Bank holidays can disrupt your financial plans if you’re unprepared. March 2025 brings a series of bank holidays across different states in India, particularly on March 13, 14, and 15 due to festivals like Holika Dahan, Holi, and Yaosang. Understanding when banks are closed in your state will help you plan your banking activities efficiently.
Bank Holiday Alert
| Date | Holiday | States Affected |
|---|---|---|
| March 13 | Holika Dahan | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand |
| March 14 | Holi | Gujarat, Odisha, Chandigarh, Sikkim, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Jammu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Srinagar |
| March 15 | Yaosang (2nd Day) | Tripura, Odisha, Manipur |
With March 2025 bringing multiple bank holidays, preparing in advance is crucial. Ensure transactions, withdrawals, and payments are handled before March 12 to avoid last-minute issues. While online banking and UPI services remain active, cash transactions and branch services will be unavailable in affected states.
Plan ahead to manage your financial activities smoothly and avoid disruptions!
Understanding the March 2025 Bank Holidays
March 13: Holika Dahan – Where Banks Will Be Closed
Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, marks the burning of Holika effigy, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is mainly observed in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, where banks will remain closed on this day.
March 14: Holi – A Major Bank Holiday Across Multiple States
Holi, the festival of colors, is a public holiday in several states. Banks in Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan, and others will remain closed.
What It Means for You: If you have important banking transactions, ensure they are completed by March 12, as UPI and internet banking might experience higher traffic on March 14.
March 15: Yaosang (Second Day) – Bank Closures in Select States
Yaosang, the five-day festival of Manipur, is celebrated in Tripura, Odisha, and Manipur. Banks in these states will remain closed on March 15.
How to Manage Your Banking Needs During These Holidays
If your state observes a bank holiday, follow these strategies to avoid disruptions:
1. Use Online Banking and UPI Services
- NEFT, IMPS, RTGS, and UPI will remain active, allowing seamless transactions.
- Download your bank’s mobile app to manage your accounts without visiting a branch.
- Link multiple UPI apps to ensure an alternative in case of technical issues.
2. Withdraw Cash in Advance
- ATMs may run out of cash due to increased demand. Withdraw necessary cash before the holidays begin.
- Consider using digital payment options like credit cards, debit cards, or wallets for purchases.
3. Check Your Loan or EMI Payments
- If your EMI payment date falls on March 13-15, ensure your bank balance is sufficient to avoid late penalties.
- If you have a credit card payment due, pay in advance to avoid late fees.
4. Plan Business Transactions Early
- Businesses relying on bank transfers should settle payments before March 12.
- Companies should ensure payroll processing is completed in advance if salaries are scheduled within these dates.
5. Stock Up on Essential Services
State-Wise List of Bank Closures
To ensure you are fully prepared, here’s a detailed state-wise bank holiday list:
| State | March 13 | March 14 | March 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Yes | Yes | No |
| Gujarat | No | Yes | No |
| Bihar | No | Yes | No |
| Manipur | No | No | Yes |
| West Bengal | No | Yes | No |
| Maharashtra | No | Yes | No |
| Tripura | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will ATMs Work During Bank Holidays?
Yes, ATMs will function as usual, but cash availability may be an issue due to high demand. Plan withdrawals in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Q2: Can I Use UPI on These Holidays?
Yes, UPI, NEFT, IMPS, and RTGS services will be operational despite physical branch closures.
Q3: Will All Banks Be Closed on These Dates?
No, bank holidays vary by state. Check with your specific bank branch or visit the RBI website for accurate information.
Q4: What If I Need Urgent Banking Services?
For urgent banking needs, use net banking, mobile banking, or contact your bank’s customer support.
Q5: What If I Have a Cheque Deposit or Clearance Pending?
Cheque clearances may be delayed if deposited around the holiday period. Ensure important cheques are deposited by March 12.
