Copyright timesnownews
Banks in Patna and Ranchi will observe a bank holiday for Chhath Puja on October 28, 2025, as designated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This holiday is part of the region-specific holiday calendar, while banks in other areas of the country will remain operational. As per the RBI’s holiday calendar, bank holidays are classified into three primary categories. The first covers holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which include national, state, and religious occasions. The second type comprises RTGS Holidays, designated for the Real-Time Gross Settlement system. While RTGS functions 24x7, the RBI specifies certain days for maintenance activities or official observances. The final category, Banks’ Closing of Accounts, applies to days reserved for completing financial record-keeping, typically observed on April 1 and October 1 each year. Significance of Chhath Puja Chhath Puja is a prominent four-day festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. This year, the festivities began on October 25 and will conclude on October 28. During Chhath Puja, devotees honour the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, expressing gratitude for life and seeking blessings for health and prosperity. Rituals include fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and offering prayers to the sun. The holiday on October 28 will result in a total of four consecutive days of bank closure for residents of Patna and Ranchi, as it follows the weekend and the previous day’s holiday for the festival. The RBI has outlined a total of 15 bank holidays for October, ensuring that these observances are respected across various regions. Online Banking Services Remain Available Despite the bank holiday for Chhath Puja, customers can still access online banking services. These digital platforms will be operational, allowing individuals to perform financial transactions conveniently, even during the holiday. Chhath Puja serves as a significant cultural event, showcasing the devotion of millions of participants. With the conclusion of this year's celebrations, the next bank holiday will occur on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. As a result of the bank holiday for Chhath Puja, local banking services in Patna and Ranchi will be temporarily unavailable, but online facilities will ensure continued access to essential banking operations.
