Banks across Bengaluru will remain closed today, Wednesday, April 30, in observance of Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, these two significant festivals are marked as official bank holidays in the city.
Cultural Significance of the Day
Basava Jayanti celebrates the birth of Basavanna, a revered 12th-century philosopher and social reformer. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Lingayat sect and is remembered for his teachings on equality, social justice, and spirituality. This festival holds special importance in Karnataka, particularly among the Lingayat community.
On the same day, Akshaya Tritiya, a widely celebrated Hindu festival, is observed across India. It falls on the third lunar day of the bright half of Vaishakha month and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, investments, and purchases, especially of gold, which symbolizes prosperity and eternal wealth.
Bank Holiday Guidelines and Services
Bank holidays differ from state to state based on regional festivals, public observances, and national holidays. Alongside festival-related closures, banks are also closed every second and fourth Saturday, as well as on Sundays.
Although physical bank branches in Bengaluru will be closed for the day, customers can still access a wide range of digital services. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATM facilities remain operational, enabling uninterrupted financial transactions. Services such as NEFT and RTGS fund transfers, chequebook and demand draft requests, and credit/debit card services can still be accessed online or through automated systems.
April 2025: A Month of Multiple Bank Holidays
April 2025 has seen several bank closures across the country due to regional and national holidays. In total, banks were shut for nine days during the month, not including weekends. Some of the key holidays included:
- April 1 – Account Closing Day and Sarhul in Jharkhand
- April 5 – Babu Jagjivan Ram’s Birthday
- April 10 – Mahavir Jayanti
- April 14 – Ambedkar Jayanti and multiple regional New Year festivities
- April 15 – Bengali New Year, Himachal Day, and Bohag Bihu
- April 18 – Good Friday
- April 21 – Garia Puja in Tripura
- April 29 – Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti
- April 30 – Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya (Bengaluru)
How to Stay Updated
To avoid inconvenience, bank customers are encouraged to regularly check the RBI’s official website or consult their local bank branches for the latest updates on holidays and service availability.
