On November 1, 2025, banks across Karnataka and Uttarakhand shut their doors not for a national holiday, but for local pride — Kannada Rajyothsava and Igas-Bagwal — marking the first of 11 bank holidays in November. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had already laid out the framework: Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month are non-negotiable closures nationwide. But what makes November 2025 stand out is how deeply regional culture is woven into the banking calendar — from the rhythmic drums of the Nongkrem Dance in Shillong to the quiet devotion of Guru Nanak Jayanti across most of India.
Why November’s Holiday List Matters More Than Ever
With digital banking still not fully replacing branch visits — especially among older populations and small business owners — these closures can disrupt everything from salary disbursements to loan processing. The RBI doesn’t just issue a blanket list. It expects customers to check their state’s specific holidays. That’s not bureaucracy. It’s necessity. In a country as diverse as India, a holiday in Sikkim doesn’t mean a closure in Chennai. And that’s exactly how it should be.
The Full 11-Day Breakdown
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what actually closes, when, and where:
- November 1 (Saturday): Closed in Karnataka for Kannada Rajyothsava; also closed in Uttarakhand for Igas-Bagwal (a local variant of Deepavali).
- November 2, 9, 16, 23 (Sundays): Nationwide closure. Always.
- November 5 (Wednesday): Guru Nanak Jayanti. Banks closed everywhere — except Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Kochi, Panaji, Patna, Shillong, Thiruvananthapuram, and Vijayawada. Odd? Yes. But that’s the pattern. Some cities observe it; others don’t.
- November 6 (Thursday): Shillong shuts for the Nongkrem Dance, a Khasi harvest festival.
- November 7 (Friday): Shillong again, this time for the Wangala Festival, honoring the sun god.
- November 8 (Saturday): Nationwide closure for the second Saturday. Plus, Bengaluru and parts of Kerala close for Kanakadasa Jayanthi, honoring the 16th-century saint.
- November 11 (Tuesday): Sikkim observes Lhabab Duchen, a Buddhist commemoration.
- November 22 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday. Nationwide closure.
That’s 11 days. Four of them are Sundays. Two are RBI-mandated Saturdays. The rest? Cultural heritage in action.
Why Some Cities Are Exempt — And Why It’s Not Arbitrary
Ever wonder why Bengaluru is closed for Kanakadasa Jayanthi but not Guru Nanak Jayanti? It’s not a glitch. It’s history. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a pan-Indian Sikh observance, but in cities with smaller Sikh populations — like Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram — the RBI allows local banks to remain open. Meanwhile, Kanakadasa Jayanthi is deeply rooted in Karnataka’s Bhakti tradition. So when Bengaluru shuts, it’s not about religion — it’s about identity.
What This Means for Everyday Life
Imagine you’re a small shop owner in Mysuru who needs to deposit cash on November 1. You show up, only to find the doors locked. You didn’t check the holiday list. You’re out a day’s revenue. Or worse — you’re waiting for a loan disbursement tied to a government scheme, and it gets delayed because November 5 is a holiday in your town but not your neighbor’s. These aren’t theoretical inconveniences. They’re real economic friction points.
That’s why the RBI insists on its Holiday Matrix Display — even if most people don’t visit it. The tool exists. It’s updated. It’s free. But awareness? Still lagging.
What’s Next? Digital Shifts and the Future of Bank Holidays
As UPI and digital wallets grow, fewer people need to visit branches. But cash is still king in rural India. Over 60% of small businesses in tier-2 and tier-3 cities still rely on physical banking for daily operations, according to a 2024 NCAER survey. So while digital banking reduces the *impact* of closures, it doesn’t eliminate them.
Some experts suggest the RBI should consolidate regional holidays into a single, unified calendar per state — not per city. Others argue that the current system is a quiet form of cultural recognition. The truth? It’s both. The system isn’t perfect. But it’s reflective. And in India, reflection matters.
How to Avoid Getting Caught Off Guard
Here’s what you should do:
- Bookmark the RBI’s official holiday matrix.
- Check your bank’s website — SBI, HDFC Bank, and others publish localized calendars.
- Set calendar alerts for the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
- If you’re in a state with major festivals (like Karnataka or Sikkim), double-check even if it’s not a Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which days are always closed for banks in India in November 2025?
Banks are always closed on all four Sundays in November 2025 (2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd) and on the second (8th) and fourth (22nd) Saturdays, as mandated by the Reserve Bank of India. These are nationwide closures, regardless of region or festival.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti a holiday in some cities but not others?
The Reserve Bank of India allows flexibility based on local religious demographics. Cities with significant Sikh populations — like Amritsar or Ludhiana — observe Guru Nanak Jayanti as a bank holiday. In places like Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram, where the Sikh community is smaller, banks remain open to serve customers. This avoids unnecessary disruption where demand is low.
Can I use ATMs and UPI on bank holidays?
Yes. ATMs, UPI, NEFT, and RTGS services remain fully operational on bank holidays. Only physical branches close. This means you can still transfer money, pay bills, or withdraw cash — just not walk into a branch for counter services like cheque deposits or loan paperwork.
What should I do if my bank is closed on a day I need to submit documents?
Check your bank’s website for alternative submission methods — many now accept scanned documents via email or portal uploads. For time-sensitive matters, visit a branch the day before the holiday. Always confirm your branch’s specific holiday schedule, as regional closures vary even within states.
Is November 25, 2025, a bank holiday?
HDFC Bank lists November 25 as Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, but this is not confirmed in the RBI’s official November 2025 holiday matrix. Unless your state or region specifically observes it, banks will likely remain open. Always verify with your local branch or the RBI website before assuming a holiday.
How does this affect businesses that rely on bank clearances?
Businesses relying on cheque clearing or loan disbursements face delays when banks are closed. For example, a vendor in Shillong waiting for payment on November 7 may have to wait until the 10th. Planning around these closures is essential — especially for small enterprises with tight cash flow. Digital payments can help, but physical transactions still dominate in many sectors.