Bank Holiday on June 25? RBI Clarifies Muharram Holiday Schedule Across States

As Muharram approaches, confusion has emerged among bank customers regarding branch operations on June 25 and June 26. Changes in the holiday schedule in some states have led many people to wonder whether banks will remain open on Thursday, June 25, or if services will be affected.

According to the latest holiday calendar, most bank branches across India are expected to function normally on June 25, while closures related to Muharram are scheduled for June 26 in several cities and states.

Will Banks Be Open on June 25?

Customers planning to visit a bank branch on Thursday, June 25, can do so without concern in most parts of the country.

As per the Reserve Bank of India's holiday schedule, banks are expected to remain operational across the majority of states. Routine banking activities, including cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque transactions, account services, and customer support, will continue as usual.

A key reason behind the confusion is a revision in the holiday date in Kerala.

Kerala Revises Muharram Holiday

The Kerala government initially proposed June 25 as a public holiday in connection with Muharram observances. However, after the moon-sighting process and consultations with community organizations, the state shifted the holiday to June 26, which coincides with Ashura.

As a result, government offices, educational institutions, and bank branches in Kerala are expected to remain open on June 25 and observe the holiday on June 26 instead.

Significance of Muharram

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is one of the most important months in Islam.

For many members of the Shia Muslim community, the month is observed as a period of mourning in remembrance of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.

Many Sunni Muslims observe Ashura through fasting, prayers, and acts of devotion. The day holds religious significance across various Islamic traditions and is recognized as a public holiday in several parts of India.

Cities Where Banks Will Remain Closed on June 26

Bank branches in several major cities are scheduled to remain closed on Friday, June 26, due to Muharram and Ashura observances.

The holiday is expected to apply in cities including:

• Agartala

• Aizawl

• Belapur

• Bengaluru

• Bhopal

• Chennai

• Hyderabad

• Jammu

• Kanpur

• Kolkata

• Lucknow

• Mumbai

• Nagpur

• New Delhi

• Patna

• Raipur

• Ranchi

• Srinagar

• Vijayawada

Customers in these locations are advised to complete important branch-related transactions before the holiday begins.

Three-Day Bank Closure in Several Cities

For customers living in cities where banks are closed on June 26, a long banking weekend is likely.

The sequence of holidays is as follows:

• June 26 (Friday): Muharram/Ashura holiday

• June 27 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday bank holiday

• June 28 (Sunday): Weekly holiday

This means bank branches in several regions may remain closed for three consecutive days.

Individuals who need services such as cash deposits, demand drafts, cheque clearances, or branch-based documentation should plan their visits accordingly.

Digital Banking Services Will Continue

Even when physical branches remain closed, digital banking platforms will continue to operate without interruption.

Customers can continue using:

• UPI payment services

• Mobile banking applications

• Internet banking portals

• ATM withdrawals and deposits

• Online fund transfers

• Bill payment services

These facilities will remain available throughout the holiday period, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential banking services.

What Customers Should Do

If you have any branch-related work scheduled for this week, it is advisable to complete it on June 24 or June 25, especially in cities where the Muharram holiday is being observed on June 26.

While digital channels provide convenient alternatives, services requiring physical branch visits may not be available until banks reopen after the weekend.

For most customers across India, however, there is no need to worry about June 25, as banks are expected to remain open and operate normally on that day.