New Delhi— India is set to observe a nationwide public holiday on Wednesday, November 5, marking Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima, two major religious occasions celebrated across the country. Following a festive October, the holiday will see government offices, banks, and stock markets remain closed in several regions.
The Central Government has officially declared the day a public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The date also coincides with Kartik Purnima, an auspicious day observed by Hindus through holy dips, rituals, and prayers at sacred rivers and temples.
According to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) holiday calendars, no trading will take place on November 5, and both commodity and currency markets will also remain closed. Normal trading will resume the following day.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed that banks in 18 states and union territories will remain closed on account of the dual festival. These include: Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
While financial and administrative institutions will be shut, essential services such as hospitals, emergency utilities, and police operations will continue as usual.
The dual celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima is expected to draw large gatherings at gurdwaras and temples across the nation, as devotees participate in prayers, processions, and community feasts to mark the spiritually significant day.
