Published May 1, 2025, Mumbai, India — Today, workers across India celebrate Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day. This day, observed on May 1, honors the contributions and sacrifices of laborers, marking a significant event rooted in the late 19th-century labor movement.
As Labour Day coincides with Maharashtra Day, many banks in various cities will be closed today. The Reserve Bank of India‘s (RBI) holiday schedule indicates that bank closures will differ from state to state, reflecting local, national, and religious observances.
In a statement from the RBI, the cities observing a bank holiday on this date include Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad (both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Imphal, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, Raipur, and Thiruvananthapuram. All these regions will see banking services suspended as the day unfolds.
The closures extend beyond banks; the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will also remain shut today, marking Labour Day as one of the 14 official trading holidays of the year. This suspension means no trading activities will take place across all segments, including equities and derivatives.
In addition, because of Maharashtra Day, schools and government offices within the state will not operate, reflecting the holiday’s significance. Many other states across India will recognize Labour Day as a public holiday, resulting in institutional closures nationwide.
Notably, Maharashtra will observe a dry day today, leading to the closure of liquor shops, as the sale of alcohol is prohibited on this occasion. However, essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and public transport will continue to function normally throughout the day.
This Labour Day presents a moment for reflection on the hard work and rights of the workforce, not just in India but globally. Workers’ rights and achievements are vital to the ongoing efforts for social justice and equality.
