Global IME Bank Announces Counter Openings During Tihar and Chhath Holidays

21st October 2025, Kathmandu

The festive season in Nepal, anchored by Tihar (Deepawali) and swiftly followed by Chhath Puja, represents a period of peak cultural and economic activity. Tihar, the five-day Festival of Lights, centers around the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, on Kartik 3, prompting families and businesses to require cash for rituals, home decorations, and festive shopping.

Global IME Counter Openings

The observance of Bhai Tika on Kartik 6 further necessitates cash for traditional gifts and Dakshina (offerings). Crucially, this period extends into the four-day Chhath Festival (with Kartik 10 being a key day), a revered celebration in the Terai region dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God), where elaborate preparations, large community gatherings, and numerous offerings at riverbanks and ponds demand significant financial readiness, especially for the purchasing of new clothes and preparation materials for the rigorous fasts.

As Nepal’s largest commercial bank, Global IME Bank Limited recognizes its responsibility to maintain financial continuity during these nation-wide public holidays. To address the dual requirements of Tihar and Chhath, the bank has announced a robust and strategically timed holiday banking schedule, ensuring that customers in every corner of the country have access to essential cash services and support. This proactive measure underlines the bank’s commitment to delivering reliable, customer-focused services even when most other sectors are observing holidays.

Extending Service: Global IME Bank’s Operational Schedule

Global IME Bank has announced that select counters across its extensive network will be operational for cash transactions for six key dates during the Tihar and Chhath holidays. This provides customers with necessary windows for deposits and withdrawals, which are critical for smooth festive operations.

Operational Banking Dates (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM):

Monday, Kartik 3: Laxmi Puja

Tuesday, Kartik 4: Aunsi (Tihar)

Wednesday, Kartik 5: Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja

Thursday, Kartik 6: Bhai Tika

Friday, Kartik 7: Tihar Holiday

Monday, Kartik 10: Chhath

By keeping branches open until the Chhath festival, which is highly significant, particularly in the Madhesh and Terai regions, Global IME Bank uniquely caters to the economic needs of a wider and more diverse demographic in Nepal. This comprehensive schedule allows customers to manage their finances effectively across the entire stretch of the key festive period.

Nationwide Branch Coverage: Serving Every Province

The bank’s unparalleled network, which boasts a presence across all 77 districts, allows it to provide extensive coverage. The selected open branches are strategically located in high-traffic and regional centers to maximize customer reach, demonstrating its position as a bank for all Nepalis.

Koshi Province: Including Itahari, Damak, Inaruwa, and Kanchanbari.

Madhesh Province: Key Chhath centers like Janakpur (Station Road), Birgunj, Lahan, and Rajbiraj.

Bagmati Province: A large cluster of branches in the Kathmandu Valley (New Road, Kamaladi, Kalanki, Chabahil) and surrounding areas like Banepa and Dhulikhel.

Gandaki Province: Major points like Pokhara (New Road, Lakeside) and regional centers like Baglung and Besisahar.

Lumbini Province: Including Nepalgunj, Ghorahi, and the industrial centers of Bhairahawa and Butwal.

Karnali Province: Surkhet (Birendranagar and Tharmare).

Sudurpaschim Province: Centers like Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Attariya.

This wide-ranging operational presence ensures that essential financial services are not geographically restrictive during a time when many people travel and physical cash transactions increase.

The Power of Digital Banking and Customer Support (Global Connect)

In line with the increasing trend of digitization in the Nepali banking sector, Global IME Bank strongly encourages customers to utilize its digital banking channels for convenient, 24/7 transactions. Digital platforms such as the Global Smart Plus mobile banking app, internet banking, and the wide network of ATMs offer a secure and efficient alternative to visiting physical counters. These services allow for instantaneous fund transfers, utility bill payments, and card-based transactions, supporting the festive economy without reliance on fixed bank hours.

To further solidify its customer commitment, the bank’s dedicated Global Connect Call Center will maintain extended working hours throughout the holidays, providing critical support for digital banking issues, card inquiries, and emergency services.

Global Connect Operational Hours:

Throughout the holidays (except Bhai Tika): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

On Bhai Tika (Kartik 6): 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Contact:

Phone: +977-1-5970600

Mail: [email protected]

This comprehensive support system, combined with the strategic opening of physical branches, exemplifies Global IME Bank’s reputation as a reliable financial institution dedicated to making the national festivals of Tihar and Chhath seamless and prosperous for its more than 5 million customers. Its continuous service approach during holidays, including a focus on both physical and digital accessibility, reinforces its status as a key player in the nation’s financial landscape.

For More: Global IME Counter Openings