The Indian National Bank Officers’ Congress (INBOC) has urged the Maharashtra government to declare March 15, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of Holi (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada). In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, INBOC emphasized the cultural and religious significance of Holi and highlighted concerns regarding the current holiday schedule.
According to a government notification issued on December 5, 2024, the Maharashtra government has declared March 14, 2025, as a public holiday for Holi. However, INBOC pointed out that the traditional celebration, as per the Hindu calendar (Udayatithi), extends from the afternoon of March 14 to the afternoon of March 15. In many states, the primary Holi celebrations will take place on March 15.
INBOC raised concerns that government employees, including bank staff, will not be able to fully participate in the celebrations due to work commitments on March 15. The letter stated that while a holiday has been granted on March 14, it does not align with the day when most people in Maharashtra will celebrate the festival with their families. This could lead to confusion and inconvenience for the public.
The letter, signed by INBOC’s Maharashtra General Secretary Avijit Pandey, stressed that Holi is more than just a festival—it represents social harmony, cultural unity, and the spirit of togetherness. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, bringing communities together in an atmosphere of joy and goodwill.
The organization noted that in previous years, similar confusion had arisen regarding the Holi holiday. This year, due to the overlap of Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, Rangotsav, and Dhuraddi celebrations, Holi will be most enthusiastically celebrated on March 15. INBOC argued that failing to grant a public holiday on this day would prevent many employees from taking part in the celebrations, especially those working in government banks and offices.
Given the situation, INBOC has requested that March 15, 2025, which falls on a Saturday, be declared an additional public holiday in Maharashtra. This would allow government employees, bank staff, and other workers to celebrate Holi with their families without work-related restrictions. The request aims to ensure that people can fully participate in the cultural and religious customs associated with Holi, particularly on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada Udayatithi.
INBOC also mentioned that several other states have already recognized March 15 as a public holiday for Holi. The organization hopes that Maharashtra will follow suit, considering the sentiments of the public.
The Maharashtra government has yet to respond to this request. However, INBOC remains confident that the government will take public sentiment into account and make a favorable decision. If accepted, the declaration of an additional public holiday on March 15 will allow thousands of employees across the state to celebrate Holi in accordance with their traditions.
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