Mahavir Jayanti on March 31: Why banks may remain open for government transactions

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that all agency banks will remain open to the public on March 31, despite the day being listed as a public holiday in certain states on account of Mahavir Janmakalyanak (Mahavir Jayanti).

The directive, issued under RBI circular RBI/2025-26/204, follows a request from the Government of India to ensure that all government receipts and payments for the financial year 2025-26 are fully accounted for before the year closes. Agency banks handling government business are required to keep their branches operational and to give adequate publicity about the availability of these services to the public.

RBI emphasised that the step is aimed at ensuring seamless fiscal operations and avoiding any backlog in government transactions.

Customers planning government-related payments, including taxes, utility bills, or other dues, can visit designated branches on March 31, to complete their transactions. This override of the holiday schedule will only apply to branches engaged in government business.