The Nationwide Holiday
The month kicks off with a holiday observed across the entire country. On Friday, October 2, all banks in India will be closed for Gandhi Jayanti. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is one of India's three national holidays.
Because it falls on a Friday in 2026, it creates a long weekend, so it’s wise to complete any urgent branch-related work before then.
The Festive Season: Dussehra and Durga Puja
The main cluster of holidays arrives with the festive celebrations of Dussehra and Durga Puja. The dates for these holidays vary significantly by state, making it crucial to know your local schedule. The most widespread holiday is for Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami), which falls on Tuesday, October 20. Banks in most states will be closed on this day. The preceding day, Monday, October 19, will also be a holiday in many states for observances like Maha Navami and Ayudha Puja, including in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This creates a block of non-working days in several regions when combined with the weekend.
A Look at Key Regional Holidays
Beyond the major nationwide closures, several important regional holidays will affect banking services in specific states. For instance, on Saturday, October 10, banks in Bengaluru and Kolkata will be closed for Mahalaya Amavasye. Later in the month, on Monday, October 26, banks in Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, and Srinagar will observe a holiday for Laxmi Puja, Accession Day, or Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday on October 31 will be a bank holiday in Ahmedabad. Always check your local branch schedule, as holidays are not uniform across the country.
Don't Forget the Weekend Closures
In addition to the festival and national holidays, remember that banks follow a regular schedule of weekend closures. All banks across India remain closed on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. In October 2026, the second Saturday falls on October 10, and the fourth Saturday is on October 24. These fixed closures, when combined with festival dates, can lead to extended periods without access to in-person banking services. Planning ahead for cash withdrawals and other branch-dependent tasks is essential.
How to Navigate Bank Holidays Seamlessly
While physical bank branches will be shut, your banking activities don't have to come to a complete stop. Digital banking services are your best friend during the holidays. Net banking, mobile banking apps, and UPI services will remain fully functional 24/7. You can transfer funds, pay bills, and check your account balance anytime. ATMs will also be operational for cash withdrawals. However, it's a good practice to withdraw sufficient cash in advance, as ATMs in high-traffic areas might run out of currency during a string of holidays. For non-urgent matters like submitting documents or applying for loans, schedule your visit to the bank on a working day before or after the holiday rush.
