On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, banks will be closed in Shillong, Meghalaya, due to the Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham, a notable Khasi poet. In India, banks follow a unique holiday schedule, with second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays designated as default holidays. Additionally, special regional or cultural holidays are observed in different states, which are declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
U SoSo Tham, born in 1873 in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), Meghalaya, was a pioneering poet in the Khasi language. He is remembered for his significant contributions to Khasi literature, introducing secular themes and using idiomatic expressions in his poetry. His work, "Ka Duitara Kshiar" (The Golden Harp), published in 1925, is one of his most celebrated collections.
While Shillong and some other regions in Meghalaya observe the holiday, banks in other parts of India will operate as usual on this day. Services like ATMs, internet banking, and mobile banking remain functional even on bank holidays. However, visits to bank branches and services requiring in-person transactions, such as cash deposits, payments, or large transactions, will not be available on this day.
India’s bank holidays vary by state and region, with certain nationwide holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti observed throughout the country. In addition, various religious and cultural festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, Eid, Christmas, and others also lead to bank closures in specific regions.
