As India prepares to celebrate Bakrid (Eid al-Adha), one of the major Islamic festivals, several banks across the country are scheduled to remain closed on June 6 and 7, depending on regional observance. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a list of holidays for the month under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which outlines the scheduled closures for public and private sector banks.
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is observed by the Muslim community to honor the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The holiday is marked by special prayers, community gatherings, and charitable activities. As it is a public holiday in many states, banking services may be affected accordingly.
Bank holidays in India are categorized under three segments: Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, holidays under the Real Time Gross Settlement Holiday, and Bank Account Closing Day. The Bakrid holiday falls under the Negotiable Instruments Act category, which means banks in several states will be closed.
The bank holiday schedule for Bakrid differs based on state governments and regional traditions. For instance, banks in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, and Mumbai may observe closure either on June 6 or June 7, depending on the lunar calendar and local government declarations.
City-wise Expected Bank Closures:
- June 6, 2025 (Friday):
Likely closures in Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana - June 7, 2025 (Saturday):
Likely closures in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and other northern states
Please note that June 7 falls on a second Saturday, which is already a scheduled bank holiday in India, making it a long weekend for some states. However, not all banks will be closed on both days. Customers are advised to confirm the closure status with their local branch or refer to the official RBI website.
Although physical bank branches may be closed, digital banking services such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, and UPI-based transactions will continue to operate as usual. Individuals are encouraged to complete urgent transactions and banking needs ahead of the scheduled holidays to avoid delays.
Business owners, salaried employees, and individuals with pending tasks involving cheques, demand drafts, or other negotiable instruments should be mindful of the holiday period. Additionally, customers expecting salary credits or EMIs may see a delay in processing due to the banking closure.
The RBI’s holiday calendar is designed to accommodate regional festivals and holidays. Such closures are part of India’s diverse cultural fabric, and public notices ensure citizens have the opportunity to plan their financial tasks in advance.
In summary, banks in many Indian cities will observe a holiday in recognition of Bakrid on either June 6 or June 7. Citizens are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly, relying on digital channels for uninterrupted access to basic financial services.
