2016 Bank Holidays in India

In India, bank holidays are governed by the Reserve Bank of India and their rules and regulations. These holidays are chosen through tradition, country heritage, history and even religious and regional diversities found in the bank.

However, not all of these bank holidays are observed throughout the entire country since there are numerous holidays, observances and festivals that are specific to a certain region, which makes them state holidays.

The dates of the festivals aren’t dependent on the Gregorian calendar, but instead on other popular calendar systems; which means that some of the festivals can change on a yearly basis.

Also it should be borne in mind that some of the holidays of the banks can be changed by the proper authorities, but this happens only with prior notice. Also, along with the mandatory and regulated holidays, the employees are allowed to take off another 2 holidays that are part of the restricted holidays’ list depending on which festivals the person celebrates.

Here is a comprehensive list of the public bank holidays in 2016, along with the restricted holidays as set forth by the Central Government of India.

The Public Holidays are briefly discussed and described below –

• Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad)

This holiday is a Muslim one and it celebrates the birthday of their prophet. It is also a gazetted holiday and prayers and public gatherings are often held where teaching and the life of the Prophet are talked about.

• Republic Day

This is the day that India honors the Indian Constitution and the implementation of it. This is celebrated in all of the major areas of India and in the capital, Delhi. Cultural programs and various parades are planned and the air is full of festivity.

• Holi

This festival is held in the spring and it is also called The Festival of Colors. This holiday is celebrated with plenty of fun throughout the various cities in the country.

• Good Friday

This is a Christian holiday that is always on the Friday before Easter and is also known as Black Friday and Easter Friday. This is thought to have been the day that Jesus was crucified.
 





 

• Rama Navami

This is the day of Lord Ram’s birthday and it is celebrated with plenty of pomp and ceremony since they believe Lord Ram is one of the numerous reincarnations of Lord Vishnu.

• Mahavir Jayanti

This is a Jain holiday and it celebrates the birthday of Mahavira, who is the last of the Tirthankaras. It is always on the 13^th day of Chaitra, which is an Indian month.

• Budda Purnima

This is the day that celebrates the birthday of Gautum Buddha, who founded the Buddhism religion. It is always on the night of the full moon in the month of Vaisakha or Baisakh. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the Bodh Gaya for this special occasion.

• Idu’l Fitr

This is a Muslim holiday and it is a happy one and they celebrate with visiting relatives and friends, eating special meals, giving to charities, putting on new clothing and attending special prayers.

• Independence Day

This holiday is always observed with respect and happiness and it celebrates the day that the country earned their independence from the rule of the British bank in 1947.

• Janmashtami

This is always on the 8^th day of Shravana, which is an Indian month, and it celebrates the birthday of Krishna, who is a Hindu god. He is thought to have been the 8^th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

The birthday of Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi is celebrated as a national holiday since he is considered to be the Father of the Nation.

• Dussehra

This holiday translates into “remover of ill-omen” and on this day the holiday is celebrated because virtue won over vice.

• Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)

This is the day that the Muslim prophet, Ibrahim had sacrificed his own son because God asked him to. On this day goat sacrifice is practiced as a symbolic sacrifice.

• Diwali (Deepavali)

This is one of the many Hindu festivals that is celebrated all over the world and it is also called the Festival of Lights. This holiday is celebrated with plenty of food and fun, observation of important religious customs, lighting up and decorating homes and lighting fireworks. This is also the day that Mahavir attained Nirvana for the Jains.

• Muharram

This is the first day of the first month on the Islamic calendar and is a reverent day for the Muslims.

• Guru Nanak’s Birthday

This is the day that celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak, who is the founder of the Sikh religion and the first Guru of the religion and the followers.

• Christmas Day

This day is the birthday of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with plenty of festivities, including feasting, giving gifts and spending time with family. Also, there are special prayers that are said by the Christians to give a more significant meaning to the occasion.

List of 2016 Bank Holidays in India

Public Holidays 2016

Restricted Holidays 2016