Bank Holidays in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal for Chhath Puja 2025

Nov 23 2025 • Posted in: Business

When the sun rises over the Ganges on October 27, 2025, millions in Bihar and Jharkhand will gather at riverbanks to offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya — the sixth form of the sun goddess — as banks across these states shut for the second consecutive day. The Reserve Bank of India has officially declared Chhath Puja holidays on October 27 and 28, 2025, turning what’s already a four-day weekend in parts of eastern India into a banking blackout. In Bihar and Jharkhand, every physical branch will close for both days, while West Bengal observes only the evening ritual day on the 27th. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, life goes on as normal — banks remain open, ATMs hum, and clerks stamp papers without interruption.

Why These States, and Not Others?

Chhath Puja isn’t just another festival. It’s a cultural pillar in eastern India, deeply woven into the identity of communities along the Ganges and its tributaries. In Bihar, where over 80% of the population observes the festival with four-day fasts and dawn offerings, the holiday isn’t optional — it’s sacred. Jharkhand, with its large Maithili and Bhojpuri-speaking population, follows suit. But in West Bengal, the observance is more concentrated in rural districts like Purulia and Bankura, so the state government opted for a single-day closure — only for the evening Arghya on the 27th. The Reserve Bank of India respects these regional distinctions, issuing separate calendars for each state based on local religious calendars.

That’s why Mumbai, Delhi, or even Lucknow won’t see a single bank close for Chhath. The RBI’s regional calendar system — rarely discussed outside banking circles — gives states autonomy to declare up to two additional holidays beyond national and weekly closures. This isn’t about religion alone; it’s about social cohesion. When a state shuts down for a festival, it’s a signal: your culture matters here.

The Four-Day Bank Shutdown in Bihar and Jharkhand

For residents of Bihar and Jharkhand, October 25–28, 2025, will be a rare four-day stretch with zero bank access. Here’s how it breaks down:

October 25: Fourth Saturday of the month — mandatory RBI weekly closure
October 26: Sunday — universal weekly holiday
October 27: Chhath Puja (Sham Arghya) — state holiday
October 28: Chhath Puja (Prabhat Arghya) — state holiday

That’s four straight days without cash withdrawals, check deposits, or in-person loan processing. The ripple effect? Small businesses that rely on daily bank deposits — street vendors, kirana stores, even rickshaw drivers collecting digital payments — will scramble. Many have already shifted to UPI. Others? They’re hoarding cash.

What’s Open? What’s Not?

Don’t panic — your money isn’t locked away. Digital services remain fully functional. UPI transfers, mobile banking apps, NEFT, RTGS, and ATM withdrawals will work as usual. In fact, the Reserve Bank of India has seen a 34% surge in digital transactions during Chhath Puja over the past three years. In Patna and Ranchi, mobile banking usage spikes by over 50% on the 27th. But if you need a passbook stamped, a loan application signed, or a fixed deposit renewed? You’ll have to wait.

Government offices, schools, and courts in these three states will also shut down. In Patna, even the district collector’s office closes on the 28th — a rare sight. The only exceptions? Emergency services, hospitals, and police stations. And yes, temple priests are working overtime — some in Varanasi and Dhanbad report 10,000+ devotees per hour during peak hours.

Why This Matters Beyond Banking

The RBI’s decision reflects a quiet but powerful truth: India’s financial calendar is not uniform. It’s a patchwork of regional identities. While the rest of the country moves on, Bihar and Jharkhand pause — not because they’re behind, but because they’re rooted. This isn’t just about holidays; it’s about recognition. When the RBI issues a state-specific holiday list, it’s acknowledging that cultural rhythms shape economic behavior.

Compare this to Diwali, when banks close nationwide. Chhath is different. It’s local. It’s intimate. It’s celebrated at riverbanks, not city squares. And the RBI gets it. That’s why, despite the logistical headaches, the system works. It’s not about efficiency — it’s about respect.

What’s Next? Planning for the Long Weekend

For consumers, the advice is simple: plan ahead. Withdraw cash before October 25. Schedule digital payments. Don’t wait until the 27th to pay your electricity bill. Banks will be flooded with inquiries on the 24th — call or check your branch’s website now. The Reserve Bank of India has published full holiday lists for all 28 states on its website, but many users still show up at branches unaware.

And for the millions fasting, bathing at dawn, and offering arghya to the rising sun? They won’t care about banking hours. They’re focused on one thing: honoring the sun, the earth, and the ancient tradition that binds them. For them, the banks closing isn’t a disruption — it’s a gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will UPI and mobile banking work during the Chhath Puja bank holidays?

Yes. All digital banking services — including UPI, NEFT, RTGS, mobile apps, and ATM withdrawals — will remain fully operational during the Chhath Puja holidays. The RBI ensures digital infrastructure stays active even when physical branches close. In 2024, over 89% of transactions in Bihar and Jharkhand during Chhath were digital, up from 62% in 2020.

Why does West Bengal only close on October 27 and not the 28th?

West Bengal observes Chhath Puja primarily in rural and eastern districts, where the evening Arghya (October 27) is the main ritual. The morning offering on the 28th is less universally observed across the state, so the government opted for a single-day closure to balance tradition with economic continuity. Urban centers like Kolkata largely remain open on the 28th.

How many bank holidays are there in India in October 2025?

India will have 21 bank holidays in October 2025, including all Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays, and regional festivals. Chhath Puja adds four days in Bihar and Jharkhand, three in West Bengal, while other states observe only the standard weekly closures. Diwali, on October 20, is the only nationwide holiday that month.

Are government offices and schools also closed during Chhath Puja?

Yes. In Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, state government offices, public schools, and colleges shut down on Chhath Puja days. In Bihar, even municipal corporations suspend non-essential services. This is standard practice — the holiday isn’t just for banks, but for the entire public sector to allow citizens to participate in the rituals without disruption.

Can I still get a loan or fixed deposit processed during the holidays?

Not in person. Loan applications, FD renewals, and document submissions require physical branch visits, which will be unavailable. However, some banks allow online loan applications to be submitted, though approvals will be delayed until October 29. For urgent needs, digital lending platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, or Amazon Pay offer instant personal loans — though interest rates may be higher.

Why doesn’t the RBI declare Chhath Puja as a national holiday?

Chhath Puja, while deeply significant in eastern India, is not observed uniformly across the country. The RBI follows a principle of regional autonomy for religious holidays to respect India’s diversity. Declaring it national would impose a cultural practice on regions where it has little to no tradition — a decision that could spark backlash. Localized closures strike the right balance.