Banks will be closed for three consecutive days in many states of India. Amid the current situation where tensions have risen between India and Pakistan, people are wondering whether banks will stay closed or operate normally.
In most states, banks will not function for three days. Here’s the full reason.
Banks to Remain Closed for 3 Days in Kolkata
In West Bengal, banks will be shut from May 9 to May 11, 2025, due to a long weekend. These dates include Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, the second Saturday, and Sunday. During these days, bank branches will not work, so customers should plan their banking tasks in advance.
Why Are Banks Closed for 3 Days?
May 9 (Friday): Rabindranath Tagore’s Birth Anniversary
On May 9, the state celebrates the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate and famous Bengali poet. Government offices, banks, and many private organizations remain closed. Cultural programs like music, drama, and poetry recitations are held across West Bengal.
May 10 (Saturday): Second Saturday
As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month across India. Hence, banks in Bengal and other states will be closed on May 10.
May 11 (Sunday): Weekly Holiday
All banks across the country are closed every Sunday. This completes the 3-day bank holiday series in West Bengal.
May 12 (Monday): Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is a major religious festival celebrated by Buddhists, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Gautam Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the month of Vaishakh.
It is observed peacefully in India and other Asian countries. Banks in most states will remain closed on this day as well.
Digital Banking Services Will Remain Active
Even though branches are closed, digital banking services will be available as usual.
Net Banking: You can check balance, view statements, and make online transfers.
Mobile Banking Apps: UPI, IMPS, bill payments, and more will work.
ATM Services: Cash withdrawal and deposit will remain available.
UPI Apps: Payments via Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc., will continue without issues.
RBI’s List of Bank Holidays for May 2025
| Date | Cities with Bank Holidays |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Mumbai, Nagpur, Belapur, Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, Patna, Panaji, etc. |
| May 9 | Kolkata, Imphal, Itanagar, Dehradun, New Delhi, Nagpur, Belapur, Mumbai, Ranchi, Raipur, Lucknow, Srinagar, Shimla |
| May 12 | Kolkata, Imphal, Dehradun, New Delhi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Ranchi, Raipur, Lucknow, Srinagar, Shimla, etc. |
| May 16 | Gangtok |
| May 26 | Kolkata |
| May 29 | Kolkata |
