Are Banks Closed Today in India? Only This One City Observes a Holiday on July 19 — Here’s Why
As the clock struck 9 this morning, many Indians were seen heading out for their weekend chores, while others queued up outside ATMs. But a wave of confusion spread across social media platforms — is today a bank holiday in India?
Let’s set the record straight.
Today, July 19, 2025, banks across India are open, except in Agartala, Tripura’s capital city. So, if you’re in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata relax, your bank branch is operating like any other third Saturday. But for residents of Agartala, today marks a significant cultural celebration: Ker Puja, a tribal festival deeply rooted in the traditions of Tripura.
So, What is Ker Puja and Why is It a Bank Holiday?
Every year, just two weeks after Tripura’s renowned Kharchi Puja, the tribal community comes together to celebrate Ker Puja a spiritual affair that honors the guardian deity Ker Devata. According to local beliefs, Ker Devata protects households and ensures harmony within Vastu (dwelling units). The rituals, wrapped in mysticism and ancient customs, involve strict discipline no stepping out, no celebrations outside the rituals, and absolute dedication to community well-being.
Because of its significance in local tradition, the RBI-listed bank holiday calendar has marked July 19 as a regional holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act for Tripura only.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion stems from the fact that banks are generally closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, making today the third Saturday a working day for all nationalized and private banks across most Indian cities.
But the headlines around “bank holiday July 19” have trended all morning on Google searches, Twitter (X), and even Instagram reels, leading many to think it’s a nationwide closure. So, if you saw trending keywords like Bank closed today India, Are banks open today, or UPI not working July 19 you’re not alone.
What’s Open, What’s Not — A Clarity Checklist
If you’re in Agartala:
Physical bank branches: Closed
ATM services: Open
Net Banking/Mobile Banking/UPI: Fully operational
Rest of India:
All services branches, ATMs, mobile banking fully functional
It’s business as usual for most, but Tripura’s unique cultural calendar sets it apart.
What About RBI’s Holiday Schedule?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains a holiday list every month under three key categories:
Negotiable Instruments Act Holidays
Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Holidays
Bank Closing of Accounts
As per the RBI holiday list July 2025, there were a total of seven scheduled holidays, including today for Agartala. Most of these holidays are state-specific meaning not all banks across India shut down on the same day.
This decentralized holiday system ensures regional traditions are respected without affecting nationwide banking operations.
UPI, ATM, and Online Transfers, Are They Safe Today?
Absolutely. One of the trending banking queries on Google today was: “Is UPI working on bank holidays?“
Let’s bust the myth: UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, and all digital banking services continue to work 24/7 irrespective of bank holidays, be it in Agartala or elsewhere.
However, branch-based services like cheque clearances or DD issuance may get pushed to the next working day if today is a holiday in your city.
What’s Coming Next: Upcoming Bank Holidays
As we inch closer to Independence Day, here’s a sneak peek into the upcoming August 2025 bank holiday list, another top trending search on Google:
July 28: Drukpa Tshe Zhi
August 8: Tendong Lho Rum Faat
August 9: Raksha Bandhan / Jhulana Purnima
August 13: Patriot’s Day
August 15: Independence Day / Janmashtami
August 16: Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8)
August 19: Maharaja Bir Bikram’s Birthday
August 25: Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva
August 27-28: Ganesh Chaturthi and Nuakhai
Remember — most of these holidays are region-specific, so your city may or may not observe them.
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What Should You Do Today?
If you had planned any cheque deposits, large cash withdrawals, locker visits, or document submissions, and you live in Agartala — better wait till Monday.
For everyone else, it’s a regular day at your local bank. So, go ahead submit that loan form, clear your locker, or inquire about that FD rate. And yes, your salary should hit your account on time if scheduled today.
Final Word
India’s banking ecosystem is evolving, blending traditions with technology. While Ker Puja reminds us of India’s deep-rooted cultural fabric, the seamless operation of digital banking ensures the nation never truly comes to a halt even during regional holidays.
So, the next time a “Bank closed today?” headline pops up on your feed check your city, cross-reference the RBI calendar, and don’t let confusion hold up your finances.