NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its official holiday calendar for October 2025, confirming that banks across India will remain closed on 21 different days. These closures include nationwide observances such as Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj, as well as state-specific festivals like Kati Bihu, Lakshmi Puja, and Chhath Puja.
While banks will remain shut on these days, customers can continue to access essential financial services through ATMs, online banking, and mobile applications. However, for services that require a physical branch visit, customers are advised to check the city-wise holiday list and plan their banking activities in advance.
Why Bank Holidays Differ Across States
Bank holidays in India are governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, guidelines on RTGS holidays, and directives from the RBI. While some holidays such as Gandhi Jayanti and Diwali are observed nationwide, many are regional holidays, reflecting local traditions and cultural diversity.
For example, while Lakshmi Puja is observed in Kolkata and Agartala, Kati Bihu is celebrated only in Guwahati, and Chhath Puja sees closures in Patna and Ranchi. This city-wise distinction makes it important for customers to verify dates before visiting their bank branch.
Major Bank Holidays in October 2025
Some of the most significant holidays in October 2025 include:
- October 2 (Thursday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, and Durga Puja – observed nationwide.
- October 10 (Friday): Karwa Chauth – observed in Shimla.
- October 20–23 (Monday to Thursday): A series of Diwali-related holidays, including Deepavali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, leading to consecutive closures in several cities.
- October 27–28 (Monday and Tuesday): Chhath Puja in Bihar and Jharkhand (Patna, Ranchi, and Kolkata).
- October 31 (Friday): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birth Anniversary – observed in Ahmedabad.
In addition to these, banks will also remain closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
City-Wise List of Bank Holidays in October 2025
| Date & Day | Observance | Cities that will observe closure |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, Wednesday | Bank holiday | Agartala, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Gangtok, Guwahati, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada |
| Oct 2, Thursday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dasara/Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra/Durga Puja (Dasain)/Janmotsav of Sri Sri Sankardeva | Nationwide |
| Oct 3, Friday | Durga Puja (Dasain) | Gangtok |
| Oct 4, Saturday | Durga Puja (Dasain) | Gangtok |
| Oct 5, Sunday | Weekly off | Nationwide |
| Oct 6, Monday | Lakshmi Puja | Agartala, Kolkata |
| Oct 7, Tuesday | Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kumar Purnima | Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Shimla |
| Oct 10, Friday | Karva Chauth | Shimla |
| Oct 11, Saturday | Weekly off – Second Saturday | Nationwide |
| Oct 12, Sunday | Weekly off | Nationwide |
| Oct 18, Saturday | Kati Bihu (Fourth Saturday) | Guwahati |
| Oct 19, Sunday | Weekly off | Nationwide |
| Oct 20, Monday | Diwali (Deepavali)/Naraka Chaturdashi/Kali Puja | Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, New Delhi, Panaji, Raipur, Ranchi, Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada |
| Oct 21, Tuesday | Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan)/Deepawali/Govardhan Pooja | Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Gangtok, Imphal, Jammu, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Srinagar |
| Oct 22, Wednesday | Diwali (Bali Pratipada)/Vikram Samvant New Year Day/Govardhan Pooja/Balipadyami, Laxmi Puja (Deepawali) | Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Gangtok, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna |
| Oct 23, Thursday | Bhai Bij/Bhaidooj/Chitragupt Jayanti/Laxmi Puja (Deepawali)/Bhratridwitiya/Ningol Chakkouba | Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Shimla |
| Oct 25, Saturday | Weekly off (Fourth Saturday) | Nationwide |
| Oct 26, Sunday | Weekly off | Nationwide |
| Oct 27, Monday | Chath Puja (Evening Puja) | Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi |
| Oct 28, Tuesday | Chath Puja (Morning Puja) | Patna, Ranchi |
| Oct 31, Friday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday | Ahmedabad |
This mix of national and regional closures means several states will experience back-to-back holidays, especially during the Diwali and Chhath Puja periods.
Impact on Banking Customers
While bank closures may affect in-branch services like cash deposits, withdrawals beyond ATM limits, cheque clearance, and demand drafts, customers need not worry about disruption of essential financial services.
Even during holidays, the following services will remain active:
- Online and Mobile Banking: For fund transfers, UPI transactions, and bill payments.
- NEFT and RTGS Transactions: Subject to operational windows.
- ATM Withdrawals and Debit/Credit Card Transactions: Available 24/7.
- Online Requests: For cheque books, account services, and demand drafts.
Customers planning major financial transactions are advised to avoid the Diwali week closures (October 20–23) and Chhath Puja dates (October 27–28) when multiple states will see extended bank holidays.
You Learn
With 21 bank holidays in October 2025, including major festivals and regional observances, customers should carefully plan their banking activities to avoid inconvenience. Digital platforms such as UPI, mobile apps, and internet banking will continue to function seamlessly, but those needing in-branch services must align their visits with RBI’s holiday calendar.
As India prepares to celebrate a festive October with Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and Chhath Puja, the RBI’s calendar ensures clarity and helps customers stay one step ahead in managing their finances responsibly.
(India CSR)
