Bank Holiday Alert: Banks to Remain Closed for Up to Five Consecutive Days From December 18 — Here’s Why

If you are planning to visit a bank branch in the coming days to complete important financial work, this update is crucial for you. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) holiday calendar, banks in several states will remain closed for up to five consecutive days starting Thursday, December 18, through Monday, December 22, 2025. These closures are due to a mix of state-specific festivals, commemorative days, and the regular weekly holiday.

While banking services will not be suspended nationwide at the same time, customers in certain regions may face extended disruption of branch-based services. Here’s a detailed explanation of when and where banks will remain closed, and what customers should keep in mind.

Why Banks Are Closed for Five Days in a Row

The RBI declares bank holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and these holidays vary from state to state depending on local festivals, important anniversaries, and cultural events. In the third week of December 2025, multiple such holidays fall back-to-back, resulting in prolonged closures in some regions.

From December 18 to December 22, banks will remain shut in different states on different days, and in certain areas, customers may not get branch services for several consecutive days.

State-Wise Bank Holiday Details (December 18–22, 2025)

December 18 (Thursday)

Banks will remain closed in Meghalaya on the occasion of the death anniversary of renowned Khasi poet U Soso Tham. All public and private sector bank branches in the state will be shut, and no in-branch banking services will be available.

December 19 (Friday)

Bank branches in Goa will stay closed due to Goa Liberation Day, a significant state holiday. Both government and private banks will observe this holiday, affecting branch-based transactions across the state.

December 20 (Saturday)

In Sikkim, banks will remain closed on account of the Losong/Namsoong Festival, which marks the Sikkimese New Year. Customers in the state will not be able to access bank branches on this day.

December 21 (Sunday)

Banks across India will remain closed due to the weekly Sunday holiday.

December 22 (Monday)

Once again, banks in Sikkim will remain shut due to the continued celebration of the Losong/Namsoong Festival. As a result, Sikkim will witness three consecutive days of bank closures from Saturday to Monday.

What Banking Services Will Be Affected

During these holidays, customers will not be able to access:

• Cash deposits or withdrawals at bank branches

• Cheque clearing services

• In-person loan or account-related services

However, it is important to note that digital banking services such as UPI, net banking, mobile banking apps, ATMs, and online fund transfers will continue to function normally, unless affected by maintenance schedules.

Upcoming Bank Holidays Later in December 2025

Apart from the December 18–22 period, banks will also remain closed on several other dates this month in different states:

• December 24 (Wednesday): Christmas Eve holiday in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram

• December 25 (Thursday): Christmas — banks closed across India

• December 26 (Friday): Post-Christmas holiday in select northeastern states

• December 27 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday bank holiday

• December 28 (Sunday): Weekly holiday

• December 30 (Tuesday): Banks closed in Meghalaya on the death anniversary of freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah

• December 31 (Wednesday): Banks closed in Mizoram and Manipur due to New Year’s Eve and Imoinu Iratpa festival

In some northeastern states, customers may experience four consecutive days of bank closures around Christmas.

What Customers Should Do

Given the extended holiday schedule:

• Plan cash withdrawals in advance

• Complete important branch-related work before December 18

• Rely on digital banking platforms for routine transactions

• Check state-wise bank holiday lists before visiting branches

Banks advise customers to stay updated through official RBI notifications or their bank’s website to avoid inconvenience.

Bottom Line

The upcoming stretch of bank holidays in December 2025 is driven by a combination of regional festivals, commemorative days, and weekly offs. While banks will not be shut nationwide for five straight days, customers in states like Meghalaya, Goa, and Sikkim may face prolonged branch closures. Proper planning and the use of online banking services can help avoid last-minute hassles.

If you have urgent banking needs, it’s best to act early and stay informed about local holiday schedules.