Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is part of Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) and Easter Sunday.
The date of Good Friday varies each year because it is calculated based on the lunar calendar. It always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which itself is determined as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This year Good Friday 2024 will be celebrated on March 29.
In India, whether institutions are closed on Good Friday depends on the region and the policies of the government. Good Friday is not a public holiday in India, except in the states of Kerala, Nagaland, and parts of Manipur.
Will Banks be Closed Tomorrow, 29 March?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a calendar indicating that all banks will be closed on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. Despite not being recognized as a national holiday in India, the country observes only three national holidays: Republic Day on January 26, Independence Day on August 15, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
March typically hosts numerous festivals, leading to bank closures in many cities. Except for Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, banks will be closed in all other states on Good Friday, as per the RBI calendar.
Although physical bank branches will be closed, online banking services and ATMs will operate without interruption. The RBI classifies holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, real-time gross settlement holidays, and account closure days, with Good Friday falling under the first category.
Bank Holidays in March 2024
In March 2024, banks across India will observe 14 holidays, encompassing public holidays, regional holidays, and the regular closures on the second and fourth Saturdays, along with all Sundays.
Among the notable bank holidays are Chapchar Kut on March 1, Mahashivratri on March 8, and Holi on March 25. Additionally, certain states like Bihar will celebrated state-specific holidays such as Bihar Diwas on March 22, and Yaosang second day/Holi on March 26 and 27.