Bank Holiday in Bihar Amid High-Stakes Elections: Here’s What You Need to Know

Bihar is all set for the second and final phase of the 2025 Assembly elections on Tuesday, November 11, covering 122 constituencies across 20 districts. To ensure smooth conduct of voting, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared November 11 a bank holiday specifically for Bihar.

This closure aligns with a paid holiday directive issued by the Election Commission of India to allow all eligible voters, including employees in government and private sectors, to cast their votes without financial disadvantage. Bank branches, along with schools and government offices, will remain closed.

Furthermore, a 48-hour liquor ban in border districts of Bihar is in place, effective from 5 PM on November 9 to 5 PM on November 11, to maintain law and order and promote a peaceful election atmosphere.

Security arrangements have been ramped up with over four lakh personnel deployed along with bomb disposal squads and paramilitary forces ensuring secure polling at 45,399 centers, primarily in rural areas.

Key Highlights:

RBI declares November 11 a state-specific bank holiday in Bihar for phase 2 elections​

Schools, government offices, and workplaces observe paid holiday for voting participation​

48-hour liquor ban in Bihar border areas to ensure peaceful polling

Extensive security deployment to safeguard election process with over four lakh personnel​

Phase 2 polling covers 122 constituencies in 20 districts with over 3.7 crore voters​

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Times of India, Economic Times, RBI Holiday Calendar 2025