The Complete List of October 2026 Bank Holidays
Banks will be closed for a total of 16 days in October in some states, including regular closures on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. However, most holidays are regional. Always check with your local branch, as closures can vary. Here is the state-wise
list of holidays according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) calendar:- October 2 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti - National Holiday (All states).- October 10 (Saturday): Mahalaya Amavasye - Karnataka and West Bengal. This also falls on the second Saturday, a regular bank holiday.- October 17 (Saturday): Maha Saptami - Tripura.- October 19 (Monday): Dussehra (Maha Ashtami/Navami)/Ayutha Pooja/Durga Puja - Tripura, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya.- October 20 (Tuesday): Dasara/Dussehra (Vijaya Dashmi) - All states except Manipur and Sikkim.- October 21 (Wednesday): Vijaya Dasami/Durga Puja - Tripura, Karnataka, Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala.- October 22 & 23 (Thursday & Friday): Durga Puja (Dasain) - Sikkim.- October 26 (Monday): Laxmi Puja/Accession Day/Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday - Tripura, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.- October 29 (Thursday): Karva Chauth - Himachal Pradesh.- October 31 (Saturday): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday - Gujarat.
Your Digital Banking Lifeline
Even when bank branches are closed, your banking doesn't have to stop. Digital services like UPI, internet banking, and mobile banking apps will remain fully functional 24/7. You can use these channels for most of your needs, including transferring funds, paying bills, and checking your account balance. These services are only unavailable during pre-scheduled maintenance, for which banks usually notify customers in advance. For cash needs, ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs) will continue to operate. It is wise, however, to withdraw cash a day or two before a long string of holidays, as ATMs in high-demand areas can sometimes run out of currency.
Managing In-Person Banking Tasks
Certain services require a visit to a physical branch. These include large cash deposits, submitting documents for KYC, applying for loans, or getting a demand draft issued. Cheque clearances can also be delayed during consecutive holidays. If you have urgent in-person banking to complete, it is crucial to plan around the holiday schedule. Check the specific holiday list for your state and city to identify the working days in between the festive closures. For example, with Dussehra holidays spanning multiple days in many eastern states, any branch-dependent work should be finished well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
How to Plan Your Finances for the Festive Month
The key to a stress-free festive month is planning. Start by creating a simple budget for your expected expenses, including gifts, travel, and celebrations. Having a clear idea of your spending helps prevent last-minute financial strain. It's a good practice to estimate your cash requirements for the holidays and withdraw a sufficient amount during a working day. This way, you avoid relying solely on ATMs, which might face heavy traffic. For all other transactions, lean on digital payment methods. Separating your festive spending from your regular savings can also help maintain financial discipline. By combining a little foresight with the convenience of digital banking, you can navigate the October holidays smoothly.
