Post by : Meena Ariff

Today is Guru Purnima, an important festival celebrated in India to honour and thank teachers, gurus, and mentors. It is called Teacher’s Day in India, though the official Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th September.

Guru Purnima falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashadha (June-July) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, people remember their spiritual gurus, school teachers, and anyone who guides them in life. They show respect by touching their feet, giving gifts, offering flowers, or simply thanking them for their guidance and blessings.

Why is Guru Purnima Important?

• In Hinduism, Guru Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, the great sage who wrote the Mahabharata, one of the longest epics in the world. He is considered one of the greatest teachers in Indian tradition, and his work has guided people for centuries.

• In Buddhism, this day is very special because Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath on Guru Purnima after attaining enlightenment. This sermon is called Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, meaning “Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion”.

• In Jainism, Guru Purnima is observed to honour Lord Mahavira and his chief disciple Gautam Swami, who spread his teachings to the world.

This festival teaches us the value of respect, knowledge, wisdom, and gratitude towards those who guide us to become better human beings.

Banks Open Today Despite Guru Purnima

Although Guru Purnima is a very special day, it is not a listed bank holiday this year (2025). Today is Thursday, July 10, and banks will remain open as usual. People can visit banks for their work without any issues.

Why Are Some Days Declared Bank Holidays?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) along with state governments prepares a list of bank holidays every year. They consider:

• National events (like Independence Day, Republic Day)

• Religious festivals (like Diwali, Eid, Christmas)

• Local cultural festivals are celebrated in particular states

• Operational needs of banks

• Weekly offs (Sundays, second and fourth Saturdays)

The RBI announces the holiday list on its official website and informs all banks and financial institutions in India.

Bank Holidays in July 2025: Full State-wise List

Here is the detailed list of bank holidays in July 2025 apart from weekly offs:

July 3 (Thursday)

Festival: Kharchi Puja

Where: Agartala, Tripura

About: Kharchi Puja is a famous festival in Tripura dedicated to 14 deities called Chaturdasha Devata. People perform rituals to purify their sins and pray for blessings.

July 5 (Saturday)

Event: Guru Hargobind’s Birthday

Where: Jammu and Srinagar

About: This day celebrates the birth of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru known for his teachings and courage.

July 6 (Sunday)

Banks remain closed pan-India as it is Sunday.

July 12 (Saturday)

Second Saturday – Banks remain closed all over India.

July 13 (Sunday)

Banks closed pan-India as it is Sunday.

July 14 (Monday)

Festival: Beh Deinkhlam

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

About: Celebrated by the Jaintia tribe, this festival is for driving away diseases and evil spirits and bringing peace and health.

July 16 (Wednesday)

Festival: Harela

Where: Dehradun, Uttarakhand

About: Harela is celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh to welcome the monsoon and pray for a good harvest. People plant new saplings on this day.

July 17 (Thursday)

Event: Death Anniversary of U Tirot Singh

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

About: U Tirot Singh was a freedom fighter and chief of the Khasi people who fought against the British. This day honours his bravery.

July 19 (Saturday)

Festival: Ker Puja

Where: Agartala, Tripura

About: Ker Puja is a unique festival dedicated to Ker, the guardian deity of Tripura, to protect people from disasters and ensure peace.

July 26 (Saturday)

Fourth Saturday – Banks are closed all over India.

July 27 (Sunday)

Banks closed pan-India as it is Sunday.

July 28 (Monday)

Festival: Drukpa Tshe-zi

Where: Gangtok, Sikkim

About: This is a Buddhist festival marking the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Monks and people offer prayers in monasteries.

Why Knowing Bank Holidays Is Important for Everyone

People should know bank holidays because:

• They can plan their visits to banks for important work like withdrawing or depositing money, submitting documents, or updating accounts.

• It helps businesses and offices plan their transactions.

• It avoids last-minute problems or incomplete tasks due to bank closures.

Final Thoughts on Guru Purnima and Banking

Even though today is Guru Purnima, banks will remain open as it is not a declared holiday. People should take this day as an opportunity to:

• Visit their teachers, elders, or spiritual guides.

• Offer respect and gratitude.

• Pray for wisdom, knowledge, and success.

At the same time, they can complete their banking work without any difficulty.