Banking operations in parts of India will be affected today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, due to a regional holiday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared a bank holiday in Shillong, Meghalaya, to mark the 84th death anniversary of legendary Khasi poet laureate U SoSo Tham.
City-Wise Bank Operational Status for December 18
According to the official RBI holiday calendar for 2025, only banks in Shillong will remain closed on this date. Branches in all other major cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, will function normally. This closure is mandated under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs regional and national holidays for banks.
The holiday list for December 2025 is extensive, with a total of 18 official bank holidays scheduled for the month. This count includes the mandatory weekly offs on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as all Sundays.
Honouring a Literary Legend
The holiday commemorates U Soso Tham, revered as the father of Khasi poetry. His literary works are celebrated for capturing the essence and beauty of the Khasi language and its rich cultural traditions. Tributes poured in on social media, with the Chief Minister's Office of Meghalaya posting, "U Soso Tham’s literary masterpieces reflect the beauty of the Khasi language and the uniqueness of its traditions. His works live on till today through our education system."
Essential Banking Services Remain Accessible
While physical bank branches in the affected region are closed, customers are reminded that a wide range of essential financial services will remain uninterrupted. Digital and self-service platforms will be fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption to daily banking needs.
Customers can continue to use the following services:
- Online and Mobile Banking: For fund transfers, balance inquiries, and bill payments.
- ATM Services: For cash withdrawals and card transactions.
- Digital Fund Transfers: NEFT and RTGS services, subject to their standard operational windows.
- Online Requests: For ordering chequebooks, demand drafts, and other account-related services.
Bank customers, especially those in Meghalaya, are advised to plan their in-branch visits accordingly and leverage online banking channels for seamless transactions. The RBI's holiday calendar is designed to respect regional observances while the banking infrastructure ensures continuity of core services through digital means.
