On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, banks in nine Indian states will shut down for Guru Nanak Jayanti, the sacred birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The closure, confirmed by The Economic Times, HDFC Bank, and Hindustan Times, will affect millions of customers in Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. While digital banking and ATMs remain operational, branch-based transactions — from cash withdrawals to loan applications — will halt. The twist? This isn’t the only closure in November. Two more nationwide shutdowns are locked in, and one state will see a second, separate holiday just weeks later.
Why Guru Nanak Jayanti Matters Beyond Religion
Guru Nanak Jayanti isn’t just a religious observance — it’s one of the most significant cultural events in India’s calendar. Celebrated by Sikhs and respected by millions across faiths, it honors the teachings of compassion, equality, and service that Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached in the 15th century. The holiday’s inclusion in the banking calendar reflects India’s pluralistic identity. But here’s the thing: while the holiday falls on November 5 in most states, Lakshadweep observes it on November 15 — a rare regional quirk that catches even seasoned planners off guard. That’s because the date shifts annually based on the lunar calendar, and local authorities adjust accordingly.
The National Holiday Trifecta
Banking closures in India aren’t arbitrary. The Reserve Bank of India mandates that all branches close on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. So in November 2025, you’ve got three closures: November 5 (regional), November 8 (second Saturday), and November 22 (fourth Saturday). That’s three full days when you can’t walk into a branch to deposit a check, open a fixed deposit, or get a certified check for a property transaction. BankBazaar’s 2025 calendar, published in late 2024, clearly flags these dates — and it’s the same calendar used by banks nationwide. No surprises. Just planning.
State-Specific Holidays Add Complexity
It gets more layered. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Haryana celebrates Haryana Day, shutting down banks within the state — meaning Haryana gets two closures that month: one for Guru Nanak Jayanti and one for its own statehood anniversary. Meanwhile, Puducherry observes Puducherry Liberation Day on the same day. And in Punjab, the holiday season doesn’t end on November 5. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, banks will close again for the Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. That’s two bank holidays in Punjab within three weeks — a pattern that’s become common in states with large Sikh populations.
Who’s Affected — And How?
Approximately 250 million banking customers across India will experience disruptions in November 2025. Small business owners relying on daily cash deposits, farmers needing to withdraw crop payments, students paying tuition fees — all must adjust. Digital banking helps, but not everyone has reliable access. In rural areas of Uttar Pradesh or Odisha, many still depend on physical branches. The Reserve Bank of India doesn’t just announce these holidays — it coordinates with state governments under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, ensuring legal compliance. That’s why you won’t find last-minute changes. The schedule was finalized in late 2024 and published by all major banks months in advance. It’s meant to be predictable.
What Comes Next?
After November 25, banking operations return to normal until December. But the pattern holds: holidays cluster around religious and regional milestones. The Times of India maintains a searchable database of bank holidays by state and year — a tool millions use to plan ahead. If you’re sending money to Punjab in late November, don’t assume the 25th is just another Tuesday. And if you’re in Lakshadweep, mark November 15 on your calendar — not the 5th. The system works because it’s transparent. But only if you check.
Why This Isn’t Just About Banks
Behind every bank holiday is a story of identity, governance, and coexistence. India’s banking calendar mirrors its diversity — a patchwork of national rules and local traditions. It’s not perfect. Some argue for fewer closures to boost economic efficiency. Others say these days are vital for cultural continuity. The truth? Both are right. For many, Guru Nanak Jayanti isn’t just a day off — it’s a day of prayer, community meals, and singing hymns at gurdwaras. And for the economy? A brief pause, but one that honors millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states observe Guru Nanak Jayanti as a bank holiday in 2025?
Nine states observe Guru Nanak Jayanti as a bank holiday on November 5, 2025: Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Lakshadweep observes it on November 15 instead, due to local calendar adjustments. This reflects the decentralized nature of holiday approvals under India’s banking regulations.
Are ATMs and digital banking services affected on bank holidays?
No, ATMs and digital banking platforms like UPI, net banking, and mobile apps continue operating on bank holidays. Only physical branch services — including cash deposits, check clearances, and in-person loan processing — are suspended. This distinction allows essential transactions to proceed while respecting religious observances.
Why are there two bank holidays in Punjab in November 2025?
Punjab observes both Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5 and the Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji on November 25. Both are major Sikh religious events, and the state government has historically declared both as official banking holidays. This reflects the deep cultural significance of these dates in Punjab’s collective memory and governance.
How are bank holidays decided in India?
The Reserve Bank of India mandates closures on all second and fourth Saturdays nationwide. Additional holidays are proposed by state governments and approved under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Each state submits its list of regional holidays by October each year, and the RBI consolidates them into the official calendar published by December.
Can I still pay bills or transfer money on November 5, 2025?
Yes. All digital payment systems — including UPI, NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS — remain fully functional on bank holidays. You can pay utility bills, transfer funds, or recharge mobiles without interruption. Only in-branch services like cash withdrawals, demand drafts, or account opening require a visit to a physical bank.
Where can I find the official 2025 bank holiday calendar for my state?
The Reserve Bank of India publishes the master calendar on its website. For state-specific details, check the official websites of major banks like HDFC, SBI, or ICICI, or use trusted financial platforms like BankBazaar or The Economic Times, which maintain updated, searchable databases by state and date.
