday Season
- Plan Ahead: If you need to withdraw large amounts or require in-person banking, finish it before a holiday.
- Use UPI/IMPS: These platforms offer instant fund transfers even on public holidays.
- Schedule Payments: Set auto-debit instructions for bill payments or EMIs.
- Stay Updated: Monitor bank announcements and RBI notifications for regional changes.
Official Resources for Holiday Information
- RBI Holiday Calendar: https://www.rbi.org.in
- Bank Working Hours: Visit your bank’s official website (e.g., SBI, HDFC, ICICI)
- Banking Ombudsman Services: For grievance redressal during extended closures
FAQs: Bank Holidays in May 2025
Q1. How many total bank holidays are there in May 2025?
A: There are 12 holidays, including national, regional, and weekly offs.
Q2. Will ATMs work during bank holidays?
A: Yes, ATMs will function as usual. However, services like cash refilling may vary depending on the city and duration of the holiday.
Q3. Can I make UPI transactions during bank holidays?
A: Yes. UPI, IMPS, NEFT (online) are all functional 24/7, even on holidays.
Q4. Will cheques deposited before a holiday be cleared on the same day?
A: Only if deposited before cut-off time on a working day. Otherwise, they’ll be cleared on the next working day.
Q5. Can I visit the bank on a second or fourth Saturday?
A: No. Banks remain closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Banking Experience
With 12 bank holidays in May 2025, it’s crucial to schedule important tasks like loan EMIs, cheque deposits, or branch visits in advance. While physical branches may close, digital banking services ensure that your financial needs are met without interruption.
To avoid last-minute hurdles, bookmark these holiday dates and take advantage of mobile and internet banking.
For updated state-wise holiday information and service alerts, visit:
https://www.rbi.org.in
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