Bank Holiday Today: Are Banks Open on Tuesday, January 14, for Pongal, Makar Sankranti 2025?

As India celebrates the harvest festivals of Pongal and Makar Sankranti today, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, banks in many parts of the country will remain closed. These closures are in line with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, which marks public holidays across various states.

Where Are Banks Closed Today?

Banks will remain closed in the following cities:

• Ahmedabad
• Bengaluru
• Bhubaneswar
• Chennai
• Gangtok
• Guwahati
• Hyderabad
• Itanagar
• Kanpur
• Lucknow
  
  This closure is due to the celebrations of Makar Sankranti, Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and the Birthday of Hazrat Ali.

Why Are Banks Closed Today?

Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The festival is celebrated across India with kite flying, sweets made of sesame and jaggery, and other regional traditions.

Uttarayana
Celebrated predominantly in Gujarat, Uttarayana signifies the northward movement of the Sun. The festival’s name is derived from the Sanskrit terms uttaram (north) and ayanam (movement).

Pongal
In Tamil Nadu, the four-day harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated with devotion and grandeur. It is a time to thank the Sun, nature, and farm animals for a bountiful harvest.

Maghe Sankranti
Known as Maghe Sankranti in Sikkim and Nepal, this festival marks the start of the harvest season and is observed with special regional customs.

Magh Bihu
In Assam, the harvest festival is known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. It involves community feasts, traditional games, and bonfires.

Birthday of Hazrat Ali
Today is also the birthday of Hazrat Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam and the first Imam of Shia Islam. Celebrated on the 13th day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar, this day honors his contributions to Islamic philosophy, governance, and spirituality.

How to Check Bank Holidays

Bank holidays differ across states and are listed in the RBI’s annual holiday calendar. Customers are advised to check the holiday list with their local bank branch to confirm closures.

While physical bank branches will remain closed in the mentioned cities, online and mobile banking services will operate as usual. Customers can still access cash through ATMs and perform transactions digitally.

Reference from:- https://www.livemint.com/industry/banking/bank-holiday-today-are-banks-open-on-tuesday-january-14-for-pongal-makar-sankranti-2025-11736815433717.html