August 2025 brings with it some much-needed breaks, as the month includes a variety of bank holidays to enjoy. Whether you're looking forward to a long weekend to unwind, catch up on personal projects, or spend time with family and friends, these bank holidays are a great opportunity to relax and recharge. Here's a quick look at the key bank holidays in August 2025 and how you can make the most of them.
August 2025 Bank Holidays (and Why You Should Care)
So, first off: banks—those places we swear we’ll visit only when absolutely required—will be closed on quite a few days this August. Here are the key dates you need to know:
| Date | Holiday |
| August 13 | Patriot’s Day |
| August 15 | Independence Day |
| August 16 | Janmashtami |
| August 17 | Regular Sunday |
August 13 (Wednesday): Patriot’s Day (Imphal, Manipur only, but hey, you never know if your branch is affected).
August 15 (Friday): Independence Day, baby! This one’s nationwide. Banks absolutely shut.
August 16 (Saturday): Janmashtami in many states (the festival with all those sweet traditions and midnight feasts).
August 17 (Sunday): Regular Sunday closure, don’t even try.
If you’re obsessed enough with efficiency to attempt a bank run between August 13 and August 17... bad idea. "Banks Will Be Closed For Four Days!"—that's the headline you’ll see, everywhere. Trust me, I've been burned by surprise holidays before and ended up queueing at the ATM with ten other equally confused humans.
Bank Holiday: August 13
Patriot's Day is a regional holiday observed only in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The day commemorates the historic battle of 1891, where the people of Manipur fought valiantly against British forces. It holds particular significance in Manipur's history and is a solemn day of remembrance for the sacrifices made by the local heroes during the colonial era.
If you are in Imphal, expect local government offices and some businesses to close, though it’s important to check whether your bank branch is affected, as this holiday might influence banking services in the area.
Bank Holiday: August 15
Independence Day is a major national holiday in India, celebrated across the country to mark the day in 1947 when India gained independence from British rule.
This day is observed with great patriotism, parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events across India. All banks and government offices will be closed on this day as the entire nation comes together to celebrate its freedom.
It's a public holiday, so no banking services will be available, and many businesses may also remain closed.
Bank Holiday: August 16
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. This is a significant festival observed with grandeur in various parts of India, marked by fasting, devotional singing, dancing, and reenactments of Lord Krishna's life. In many states, especially those with large Hindu populations, Janmashtami is a public holiday, and banks will likely remain closed for the day.
The night-time celebrations and the tradition of "dahi handi" (breaking pots filled with curd) are highlights of the festival.
Bank Holiday: August 17
As usual, Sunday is a standard weekly closure for banks. No special holiday or festival falls on this date, so it will follow the usual weekend routine where banks and most businesses are closed. This provides a regular weekend break for many people, and banking services will resume the following Monday.
What are the Festivals in August 2025?
Now, festivals! August is a mashup of colour, drama, emotion, and a whole lot of food. Let’s walk through the biggies:
1. Independence Day (August 15)
Celebrates India breaking up with the British (finally, in 1947).
National holiday, flag hoisting, patriotic songs, emotional WhatsApp forwards. Red Fort speeches feel oddly suspenseful in the morning.
Kite flying! I’ve actually tried my luck with a tricolor kite on the roof—spoiler: it crashed, but I still felt heroic for five minutes.
2. Janmashtami (August 16)
Marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, and honestly, it’s a party. People fast, then feast. Temples become playgrounds for little kids dressed as Krishna, with lots of flute music and (personal favourite) midnight sweets—pedas, laddoos, so many laddoos.
In some states, there's 'Dahi Handi'—people form human pyramids to break a pot of curd. I tried once... ended up at the bottom, squished and giggling.
3. Raksha Bandhan (August 9 this year, but close enough to be mentioned)
Sisters tie rakhis on brothers’ wrists, brothers get all sentimental (and sometimes stingy with gifts, let's be honest). Sweets, new clothes, family group photos with everyone pretending not to fight.
Even if you don’t have a sibling nearby, you’ll find yourself roped into some loving drama, trust me.
4. Patriot’s Day (August 13)
Special to Manipur, commemorates freedom fighters, but I think it’s a reminder that every region’s got its own heroes. There are parades, school events, lots of proud energy.
If you’re in Manipur, don’t expect banks (or anyone) to be open; they’re probably busy honouring history.
