Good Friday 2025, Banks Open or Closed on Good Friday?

Good Friday is observed every year on the Friday before Easter Sunday. This year it is falling on the 18th April, 2025. In India, Good Friday is recognized as a public holiday, with many states observing it as a gazetted holiday. As the day approaches it is important for bank customers to know whether banks will be open on Good Friday or not to plan their visits. This article provides all the essential information about Good Friday 2025.

Good Friday 2025 Date

The date of Good Friday varies each year, as it is always observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which changes based on the lunar calendar. This year, Good Friday will be observed on 18 April 2025.

Good Friday 2025 History

Good Friday is a significant day for Christians all around the world. It marks the day Jesus Christ was crucified, a central event in Christian belief. The term “Good” in Good Friday is believed to come from an older meaning of “good” as “holy” or “pious,” reflecting the day’s sacred significance. Early Christians, including figures like Irenaeus and Tertullian, referred to this day as the “Pasch,” indicating its association with the Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice. Christians began observing this day as early as 100 CE, marking it with fasting and penance to honor Jesus’s sacrifice. Over time, Good Friday became a day focused on prayers, reflection and remembrance of Jesus’s suffering and death.

Good Friday 2025 Significance

Good Friday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. It holds deep meaning as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection and mourning and a time to honor the sacrifices Jesus made for the forgiveness of sins. It is a moment to deeply contemplate the suffering and death of Christ and the profound impact of his sacrifice on our lives. The day holds immense significance as it embodies the belief that Jesus’s crucifixion was essential for redeeming humanity, laying the foundation for forgiveness and opening the way to eternal life. Good Friday not only calls believers to remember Christ’s selfless act but also inspires hope and renewal, leading to the celebration of resurrection and eternal promise on Easter Day.

Good Friday 2025 Observance

Good Friday is observed with quiet reflection, fasting, and prayer. Many Christians attend special church services where they listen to or watch the story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, also known as the Passion of Christ. Some churches hold a service called Tenebrae, where candles are slowly put out one by one to show the darkness that came over the world when Jesus died. Good Friday is observed in various ways around the world for example:

• In India, Good Friday is observed with church prayers and quiet remembrance. It is a public holiday in most states, and many government offices, banks, and schools remain closed. Some places also organize parades and religious events to honor Jesus’ sacrifice.
• In Vatican City, one of the biggest observances takes place. Thousands of people gather to see the Pope lead the Way of the Cross near the Colosseum. A large cross with burning torches lights up the sky, while believers hold candles in silence and prayer.
• In London, a large crowd gathers in Trafalgar Square to watch a 90-minute play showing the crucifixion of Jesus. This event is free and open to the public. In Bermuda, people fly colorful kites that represent Jesus’ journey to heaven.
• In Jerusalem, considered the place where Jesus was crucified, people walk the same path he took while carrying a wooden cross. Some carry crosses as heavy as the one Jesus carried. In countries like Mexico and Belgium, churches are decorated in black or dark colors to show mourning. In Ireland, selling alcohol is banned on this day.
•  In Mexico, there are processions called Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), where people walk through the streets to remember Jesus’ journey to the cross.
• In the Philippines, some believers take part in extreme acts of penance, like self-whipping or even mock crucifixions, to express their deep faith and sorrow for sin.

Are Banks Open or Closed on Good Friday?

As Good Friday gets closer, many people want to know if banks will be open on 18 April 2025. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, banks will be closed in several states on this day. These include Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Srinagar. So, if you live in any of these regions, plan your bank visits ahead of time.