In December 2024, banks will remain closed on several occasions, including designated Saturdays, Sundays, and 17 days due to various festivals.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) determines these bank holidays, and they are generally based on state-specific or regional festivities. Banks will be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, as well as on all Sundays. Additionally, there will be closures on 17 days in December for various festivals and events.
Key Bank Holidays in December:
- December 18 (Wednesday): Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham (Shillong)
- December 19 (Thursday): Goa Liberation Day (Panaji)
- December 24 (Tuesday): Christmas Eve (Aizawl, Kohima, Shillong)
- December 25 (Wednesday): Christmas (Public Holiday)
- December 26 (Thursday): Christmas Celebration (Aizawl, Kohima, Shillong)
- December 27 (Friday): Christmas Celebration (Kohima)
- December 30 (Monday): U Kiang Nangbah (Shillong)
- December 31 (Tuesday): New Year’s Eve/Lossong/Namsoong (Aizawl, Gangtok)
Although physical branches will be closed on these dates, customers can still access online banking services, including ATM transactions, banking apps, and websites. These services will remain operational, except in cases of maintenance work.
The RBI categorizes holidays into three types: Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays, Bank Closing of Accounts Holidays, and Negotiable Instruments Act Holidays.
Additionally, bank workers have been advocating for a five-day workweek, which would make all Saturdays bank holidays. This proposal is expected to receive approval from the finance minister soon, potentially changing the current holiday structure.
