Tue Jan 14 10:49:18 UTC 2025: ## Banks Closed in Several States Today for Pongal, Makar Sankranti and Other Festivals
**NEW DELHI, January 14, 2025** – Several banks across India are closed today, January 14th, in observance of various festivals including Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and the birthday of Hazrat Ali, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The closures affect branches in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Itanagar, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The closures are due to the confluence of several important holidays:
* **Makar Sankranti:** A nationwide Hindu festival marking the beginning of the new agricultural cycle and the end of winter.
* **Uttarayana:** Celebrated primarily in Gujarat, this festival signifies the sun’s northward movement.
* **Pongal:** A four-day harvest festival celebrated in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
* **Maghe Sankranti:** Another name for Makar Sankranti, celebrated in regions like Sikkim and Nepal.
* **Magh Bihu:** The Assamese harvest festival, also known as Bhogali Bihu.
* **Birthday of Hazrat Ali:** Observed by the Muslim community, marking the birth of the fourth Caliph of Islam and the first Imam of Shia Islam.
While bank branches are closed, the RBI notes that online and mobile banking services will remain operational for most banks. Customers can also access cash from ATMs. Individuals are advised to check with their respective banks for specific service availability and any potential variations in operating hours. The complete list of bank holidays is available in the RBI’s annual holiday calendar, published under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
First Piper 