Milad-un-Nabi Holiday: Maharashtra Declares 18th September, Delhi on 16th – All Banks to Close on Mawlid, Full Details Inside

Public and private sector banks in select states will remain closed on Monday, September 16, in observance of Eid-e-Milad.

Eid-e-Milad, also known as Mawlid or Nabi Day, is a significant religious celebration for Muslims, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Observed with great reverence and joy worldwide, this day holds special meaning in Muslim communities. In India, Eid-e-Milad is a public holiday, and Muslims across the country mark the occasion with various traditions and festivities. Prophet Muhammad, born in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is revered for his teachings, which continue to positively influence and guide the Muslim community globally

Banks will remain closed in several states, including Gujarat, Mizoram, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Jammu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, in observance of Eid-e-Milad.

According to an RBI press release dated September 14, 2024, the Maharashtra government has declared September 18, 2024, as a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This new date replaces the previously declared holiday on September 16, 2024, which has now been cancelled. As a result, there will be no transactions or settlements in Government securities, foreign exchange, money markets, and rupee interest rate derivatives on September 18. All outstanding transactions scheduled for that day will be postponed to the next working day, September 19, 2024.

Although bank branches will be closed, online banking services will remain accessible. You can continue to conduct transactions, check balances, and manage other financial operations conveniently from your home or while on the go.

The Maharashtra government has adjusted the Eid-e-Milad holiday to September 18, 2024, to prevent potential disruptions during the Ganpati immersion ceremonies, which will occur on September 17, the day after Eid-e-Milad. In a notification, the government explained, ‘Among the 24 public holidays announced, the Eid-e-Milad holiday was originally set for Monday, September 16, 2024.

Eid-e-Milad, a significant religious festival for Muslims, is celebrated with large-scale processions. However, due to the Hindu festival of Anant Chaturdashi falling on September 17, the Muslim community has agreed to shift their celebrations to September 18 to ensure peace and harmony between the two communities.’ As a result, the public holiday for Eid-e-Milad has been moved to Wednesday, September 18, instead of Monday, September 16, 2024.

Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan had earlier requested Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to move the Eid-e-Milad holiday to September 18. Khan emphasized that ‘Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 17, and the Muslim community has planned to hold Eid-e-Milad processions on September 18 to ensure both festivals can be celebrated with full enthusiasm and joy.

This adjustment continues the community’s efforts from the previous year to enhance communal harmony. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Pankaj Dahane commented, ‘Similar to last year, the Muslim community has willingly agreed to reschedule their religious activities to ensure that the immersion process proceeds smoothly. This reflects a commendable spirit of unity and coexistence between the communities.’

September Bank Holidays

Banks will be closed for the following occasions: Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva, Ganesh Chaturthi, First Onam, Milad-un-Nabi (Id-e-Milad), Indrajatra, Pang-Lhabsol, the Friday following Eid-e-Milad-ul-Nabi, Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Day, and the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji.

Trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed on September 18, 2024, due to the public holiday declared by the Maharashtra government for Eid-e-Milad. The market will be open on September 16 and September 17, 2024