March is a festive month in India, featuring celebrations like Holi, Ugadi, Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr), Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti. Due to these important occasions, banks in various states and cities will observe holidays on specific dates. However, digital banking services, ATMs, and online transactions will continue to function normally.
Before visiting your bank branch, it is advisable to check the holiday schedule for your specific city, as holidays may vary from one state to another.
Complete List of Bank Holidays in March
Below is a detailed breakdown of the bank holidays, including dates, occasions, and affected cities:
March 2 – Holika Dahan
Banks will remain closed in select cities such as Kanpur and Lucknow on account of Holika Dahan, which marks the symbolic victory of good over evil and is observed on the eve of Holi.
March 3 – Holi (Dhulandi/Dol Jatra)
The second day of Holi, known as Dhulandi or Dol Jatra in different regions, will be observed as a bank holiday in multiple cities including:
- Belapur
- Bhopal
- Dehradun
- Gangtok
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Panaji
- Patna
- Ranchi
- Vijayawada
March 4 – Holi Celebrations Continue
On this day, banks will remain closed in the following cities due to extended Holi celebrations:
- Agartala
- Ahmedabad
- Aizawl
- Bhubaneswar
- Chandigarh
- Imphal
- Itanagar
- Jammu
- Delhi
- Patna
- Raipur
- Shimla
March 13 – Chapchar Kut
Chapchar Kut, a traditional festival celebrated in Mizoram, will result in a local bank holiday in Aizawl.
March 17 – Shab-e-Qadr
Banks in Jammu and Srinagar will remain closed in observance of Shab-e-Qadr, a significant night in the Islamic calendar during Ramadan.
March 19 – Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year / First Navratri
This day marks the New Year in several regions of India. Banks will remain closed in:
- Bengaluru
- Belagavi
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Panaji
- Vijayawada
Ugadi is widely celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, while Gudi Padwa is observed in Maharashtra.
March 20 – Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramadan)
Banks in Jammu, Srinagar, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram will remain closed due to Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
March 21 – Eid-ul-Fitr (Widespread Observance)
On this day, banks across most parts of the country will remain closed, except in select cities such as Kochi, Vijayawada, and Shimla.
March 26 – Ram Navami
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Banks will remain closed in:
- Ahmedabad
- Chandigarh
- Jaipur
- Kanpur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Ranchi
March 27 – Ram Navami (Chaitra Dashain Observance in Some Regions)
Banks will remain closed in:
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Gangtok
- Hyderabad
- Vijayawada
March 31 – Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti, celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, will be observed as a bank holiday in major cities including:
- Bengaluru
- Ahmedabad
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
Important Note on Weekend Holidays
Apart from the above-mentioned festival holidays, banks will also remain closed on:
- All Sundays
- Second Saturday
- Fourth Saturday
These regular closures are not included in the 11 festival holidays mentioned earlier. Therefore, when planning your bank visits, consider both festival and weekend holidays.
Digital Banking Services Will Remain Available
Even though physical bank branches will be closed on these days, customers can continue using various digital banking services without interruption. The following services will operate 24/7:
- ATM withdrawals and deposits
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking apps
- UPI-based transactions
- Debit and credit card payments
Digital platforms such as Google Pay and PhonePe allow users to transfer money, pay bills, and make purchases conveniently, even on bank holidays.
Practical Tips for Customers
To avoid inconvenience during the festive season, consider the following suggestions:
1. Withdraw Cash in Advance
During long holiday stretches, ATMs may experience heavy usage, and cash shortages are possible. It is advisable to withdraw the required amount one day before the holiday begins.
2. Check Your Transaction Limits
If you rely on UPI or mobile banking for daily transactions, make sure to review your daily transfer limits. Adjust them if necessary to accommodate larger payments during holidays.
3. Plan Cheque Deposits Accordingly
Cheque clearance processes do not take place on bank holidays. If you deposit a cheque during a holiday period, the clearing will be processed only on the next working day.
4. Confirm Local Holidays
Since bank holidays vary by state and city, always confirm with your local branch or check your bank’s official website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will cheque clearance happen during bank holidays?
No. Cheque processing and clearance do not take place on bank holidays. The clearing process resumes on the next working day.
2. Can I transfer money when the bank is closed?
Yes. You can transfer funds through internet banking, mobile banking apps, or UPI platforms like Google Pay and PhonePe even when bank branches are closed.
3. Are ATM services available during holidays?
Yes. ATMs function normally on bank holidays. However, availability of cash may vary depending on demand and location.
4. Do all cities observe the same holidays?
No. Bank holidays differ from state to state based on regional festivals and observances. Always verify your local holiday list.
Why Staying Updated Matters
Banking is an essential part of daily life, whether for personal transactions, business payments, or loan-related formalities. Missing an important banking day due to a holiday can delay financial planning, loan processing, cheque clearance, or documentation work.
By keeping track of the holiday schedule issued by the Reserve Bank of India, you can plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Final Advice
March is a vibrant and festive month filled with cultural and religious celebrations across India. While these holidays bring joy and community gatherings, they may temporarily affect physical banking operations.
To ensure smooth financial management:
- Complete important branch-related work in advance.
- Use digital platforms for seamless transactions.
- Keep sufficient cash on hand for emergencies.
- Monitor official announcements for any updates.
With proper planning, bank holidays need not disrupt your financial activities.
