As the festive season approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the upcoming bank holidays, especially with the Makar Sankranti festival around the corner. This year, a unique alignment of holidays and weekends will result in banks across several states remaining closed for a prolonged period. Understanding these closures and planning your banking activities accordingly can save you from last-minute hassles.
Bank Holidays in the Week Ahead: Plan Your Visits
Starting from the 13th of January, banks in various states will observe holidays due to the second Saturday followed by Sunday on the 14th. But it doesn’t end there. The festive celebrations of Pongal, Tiruvalluvar Day, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu will further extend the closures in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, and Hyderabad on the 15th. Chennai will observe additional holidays on the 16th for Tiruvalluvar Day and on the 17th for Uzhavar Thirunal.
The holiday trend continues with Sundays on the 21st and 28th, and regional holidays like Imoinu Iratpa on the 22nd and Gaan-Ngai on the 23rd affecting banks in Imphal. Furthermore, banks in Chennai, Kanpur, and Lucknow will be closed on the 25th for Thai Poosam and Hazrat Muhammad’s Birthday, while Republic Day on the 26th will result in a nationwide bank closure.
Navigating Prolonged Bank Holidays: Tips and Tricks
With such an extensive list of holidays, especially from January 13th to 17th, it’s crucial to plan your banking needs in advance. For those requiring fund transfers during this period, digital options like UPI, internet banking, and mobile banking provide convenient alternatives. For cash withdrawals, ATMs remain a viable solution.
Maximizing Digital Banking During Holidays
The advancement in digital banking offers a seamless way to manage your finances without visiting a bank physically. Here are some ways to utilize digital banking to its fullest:
- Online Fund Transfer: Use UPI, NEFT, or IMPS for quick and easy fund transfers. These services are available 24/7, ensuring that your transactions are not hampered by bank holidays.
- Mobile Banking Apps: Most banks have their mobile apps that allow you to check balances, pay bills, and manage your accounts from the comfort of your home.
- Automated Bill Payments: Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid late fees and ensure uninterrupted services.
- ATM Services: For cash needs, ATMs are operational even during holidays. However, it’s advisable to withdraw cash in advance to avoid the
rush or any unforeseen downtime in ATM services during the holiday period.
- E-Statements and Alerts: Register for e-statements and mobile alerts to keep track of your account activity and get notified of any transactions, ensuring you stay informed even when you cannot visit the bank.
- Customer Support and Helplines: In case of queries or issues, utilize the customer support and helplines provided by your bank. Many banks offer 24/7 support services, including during holidays.
Preparing for Extended Bank Holidays: A Checklist
- Check Account Balances: Ensure you have sufficient funds in your accounts for any planned or unplanned expenses.
- Schedule Payments: If you have payments due during the holiday period, schedule them in advance or use automated payment services.
- Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw enough cash to cover your expenses for the holiday period, considering that ATMs might run out of cash more quickly during prolonged holidays.
- Update Mobile Banking Apps: Ensure that your mobile banking apps are up to date for a smoother and more secure banking experience.
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Familiarize with Digital Banking Features: If you’re not already using digital banking, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with its features and benefits.