Mahashivratri and Bank Closures on February 26, 2025
Mahashivratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great devotion across India. On this day, banks will be closed in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.
What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri honors Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the original guru (Adi Guru) from whom the Yogic tradition originates. This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26. Apart from banks, all government and private schools and colleges will remain closed on this day.
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Banking Services on Mahashivratri
While banks will be closed on February 26, other services will continue to operate normally. In Maharashtra, for example, public transport, hospitals, and emergency services will remain open. Shopping malls, private companies, and commercial buildings are expected to stay open, depending on their local policies.
Although bank branches will be closed, digital services like net banking, UPI, and ATM services will still be available. You can continue to use online banking, pay bills, and even start a fixed or recurring deposit. However, customers are advised to complete any bank-related tasks in advance.
Bank Holiday Information for February 2025
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a list of all the bank holidays for February 2025. It’s important to note that not all states or regions may observe holidays on the same days. For example, during the Loosong/Namsoong festival, banks in Aizawl and Gangtok will be closed, but other states won’t observe the holiday.
Banks are also closed on Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and on national or state holidays. On the first, third, and fifth Saturdays, bank branches remain open.
Significance of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri symbolizes a time for spiritual rebirth, where ignorance and darkness are removed, allowing devotees to awaken their consciousness. It is said that on this holy night, Lord Shiva performed a divine dance that symbolized the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva by offering milk and flowers to the Shivling. The Nishita Kaal Puja, also known as the midnight worship, will take place on February 27, from 12:09 a.m. to 12:59 a.m.
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