Banks in several Indian states will observe holidays in the second half of October as festivals such as Durga Puja, Dussehra and Vijayadashami take place. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, bank closures will vary by state and city, so customers should check the schedule before visiting a branch.
Customers of major banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB), should note that these holidays do not apply uniformly across the country. Most cities will continue to have regular banking services during October 12–18, with a scheduled closure in Agartala on October 17.
Will Banks Remain Closed During Navratri?
Despite the ongoing Navratri celebrations from October 12 to 18, there is no nationwide bank holiday scheduled for the entire week. Most bank branches across India are expected to operate normally during this period, according to the RBI calendar.
The exception is Agartala in Tripura, where banks will remain closed on October 17 for Maha Saptami. Customers planning to visit a branch should confirm the holiday applicable to their location.
Bank Holiday Calendar for October 2026
The RBI’s holiday schedule lists the following state-specific closures for the remainder of October:
- October 17: Banks will be closed in Tripura for Maha Saptami.
- October 19: Bank holidays will be observed in multiple states for Dussehra, Mahashtami, Mahanavami, Ayudha Puja and Durga Puja.
- October 20: Banks in several states will remain closed for Dussehra, Mahanavami, Ayudha Puja and Durga Puja.
- October 21: Bank branches in certain states will be closed for Vijayadashami and Durga Puja.
- October 22 and 23: Banks in Sikkim will observe holidays for Durga Puja.
- October 26: Banks in Tripura will remain closed for Lakshmi Puja, Accession Day and Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
- October 29: Bank holidays will be observed in Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh for Karva Chauth.
- October 31: Banks in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh will be closed for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
Since bank holidays depend on the state and local observances, customers should consult the official RBI holiday list before making plans to visit a branch.
How to Complete Banking Transactions on Holidays
Even when bank branches are closed, customers can continue to carry out many financial transactions through digital banking services. UPI, internet banking and mobile banking can be used for fund transfers and payments, while ATMs remain available for cash withdrawals, subject to service availability.
The RBI’s Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system operates 24 hours a day, throughout the year, including bank holidays. However, services that require a physical branch visit, such as submitting certain documents or completing other in-person banking procedures, may need to wait until the branch reopens.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and is based on the bank holiday details provided. Actual closures may vary by state, city and bank branch. Customers should verify dates through the official RBI holiday calendar or their bank before planning branch visits or time-sensitive transactions.
