As millions across Maharashtra and other regions enthusiastically observe Ganesh Visarjan today, marking the culmination of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, banks across the country are operating as usual on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Despite the grand celebrations and widespread cultural fervor, bank branches will remain open nationwide, with the notable exception of specific regional holidays impacting a few areas, ensuring no disruption to essential banking services for the public.
Ganesh Visarjan, the revered ritual where devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in waters across rivers, lakes, and seas, represents the concluding ceremony of Ganeshotsav. This year’s date, September 6, coincides with the first Saturday of the month, which comes with its own banking operational norms.
Nationwide Banking Operations Continue Amid Festival According to the official Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar for September 2025, banks in Maharashtra—home to some of the most elaborate Ganesh Visarjan processions including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur—will maintain their usual working hours. Public and private banks across the state, including leading financial institutions, have confirmed that all branches will be open to serve customers today. This ensures residents and visitors can access in-person banking services even as large-scale Ganesh Visarjan activities take place on the streets and waterfronts.
Furthermore, banks throughout most of India will also function normally, unaffected by the festival events in other states. Digital banking, including internet banking, mobile apps, UPI payments, and ATM services, will remain fully operational nationwide. Customers are encouraged to make use of these convenient digital platforms, especially in busy festival locales where physical banking footfalls may fluctuate.
Exceptions in Sikkim:
Regional Holiday Closure While most of India’s banks stay open for business, there is a significant exception in Sikkim’s capital city, Gangtok. According to the RBI’s state-wise bank holiday list, banks in Gangtok will remain closed on September 6 due to the observance of two overlapping regional festivals: Id-e-Milad (also called Milad-Un-Nabi), commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, and Indrajatra, a cultural celebration marking the end of the harvest season. These holidays reflect the diversity of India’s cultural and religious landscape and the RBI’s recognition of regional observances in its holiday calendar.
Residents and bank customers in Gangtok and surrounding areas are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly, as the closure of banks may affect certain financial transactions requiring physical branch visits. However, digital and electronic banking methods will continue to be operational, minimizing inconvenience during the holiday.
Impact of Bank Holidays on Customers and Business Bank holidays in India are regulated under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs banking transactions such as cheque clearances, demand drafts, and promissory notes. On declared holidays, banks are legally required to remain closed, which affects the processing of these financial instruments. Non-working days also impact operations in government offices, corporate sectors, and other institutions that rely on banking services, often leading to a temporary surge in banking traffic before or after the holiday.
The RBI follows a comprehensive calendar every year, listing both national and state-specific holidays to ensure customers and banks can anticipate closures well in advance. For September 2025, apart from today’s exceptions, the calendar highlights upcoming bank holidays in several states for festivals such as Navratra Sthapna, Durga Puja, and Eid Milad observances.
Suggestions for Customers During Festival Season Customers planning important banking activities during September, a month marked by several holidays, are advised to stay informed about the RBI’s holiday lists and their local branch schedules. Utilizing digital banking platforms can offset the challenges posed by holiday closures, allowing for seamless transactions including funds transfers, bill payments, and mobile recharge services.
For those requiring in-branch services, visiting banks on non-holiday days or ahead of anticipated closures is recommended. Additionally, customers can use ATM services to withdraw cash even when branches are closed.
Ganesh Visarjan:
A Cultural Extravaganza The Ganesh Visarjan festival holds a unique place in the cultural calendar of Maharashtra and many parts of India. Devotees carry beautifully decorated idols of Lord Ganesha in vibrant processions, accompanied by drum beats, dancing, and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” These immersive ceremonies symbolize the cycle of birth, life, and renewal, marking the end of the Ganeshotsav.
The 2025 celebration is notable for its grand scale, with millions of participants observed across major cities and towns. Authorities have coordinated extensively to manage traffic, crowd control, and immersion processes, ensuring public safety without compromising the festive spirit.
Conclusion
On September 6, 2025, the true spirit of Ganesh Visarjan combines deep-rooted religious tradition with modern-day practicality, as banks stay accessible to the public across the nation’s vast landscape. While the majority of India’s banking infrastructure continues its services uninterrupted, regional respect for cultural observances is maintained through designated holidays like that in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Customers and businesses can therefore navigate the festival period with confidence, supported by RBI’s scheduled banking holidays and the widespread availability of digital financial services.
For further details on bank holidays or specific branch timings, customers are advised to consult their local bank’s announcements or the official Reserve Bank of India holiday calendar.
