Bank Holiday On Friday, Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: Is December 6 A Bank Holiday In Mumbai, Maharashtra?

Bank Holidays: December 6th marks a significant day as Indians will be honouring the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who is fondly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar in the country. This day is called Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Notably, the financial hub of India, Maharashtra has declared a public holiday on Friday, December 6. Does that mean all banks in Maharashtra or other cities are closed too?

Bank Holiday On December 6?

Maharashtra government has announced December 6th as a local holiday including for Mumbai and suburban areas. During the occasion of Mahaparinirvan, a large group of people are likely to visit the Chaityabhoomi Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak, which is located beside Dadar Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

However, despite the local holiday by the Maharashtra government, RBI has not made any announcement related to this. Hence, as per the RBI holiday list, banks across India including Maharashtra are working as normal days. That being said, banks will be opened in Mumbai as well.

Notably, bank holidays vary from state to state, so not all banks need to be closed on public holidays across India. But on national holidays like Independence Day, Republic Day, or Gandhi Jayanti, all banks are compulsorily closed across India irrespective of state or city. National holidays are generally fixed and practised by every state.

It is RBI that decides the holidays of Indian banks. Apart from second and fourth Saturdays, RBI identifies special occasions as holidays under three categories namely - Holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act; Holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays; and Banks' Closing of Accounts. These special holidays are in most cases public holidays and national holidays.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024:

As per the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar, a revered leader, thinker, and reformer, dedicated his life to championing equality and eradicating caste-based discrimination. Millions across India pay homage to his legacy on this solemn day by reflecting on his teachings and commitment to building a just and inclusive society.

The Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024, which marks the 69th death anniversary of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, will be observed by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) on behalf of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Complex, on December 6, 2024. The day's observance will commence with floral tributes from prominent leaders, including Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and other members of Parliament. The event invites everyone to pay respect to Dr Ambedkar's life and legacy! it added.