As the festive season sweeps across the country, banks in several Indian states will remain closed today, Wednesday, 22 October 2025, in observance of key cultural and religious events. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned these closures as part of the extended festive calendar that began with Dhanteras on October 18 and continues through Diwali and beyond.
A Week of Festive Observances
The days following Dhanteras have been filled with major festivals celebrated across diverse regions. Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali Amavasya, Govardhan Puja, and Bali Pratipada mark a spiritually rich time in the Hindu calendar.
Today, Govardhan Puja and Bali Pratipada are observed together in many parts of India. These festivals pay homage to Lord Krishna’s divine act of lifting the Govardhan hill and honor King Bali and Lord Vishnu, reflecting themes of devotion, sacrifice, and cosmic balance.
In Gujarat and certain other states, the day also marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat New Year, a significant occasion celebrated with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Schedule for October 2025
Below is a detailed overview of bank holidays across various Indian states for the remainder of October:
- October 21, 2025 (Tuesday): Banks closed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir for Diwali Amavasya, Lakshmi Puja, and Govardhan Puja.
- October 22, 2025 (Wednesday): Banks shut in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar for Diwali, Vikram Samvat New Year, Govardhan Puja, and Bali Pratipada.
- October 23, 2025 (Thursday): Bank holidays observed in Gujarat, Sikkim, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh for Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja, Bhatri Dvitiya, and Ningol Chakouba.
- October 25, 2025 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday – banks remain closed as per standard weekly schedule.
- October 26, 2025 (Sunday): Weekly holiday – banks remain closed nationwide.
- October 27, 2025 (Monday): Banks in West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand closed for Chhath Puja (Evening Arti).
- October 28, 2025 (Tuesday): Banks in Bihar and Jharkhand shut for Chhath Puja (Morning Arti).
- October 31, 2025 (Friday): Banks in Gujarat closed in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
Anticipated Impact on Banking Services
Given the cluster of holidays in October, banking operations are expected to face some disruption. Customers relying on in-branch services such as cash deposits, cheque clearances, or passbook updates may experience delays.
However, digital banking services—including mobile banking apps, internet banking, and ATM withdrawals—will continue to function uninterrupted, providing a convenient alternative during the holiday period.
Important Notes for Customers
- If a scheduled loan EMI, recurring deposit deduction, or investment maturity falls on a holiday, the transaction will typically be processed on the next working day, as per RBI’s standard guidelines.
- It’s advisable for customers to plan any critical banking activities—such as branch visits or document submissions—ahead of these scheduled closures.
Preparing for Smooth Transactions
To ensure seamless financial management during the festive week:
- Complete essential banking tasks at least a day or two before the holidays.
- Use online banking platforms for fund transfers, bill payments, and account services.
- Access ATMs for immediate cash needs, as these will remain operational throughout the period.
