Bank Holidays Stretch Through October Amid Festive Season, Which Cities and Dates to Note?

As the festive season peaks, banks across several Indian cities will remain closed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in observance of Diwali Amavasya, Diwali, and Govardhan Puja, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) state-wise holiday calendar. The alignment of these significant Hindu festivals has led to a patchwork of bank closures, causing some confusion among customers about operational days. Let’s dive into the details of where and why banks are shutting their doors, along with what services remain available during this festive period.

The RBI’s holiday list confirms that banks will be closed on October 21 in key zones including Belapur, Bhopal, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Jammu, Mumbai, Nagpur, Raipur, and Srinagar. This closure is tied to the celebrations of Diwali Amavasya, Diwali, and Govardhan Puja. Diwali, the festival of lights, is traditionally determined by the Amavasya tithi, which spans from October 20 to October 21, 2025. While most regions celebrated Diwali on October 20, some areas are marking the festival on October 21, contributing to the varied holiday schedule.

Govardhan Puja, observed the day after Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s legendary act of lifting the Govardhan mountain to shield Vrindavan’s residents from Lord Indra’s wrath. The Hindu almanac indicates that the Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi begins at 5:54 PM on October 21 and ends at 8:16 PM on October 22, influencing the regional variations in celebration dates. As a result, bank holidays reflect these cultural differences, with some zones observing closures on October 21 and others on October 22.

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The festive fervor extends beyond October 21, with additional bank closures scheduled throughout the month:

• October 22, 2025: Banks in Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Dehradun, Gangtok, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Patna will remain closed for Bali Pratipada, a festival celebrating prosperity and new beginnings.

• October 23, 2025: Bhai Dooj, a festival honoring sibling bonds, will see banks closed in Ahmedabad, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Shimla.

• October 25, 2025: As the fourth Saturday, banks nationwide will be closed, following the RBI’s standard schedule of closures on the second and fourth Saturdays.

• October 26, 2025: All banks across India will remain closed due to Sunday.

• October 27, 2025: Chhath Puja, a major festival in eastern India, will lead to bank closures in Kolkata, Patna, and Ranchi.

• October 28, 2025: Continued Chhath Puja celebrations will keep banks closed in Patna and Ranchi.

• October 31, 2025: Banks in Ahmedabad will observe a holiday for the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a revered Indian statesman.

This string of holidays underscores the rich cultural tapestry of India, with banks aligning their schedules to accommodate national, regional, and religious observances.

Bank closures are not limited to festive occasions like Diwali and Govardhan Puja. The RBI mandates closures on national holidays, significant religious festivals, and regional events that vary by state. Additionally, banks shut their doors on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, as well as every Sunday, providing a predictable rhythm to their operational calendar. These closures allow bank employees to participate in cultural and personal celebrations, but they can catch customers off guard if not planned for in advance.

Even when physical bank branches are closed, digital banking remains a lifeline for customers. Online banking services, including mobile apps and internet banking platforms, are typically available 24/7, enabling seamless financial transactions. Whether you need to transfer funds, pay bills, or check account balances, digital channels ensure that essential banking services remain accessible during holidays. ATMs also remain operational, providing cash withdrawal and other basic services, though it’s wise to plan ahead for cash needs during extended holiday periods.

With multiple bank holidays dotting the October calendar, customers are advised to plan their financial activities in advance. Check your local bank’s holiday schedule, especially if you’re in one of the affected zones like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Patna, where multiple closures are scheduled. For urgent transactions, leverage online banking or visit ATMs to avoid disruptions. The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, and with a little preparation, you can ensure your banking needs are met without a hitch.

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