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Public and private sector banks will remain closed on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in most states across India. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the holiday has been declared due to various regional festivals and special occasions.

Key Highlights of the Bank Holiday

• Holiday Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
• Reason: Observance of festivals including Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan Punyakaal, Pongal, Magh Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Hazrat Ali Jayanti.
• Affected Locations: Banks will be closed in cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Itanagar, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

Festivals Observed on January 14

1. Makar Sankranti:

   • Marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn.
   • Celebrated with kite flying, sesame, and jaggery delicacies, and bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga.
   • Symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity.

2. Uttarayan Punyakaal:

   • Marks the Sun’s northward movement, considered spiritually auspicious.
   • Charity and Ganga baths hold significant merit on this day.

3. Pongal:

   • A major South Indian harvest festival, primarily in Tamil Nadu.
   • Gratitude is offered to nature, the Sun God, and livestock.
   • Special sweet rice dish, Pongal, is prepared to celebrate.

4. Magh Sankranti:

   • Marks the beginning of the Magh month.
   • Bathing in sacred rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga and performing charity are traditional practices.

5. Magh Bihu:

   • The harvest festival of Assam, also called Bhogali Bihu.
   • Celebrated with feasts, burning of Meji (bonfire), and traditional festivities.

6. Hazrat Ali Jayanti:

   • Observed by followers of Islam to honor the teachings of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad.
   • Symbolizes guidance and inspiration for his followers.

List of Bank Holidays in January 2025

• January 14: Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan Punyakaal/Pongal/Magh Sankranti/Magh Bihu/Hazrat Ali Jayanti (Banks closed in multiple states).
• January 15: Thiruvalluvar Day (Chennai).
• January 16: Uzhavar Tirunal (Chennai).
• January 19: Sunday.
• January 23: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti/Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti (Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata).
• January 25: Fourth Saturday.
• January 26: Republic Day (Sunday).

Online Banking Services to Remain Available

Even during bank holidays, customers can access services like:

• Fund transfers.
• Bill payments.
• Account management via mobile apps and websites.
• ATM cash withdrawals.

Plan Your Banking Needs

Customers are advised to plan their banking activities ahead of time to avoid inconvenience. For urgent requirements, online banking services provide a seamless alternative.