In Short:
The Reserve Bank of India has released the list of bank holidays for March 2024, with 14 days when banks will be closed throughout the country. These closures include public holidays, state holidays, Sundays, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Banks were also closed on Friday, March 8 for Mahashivratri in some states. Online banking services will remain operational nationwide despite the closures. It is important to check with local bank branches or the RBI website for specific holiday dates in each state. With online banking, customers can access their accounts and conduct transactions seamlessly, even on bank holidays.
Bank Holidays: A Guide to March 2024 Closures
Well, it’s that time of year again when we need to plan our trips to the bank carefully. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has just unveiled the list of bank holidays for March 2024. So, if you’re wondering when your local branch will be closed, here’s the lowdown.
What to Expect in March
There are a total of 14 days when banks will be closed across the country. This includes public holidays, specific state holidays, Sundays, and don’t forget those second and fourth Saturdays, too.
For example, some states had their banks shut on Friday, March 8 for Mahashivratri. Additionally, SBI banks will be closed on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 for the weekend. Throughout the rest of the month, there will be 12 more closures, depending on the state you’re in.
Know Before You Go
It’s important to keep in mind that the specific holidays observed can vary from state to state. So, if you’re unsure, be sure to contact your local bank branch or visit the RBI website for the latest information.
Online Banking to the Rescue
Don’t fret though, online banking services will still be up and running nationwide even when physical branches are closed. Whether it’s the second Saturday, the fourth Saturday, or any Sunday in March, you can count on online services and ATMs to keep things ticking along smoothly.
Full List of March 2024 Bank Holidays
National Holidays:
March 1: Chapchar Kut (Mizoram)
March 8: Mahashivratri (except Tripura, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Itanagar, Rajasthan, Nagaland, West Bengal, New Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya)
March 25: Holi (except Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Kerala, Nagaland, Bihar, Srinagar)
March 29: Good Friday (except Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh)
State Holidays:
March 22: Bihar Diwas (Bihar)
March 26: Yaosang second day/Holi (Odisha, Manipur, Bihar)
March 27: Holi (Bihar)
Regular Bank Closures:
Every Second Saturday (March 9)
Every Fourth Saturday (March 23)
Sundays: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Stay Connected with Online Banking
Remember, even if the physical branches are closed, online banking services remain accessible nationwide, regardless of whether it’s a public or private sector bank. So, make sure you’re in the loop with the scheduled closure dates to plan your visits accordingly. Online banking provides uninterrupted access to accounts and financial services, making managing your finances a breeze, even during hectic bank holiday periods.
