Bank Holiday Alert: One State to Observe Bank Closure on Friday, Find Out Why RBI Declared November 7 a Holiday

As per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official holiday calendar, banks across India will remain open this Friday, November 7, 2025, except in one northeastern state — Meghalaya. The RBI has marked this day as a regional public holiday to celebrate the Wangala Festival, one of the most important cultural events of the Garo tribe.

This means that all government, private, and rural banks will remain closed only in Meghalaya on Friday, while banking operations will continue as usual in the rest of the country.

Why Are Banks Closed on November 7?

The Wangala Festival, also known as the Drum Festival, holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Garo community of Meghalaya. The celebration marks the end of the harvest season, offering thanks to Sun God Saljong, the deity of fertility and prosperity.

The term “Wangala” itself means “beating of drums”, symbolizing happiness and gratitude. During this vibrant festival, men play traditional drums, while women wear colorful attire and perform traditional dances. The festival is marked by folk songs, community feasts, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich tribal heritage of the region.

RBI’s Holiday Schedule: State-Specific Bank Closures

The RBI’s list of banking holidays varies from state to state, depending on local festivals and cultural events. Between November 5 and November 9, banks in different parts of India are observing holidays for various regional occasions. However, it’s important to note that these holidays are not uniform nationwide—they apply only to specific states.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• November 7 (Friday): Banks closed in Meghalaya for the Wangala Festival.

• November 8 (Saturday): Banks across India will remain closed for the second Saturday of the month, while in Karnataka, an additional holiday will be observed for Kanakadasa Jayanti.

• November 9 (Sunday): Being a weekly holiday, all banks across the country will remain closed.

Additionally, as per the RBI’s schedule, banks will also be closed on all Sundays (2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 November) and on the second and fourth Saturdays (8 and 22 November).

Complete List of November 2025 Bank Holidays Date Occasion Applicable States

November 1	Kannada Rajyotsava / Igas-Bagwal	Karnataka, Uttarakhand
November 5	Guru Nanak Jayanti / Kartik Purnima / Rahas Purnima	Multiple states
November 6	Nongkrem Dance / Bihar Assembly Election 2025	Bihar, Meghalaya
November 7	Wangala Festival	Meghalaya
November 8	Kanakadasa Jayanti / Second Saturday	Karnataka, Nationwide
November 9	Weekly Holiday (Sunday)	Nationwide

What Bank Customers Should Know

While physical bank branches will remain closed in Meghalaya on Friday, digital banking and online payment services will continue to operate normally. Customers can still use ATMs, UPI apps, internet banking, and mobile banking for transactions during the holiday.

For those in other states, all bank branches will function as usual. However, since the weekend follows immediately after, customers planning to visit their branch should complete necessary work by Thursday, November 6, to avoid inconvenience.

The Bottom Line

The RBI’s regional holiday system ensures that local festivals and traditions are respected across different states. While this Friday’s closure applies only to Meghalaya, a series of state-specific holidays in early November has led to a clustered break period for several regions.

If you reside in Meghalaya or have banking transactions linked to the state, plan ahead — otherwise, online and digital banking services remain open nationwide without disruption.

So, while Friday, November 7, brings festive celebrations for the Garo community, it’s business as usual for the rest of the country’s banking network.