A Nationwide Closure to Start the Month
The month begins with a national holiday on Friday, October 2, for Gandhi Jayanti. This day marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is one of India's three national holidays, meaning all banks across every state and union territory will be closed.
Since it falls on a Friday, it creates a long weekend when combined with the following Sunday, so it's wise to complete any urgent bank tasks before this date.
The Dussehra and Durga Puja Festivities
The bulk of October's holidays centres around the celebrations of Durga Puja and Dussehra, but the dates vary significantly by state. The festivities lead to closures on different days in different regions. For example, Maha Saptami is a holiday in Agartala on October 17. Many states, particularly in the East and South, will have holidays for Maha Navami and Ayudha Pooja on Monday, October 19. The main Dussehra or Vijayadashami holiday falls on Tuesday, October 20, and will be observed in most states across the country, making it the most widespread holiday of the festival period. Some states may observe a holiday on October 21 as well. It is crucial to check the specific holidays for your state, as cities like Gangtok have additional holidays for Dasain on October 22 and 23.
Other Key Regional Holidays
Beyond Dussehra, several other regional holidays will affect banking operations in specific states. Mahalaya Amavasye will be observed in Bengaluru and Kolkata on October 10. Later in the month, on Monday, October 26, banks will be closed in Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, and Srinagar for Laxmi Puja, Accession Day, or Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday. Shimla will see another holiday for Karva Chauth on October 29, and banks in Ahmedabad will be closed on October 31 to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday.
Don't Forget Regular Weekend Closures
In addition to the festival calendar, remember that all banks in India are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, as well as every Sunday. In October 2026, the second Saturday falls on October 10, and the fourth Saturday is on October 24. These fixed closures can sometimes fall adjacent to a festival holiday, creating an extended period without access to in-person banking services. Always factor these weekend dates into your financial planning for the month.
How to Manage Your Banking Needs
With numerous bank closures, relying solely on branch visits is not a viable option. Fortunately, digital banking services provide a robust alternative. Net banking, mobile banking apps, and UPI services will remain fully functional throughout the holidays for transfers and payments. ATMs will also be available for cash withdrawals, though it is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash ahead of a long series of holidays to avoid any potential shortages at the machines. For tasks that require bank staff, such as submitting documents, applying for a loan, or dealing with complex account issues, plan your visit for a working day well in advance of any scheduled holidays.
