Imagine this: Your Wednesday suddenly turns into a holiday! That’s exactly what’s happening on November 5, 2025 across large parts of India. Just when you thought the festive season was over after Diwali, here comes another important celebration.
The Big November 5 Holiday You Can’t Miss
November 5, 2025 (a Wednesday) marks Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 556th birth anniversary, known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Prakash Utsav. This isn’t just any holiday – it’s one of the most sacred days in Sikhism, celebrated with massive processions and community meals.
Where Will Schools and Banks Close?
These states will observe full holidays on November 5:
- Punjab (complete shutdown)
- Haryana (government offices closed)
- Delhi (most schools affected)
- Chandigarh (union territory holiday)
- Parts of Uttar Pradesh
Bank employees get special attention too! The Reserve Bank of India has declared November 5 a banking holiday in these regions.
| Region | Schools | Banks | Government Offices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Haryana | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Delhi | Most closed | Closed | Open* |
| Other States | Open | Open | Open |
What Makes This Day Special?
Guru Nanak Jayanti isn’t just a day off – it’s packed with meaningful traditions:
- Morning Processions: Called Prabhat Pheris, starting before sunrise
- Langar Seva: Free community meals serving thousands
- Gurudwara Decorations: Floral arrangements and lights everywhere
- All-Night Prayers: Continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib
As reported by Livemint, schools in affected regions typically organize special assemblies about Guru Nanak’s teachings before the holiday.
November’s Other Important Dates
While November 5 is the star holiday, here’s what else to watch for:
1 November – State Celebration Day
Three states get holidays:
- Karnataka (Kannada Rajyotsava)
- Haryana (Haryana Day)
- Puducherry (Liberation Day)
14 November – Children’s Day Twist
Unlike other holidays, schools actually remain open on Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday! Instead of closing, schools host special activities and cultural programs.
State Foundation Days
Mark these dates if you live in:
- Uttarakhand (November 9)
- Jharkhand (November 15)
Bank Holiday Alert: November 2025 Schedule
Bank employees get more days off than most! According to The Indian Express, here’s the complete banking holiday schedule:
| Date | Holiday | Affected Regions | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 5 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Northern States | |||||||||||||||
| November 8 | Second Saturday | All India | |||||||||||||||
| November 22 | Fourth Saturday | All India | |||||||||||||||
| November 25 | Guru Tegh Bahad
How Holiday Closures Affect YouBeyond schools and banks, here’s what changes on November 5:
Travel Smart During CelebrationsPlanning a trip to Amritsar or Delhi? Consider these tips:
Smart Visitor Strategies
Why This Holiday Keeps GrowingGuru Nanak Jayanti celebrations have expanded dramatically:
The Delhi government’s official portal now lists 12 procession routes with traffic advisories – a 300% increase from 2005. Your November 5 Survival GuideLiving in affected areas? Try these hacks:
School parents should note: Many institutions hold make-up classes on subsequent Saturdays – check your school’s circular! The TakeawayWhether you’re celebrating or enjoying an unexpected midweek break, November 5 offers something special. From the glittering gold of Amritsar to Delhi’s candlelit processions, this holiday reminds us how India’s diversity creates unique shared moments. Mark your calendars – this Wednesday will be anything but ordinary! 
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