The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially released the bank holiday schedule for October, a month filled with various festivals across the country. For those planning to visit the bank, it’s important to be aware of these dates. Banks in different cities will be closed on various days, and in some cases, the holidays are region-specific. Whether it’s a personal or business matter, understanding when your local bank will be closed will help you avoid inconvenience.
In October 2024, banks will remain closed for a total of 15 days, including the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays. Let’s dive into the detailed holiday list and explore how this might affect your plans.
Comprehensive List of Bank Holidays in October 2024
October 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (Nationwide)
October kicks off with Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on the 2nd, a national holiday observed across the country. All banks, regardless of the region, will remain closed on this day. As a significant event in India’s history, the holiday is recognized nationwide.
October 3: Shardiya Navratri and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti (Jaipur)
On October 3, banks in Jaipur will observe a holiday for Shardiya Navratri and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. While this is not a nationwide closure, individuals in Jaipur should take note of this holiday to avoid disruptions.
October 10: Maha Saptami (Multiple Cities)
Several cities, including Agartala, Guwahati, Kohima, and Kolkata, will see bank closures on October 10 in celebration of Maha Saptami, part of the Durga Puja festival. It’s a day of cultural and religious significance in these regions, resulting in regional bank closures.
October 11: Mahanavami (Widespread)
October 11 marks Mahanavami, and banks in cities such as Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Guwahati, Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Patna, Ranchi, and Shillong will be closed for the occasion. This day is vital for communities celebrating Durga Puja and is widely observed in eastern and northeastern India.
October 14: Durga Puja (Dasin) (Gangtok)
Gangtok will experience a bank holiday on October 14 for Durga Puja (Dasin). Although it affects banks in Gangtok exclusively, locals and businesses should adjust their plans accordingly.
October 16: Laxmi Puja (Agartala, Kolkata)
On October 16, banks in Agartala and Kolkata will close in celebration of Laxmi Puja, a festival dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity. This festival is mainly observed in these regions and will result in a day off for banks.
October 17: Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (Shimla, Bengaluru, Guwahati)
People in Shimla, Bengaluru, and Guwahati will experience a bank holiday on October 17 for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, honoring the revered sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana.
October 31: Narak Chaturdashi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti, and Deepawali (Nationwide)
A number of cities, including Ahmedabad, Ajwal, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, New Delhi, Panaji, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla, and Thiruvananthapuram, will have a day off on October 31 for Narak Chaturdashi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti, and Deepawali. These celebrations bring significant festivities across many regions, and businesses should prepare for these closures.
List of Weekly Bank Holidays in October 2024
In addition to the festival-related holidays, banks across the country observe regular weekend closures. The following dates mark the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays when banks will remain closed:
- October 6 – Sunday
- October 12 – Second Saturday
- October 13 – Sunday
- October 20 – Sunday
- October 26 – Fourth Saturday
- October 27 – Sunday
These weekend closures are standard across India, and it’s crucial to factor these into your banking schedule.
Cities Affected by Region-Specific Bank Holidays
It’s essential to note that not all holidays are observed nationwide. Some holidays are region-specific and may only affect certain cities or states. Below is a summary of cities and the holidays that will cause bank closures in October 2024:
- Jaipur: October 3 (Shardiya Navratri and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti)
- Agartala, Guwahati, Kohima, Kolkata: October 10 (Maha Saptami)
- Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Guwahati, Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Patna, Ranchi, Shillong: October 11 (Mahanavami)
- Gangtok: October 14 (Durga Puja – Dasin)
- Agartala, Kolkata: October 16 (Laxmi Puja)
- Shimla, Bengaluru, Guwahati: October 17 (Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti)
- Nationwide (Various cities): October 31 (Narak Chaturdashi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti, Deepawali)
Banking Services Still Operational During Holidays
Even though banks may be physically closed on these holidays, customers can still access various services. Net banking, mobile banking, and ATM services remain fully operational. Customers are encouraged to utilize these digital services to manage their banking needs without any interruption. Whether it’s transferring funds, checking account balances, or paying bills, digital banking services provide the flexibility to perform essential tasks even when banks are closed.
Additionally, NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) and RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) services may be available, depending on the bank’s policy. It’s wise to check with your bank beforehand to ensure seamless transactions during these holidays.
How to Plan for October Bank Holidays
Planning ahead is essential to avoid any disruption caused by these closures. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of your banking needs:
- Check the specific holidays for your region: Since some holidays are region-specific, make sure to review the dates applicable to your location.
- Use digital banking services: Take full advantage of net banking, mobile banking, and ATM services to manage your finances seamlessly during holidays.
- Complete major transactions early: If you have any urgent banking matters, such as loan applications, account closures, or document submissions, ensure they are handled before the holidays begin.
- Stay updated with your bank’s notifications: Banks often send out SMS alerts or email notifications about holiday closures. Keeping an eye on these notifications can help you stay informed about any sudden changes or additional closures.
Conclusion
October 2024 brings a mix of festivals and regular holidays, leading to a substantial number of bank closures across India. By being aware of the RBI’s holiday list, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the bank and ensure that your financial transactions are completed smoothly. Whether you’re based in Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru, or any other city, proper planning and utilizing online banking options can help you navigate these closures without hassle.
