Bank Holiday Today, April 29: What Is Parshuram Jayanti, Significance; Check Bank Holidays List For This Week

Bank Holiday Today: Major Banks across India are closed today on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti, which is the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Parshuram, April 29, 2025. Several states across India are observing a bank holiday today, especially in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Here's everything you need to know about the significance of the Parshuram Jayanti festival, bank closures, and regional observance.

What is Parshuram Jayanti?

Parshuram Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. He is conisdered as a symbol of valour and a destroyer of evil forces. According to the Hindu calendar, Parshuram Jayanti is celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya, however its is being celebrated a day before this year.

Significance of Parshuram Jayanti

Lord Parshuram is considered a warrior-sage and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He is believed to have fought against injustice and protected dharma. On this day, devotees offer prayers at Vishnu or Shiva temples, perform rituals and yagnas, read sacred scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata (in which Parshuram appears), observe fasts and perform charitable acts. Many communities also celebrate this day to honour Brahmin heritage and warrior traditions, especially in northern and central India.

Is April 29 a bank holiday?

Yes, April 29, 2025, is a bank holiday in select states of India on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classifies holidays under three categories: holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays, and Banks' Closing of Accounts.

For April 29, banks in specific states remain closed under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, due to regional celebrations of Parshuram Jayanti.

States Where Banks Are Closed on April 29, 2025

According to the RBI's holiday list, banks remain closed in the following states on account of Parshuram Jayanti: Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Please note that banks in other states will operate as usual, although government offices and educational institutions in some regions may observe the day as a restricted or optional holiday.

Services Affected by the Bank Holiday Today

Even though physical bank branches are closed in the above states, online banking services, ATMs, mobile banking apps, and UPI transactions remain fully operational. However, certain in-person banking activities like cheque clearance or cash deposit/withdrawal may be affected.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in May 2025
If you're planning financial transactions or office visits, it's helpful to note other upcoming bank holidays: May 1 (Wednesday) - Maharashtra Day / Labour Day (holiday in many states), May 23 (Friday) - Buddha Purnima (holiday in several states). Always check the RBI official website or your local bank's holiday list to confirm state-wise closures.