India celebrates Good Friday on April 3, 2026 along with other parts of the world. This day is marked as a public holiday in India. Therefore, schools, colleges, banks and other places in India will remain closed today.
Why is India celebrating Good Friday today?
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the Friday of Holy Week and ends on Easter Sunday.
According to the Bible, Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
India therefore celebrates Good Friday today.
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What is closed today for Good Friday?
Banks: All banks, including private and public sector banks, will remain closed on Friday, April 3, 2026 due to Good Friday 2026, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bank holiday calendar. However, ATMs, mobile banking, online banking and banking apps will remain operational for daily transactions even during public holidays, unless the bank sends specific notices regarding timing of maintenance or technical issues.
government agencies: Government offices across India will have a holiday on Good Friday on April 3. According to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, 3rd April is a declared holiday.
Schools and colleges: All schools, government and private, across India will be closed on Good Friday, Friday, April 3. Similarly, all dormitories will be closed on Good Friday.
Stock Markets: Indian stock markets – BSE and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed on Friday. Therefore, there will be no trading on the stock exchanges today.
Good Friday: What’s Open in India?
public transport: Public transport including buses, trains, metro and autorickshaw services will be available in India on Good Friday for the benefit of commuters.
Emergency services: Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, firefighters and others will be open today.
Shops and Markets: Shops and shopping centers will remain open today despite the Good Friday holiday. A typical day at the markets awaits shoppers.
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Good Friday: Date, History and Background
Good Friday is celebrated in India and all over the world on 3rd April this year. The date of Good Friday is determined by Easter Sunday.
The origins of Good Friday date back to the first century in Roman-ruled Judea. According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was sentenced to death by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate by means of crucifixion. Over time, Christians continued to observe the day through acts of penance, fasting, and subdued worship.
Although Good Friday is a day of mourning, it is called “good” because Christians consider the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for the salvation of mankind and an act of love and redemption, which is a fundamental belief of Christianity.
The religious significance of Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the Friday of Holy Week and ends on Easter Sunday. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
How is Good Friday celebrated?
The observance of Good Friday may vary among different denominations of Christianity. Churches hold special services to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. These include readings about the crucifixion along with prayers for forgiveness.
Key things
- Good Friday is a public holiday in India, leading to the closure of schools, banks and stock markets.
- Despite the holiday, emergency services and public transport will remain in operation.
- Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with various religious activities.
