As India prepares to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, banks in several states are set to remain closed, in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday schedule. Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, a significant figure in Hindu mythology, with ceremonies held at Ayodhya and various Rama temples across the nation.
Closure in Multiple States:
- States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh will observe bank closures in honor of Ram Navami.
April Holidays:
- In addition to Ram Navami, April brings several other holidays.
- On April 19, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu will observe bank closures due to the Lok Sabha General Elections 2024.
- Tripura will have banks closed on April 20 for Garia Puja celebrations, while Bangalore will witness closures on April 26 due to elections.
Classification of Bank Holidays:
- The Reserve Bank of India categorizes holidays into three types: Negotiable Instruments Act Holidays, Real-Time Gross Settlement Holidays, and Bank Account Closing Holidays.
2024 Election Phases:
- The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be conducted over seven phases starting from April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
Facilitating Voting:
- To encourage voter turnout, the government of Rajasthan has declared a paid holiday for employees across government and private sectors during the state’s Lok Sabha elections.
Closure in Shillong:
- Similarly, in Shillong, all state government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on April 19, 2024, to facilitate participation in the General Election to Lok Sabha, 2024.
These measures aim to facilitate both religious observance and democratic participation, ensuring citizens can celebrate their cultural heritage while exercising their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
