New Delhi: India is celebrating the vibrant and spiritual Rath Yatra festival today, June 27. In view of the celebrations, banks in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Imphal (Manipur) will remain closed, as confirmed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Where Banks Will Be Closed
Banks will remain shut in Bhubaneswar and Imphal today, owing to Rath Yatra and Kang Festival respectively. Notably, both cities will observe a three-day banking break, as:
- June 28 falls on a fourth Saturday
- June 29 is a Sunday
Banks across the rest of India will continue to remain open and operate as usual.
About Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most revered Hindu celebrations. It is believed to date back to the 12th or 16th century, commemorating Lord Krishna’s visit to his maternal aunt’s house. The grand procession involves idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra being carried from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple, covering about 3 kilometers.
Key rituals include:
- A ceremonial bath with holy water
- Recital of sacred mantras
- Devotees pulling the elaborately decorated chariots in a show of devotion
The town of Puri is currently on high alert, with thousands expected to gather for the Yatra.
About the Kang Festival
The Kang Festival is one of Manipur’s biggest Vaishnavite festivals, celebrated mainly by the Meitei community. Similar in theme to the Rath Yatra in Puri, it also involves the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, reflecting strong cultural and religious ties between the two states.
Next Bank Holiday
According to the RBI calendar, the next scheduled bank holiday will be on June 30, on the occasion of Remna Ni. On this day, banks in Aizawl (Mizoram) will remain closed.