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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared November 12, Tuesday, as a holiday for banks in select states. This holiday is due to the celebration of the traditional festival Igas-Bagwal in Uttarakhand. All public and private sector banks in the state will remain closed on this day. Customers are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly.

Why Banks Are Closed on November 12
In Uttarakhand, November 12 marks the celebration of Igas-Bagwal, a festival observed 11 days after Diwali. It holds special significance in the Garhwal region, where it is celebrated with traditional rituals, songs, dances, and the lighting of lamps. The festival is a reminder of cultural roots and traditions, with unique customs such as the burning of wooden torches (Bhailo).

Legend has it that news of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya reached the mountainous region late, which is why the locals celebrate their version of Diwali—known as Deep Parv—on this day. To honor this festival, the Uttarakhand government has declared it a public holiday, allowing people to return to their villages and participate in the celebrations.

Banking Services in Other States
While banks in Uttarakhand will remain closed on November 12, banking services in other states will operate as usual. Customers can still use internet banking, mobile banking, and ATMs for their financial transactions during the holiday.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in November

• November 10 (Sunday): Banks closed nationwide.
• November 12 (Tuesday): Banks closed in Uttarakhand for Igas-Bagwal.
• November 15 (Friday): Guru Nanak Jayanti/Kartik Purnima – Banks closed in Mizoram, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and other states.
• November 17 (Sunday): Holiday nationwide.
• November 18 (Monday): Kanakadasa Jayanti – Banks closed in Karnataka.
• November 23 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday and Senkut Snei Festival in Meghalaya.