Chhath Puja Celebrations Lead to Bank Holidays on November 8 Across Several States

Chhath Puja, a significant festival in North India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this festival, devotees worship the Sun God. Due to this occasion, many states will observe bank holidays on November 8. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided details regarding these closures.

Banks will not operate on November 8 in several regions. The RBI has declared a holiday starting from November 7 in some states. Consequently, banks will remain closed for four consecutive days in places like Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. On November 8, both public and private banks will be shut in these states due to Chhath Puja.

In addition to Chhath Puja, Meghalaya celebrates the Wangala Festival on November 8. This festival is also known as the 100 Drum Festival and is observed by the Garo tribes. It is a time to express gratitude to Saljong, the Sun God, after the harvest season. The event features traditional dance, music, and drum performances that draw numerous participants and spectators.

Besides these holidays, banks will also be closed on November 9 and 10 due to the second Saturday and Sunday of the month. On November 12, Uttarakhand will observe Egas-Bagwal, leading to bank closures there. Furthermore, banks will not operate on Sundays: November 15, 18, 23, and 24.

In cities where banks are closed due to holidays, customers can still manage their banking needs through digital means. Mobile banking and net banking services remain available for transactions. Additionally, money transfers can be conducted using UPI services. ATMs are accessible for cash withdrawals during these periods.

States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Hyderabad-Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Bengal, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh will also experience bank closures on various dates in November.

This series of bank holidays highlights the cultural diversity across India as different regions celebrate their unique festivals. While banks remain closed during these times, digital banking options ensure that essential financial transactions can continue without disruption.