Banks in parts of India will remain closed for two consecutive days this week due to the observance of Id-ul-Ad’ha, also known as Bakrid. The closures will vary across states, with key regions shutting operations on June 6 and June 7.
The festive break will roll into Sunday, June 8, effectively making it a three-day halt in banking services for many. Here’s a full lowdown on where and when your local bank branch will be shuttered—and why it matters.
Different Cities, Different Days: Who Gets a Break and When?
Not all states observe holidays on the same day—even for big festivals. That’s the case again this week with Bakrid. While June 6 is marked for closure in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, some regions will push the holiday into June 7.
If you’re planning a bank visit this week, this matters more than you think. Some places will get a long weekend by default. Others? Business as usual.
Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram will observe the closure on Friday, June 6. Other states and cities may mark Saturday, June 7. And because June 8 is a Sunday, the weekend automatically extends for everyone.
Why Does the Holiday Date Vary from State to State?
Religious observances often rely on lunar calendars, especially in Islam. So, dates for festivals like Id-ul-Ad’ha can shift slightly based on moon sightings. This is why June 6 works for some states, while others go with June 7.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gives each state the flexibility to declare holidays based on local customs and observances. It classifies bank holidays into three main categories:
-
Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Holidays
-
Banks’ Closing of Accounts
-
Negotiable Instruments Act Holidays
Id-ul-Ad’ha falls under the third category. That gives individual state governments the authority to decide when the festival is officially celebrated—and when the banks will close.
What You Need to Know If You’re Planning Any Banking Tasks
A long weekend can mean long delays for anyone relying on offline banking. Deposits, withdrawals, document processing—everything could be pushed to next week.
Don’t panic though. Digital banking services and ATMs will continue to operate. But anything requiring physical presence or approval from your local branch might get stalled.
Keep in mind that June 8 is a Sunday, which automatically means a closure across the country, regardless of the festival.
12 Days of Bank Closures in June—Here’s the Breakdown
The RBI’s calendar shows that banks will be closed on 12 different days this June. That might sound like a lot, but most are regular weekly offs.
Here’s how it adds up:
-
Sundays: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
-
Second Saturday: June 8
-
Fourth Saturday: June 22
-
Festival holidays: June 6 and June 7
-
Other regional holidays: Vary from state to state
That means you get six routine closures and about six more that depend on where you live. It’s a patchwork of holidays, really.
Why Bakrid Matters—and What It Celebrates
Bakrid isn’t just another public holiday. For millions of Indian Muslims, it’s one of the most sacred days of the year. It commemorates a pivotal moment in Islamic tradition—when Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Instead, God replaced the boy with a ram, sparing him and establishing a legacy of faith and sacrifice.
In India, the day is marked with prayers, community meals, and the ritual animal sacrifice shared with family, neighbors, and the poor. It’s both spiritual and social, and banks usually stay shut to respect the mass observance.
One sentence paragraph for flow.
Many cities go into slow motion during Bakrid, especially where the Muslim population is higher.
Planning Ahead Helps Avoid Trouble
The best way to avoid banking hiccups during these holiday windows? Prep in advance. Simple things like moving money, paying bills, or visiting your branch should ideally be done a day or two before June 6.
Here’s a quick reminder of what you might want to get done:
-
Withdraw or deposit cash if needed
-
Make cheque payments early
-
Get demand drafts or certificates if required
-
Finish paperwork for loans or accounts before the break
Remember, ATMs and net banking will run as usual, but not everything can be handled online. So if you’re old school or dealing with something complex, better not leave it to the last minute.
