Banks to Shut For 17 Days in September Amid Festivals and Weekends
The RBI calendar shows 17 closures this month, affecting services during major festivals.
Banks across India will observe 17 holidays in September, blending regional festivals, national observances, and routine weekend closures, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar. This includes 10 festive holidays with state-specific variations, alongside closures on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. The disruptions, particularly intensifying from September 22 with the onset of Navratri, could inconvenience customers relying on in-person banking services during a peak festival season.
The holiday lineup begins with Sundays on September 7, 14, 21, and 28, providing standard weekend respite. Festive closures kick off on September 8 for Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi in regions like Mumbai, followed by the Unitarian Anniversary Day on September 18 in Meghalaya. Notably, September 20—a third Saturday—sees banks remaining operational, offering a brief window for transactions.
However, the schedule tightens from September 22 with Navratra Sthapna in Rajasthan, escalating into Durga Puja festivities on September 29 (Maha Saptami in Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal) and September 30 (Maha Ashtami across Tripura, Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand). September 23 marks the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji in Jammu and Kashmir, adding another layer of regional pause. The fourth Saturday, September 27, rounds out the weekend holidays nationwide.
These closures reflect India's diverse cultural calendar, where bank holidays are tailored to local traditions while adhering to RBI guidelines that mandate uniformity for second and fourth Saturdays, except in cases of overlapping festivals. The RBI's list ensures financial institutions align with gazetted and restricted holidays, promoting work-life balance but occasionally straining service continuity. In 2025, the concentration of Navratri and Durga Puja events underscores a shift toward more synchronised regional observances, potentially amplifying logistical challenges for interstate banking needs.
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To mitigate disruptions, the RBI advises customers to verify branch-specific schedules via official apps or websites, as holidays can vary by location. While physical branches will shutter, digital alternatives—including internet banking, mobile apps, UPI transactions, and ATMs—will operate uninterrupted, ensuring seamless access to funds. Financial experts recommend planning ahead, such as completing urgent transfers before September 22, to avoid festival-related bottlenecks.
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