Festive Season Brings Long Weekend for Bank Employees, As India gears up to celebrate Diwali 2025, one of the biggest festivals of the year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the official list of bank holidays for October and November 2025.
The list confirms that banks across several states will remain closed during Diwali week, including Dhanteras (October 18), Diwali (October 20), and Govardhan Puja (October 21).
However, the holiday pattern will vary by state, depending on regional festivities and local notifications under the RBI’s Negotiable Instruments Act (NIA).
Bank Holiday Schedule Around Diwali 2025
| Date | Day | Occasion | Bank Status (Most States) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2025 | Saturday | Dhanteras | Closed in major metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur |
| October 19, 2025 | Sunday | Weekend | Weekly holiday |
| October 20, 2025 | Monday | Diwali / Laxmi Pujan | National holiday (banks closed across India) |
| October 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Govardhan Puja | Closed in UP, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra |
| October 22, 2025 | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj | Regional holiday in select states |
| October 25, 2025 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Bank holiday (as per RBI rule) |
| October 26, 2025 | Sunday | Weekend | Weekly holiday |
This means banks will remain closed for up to 5 consecutive days in some regions between October 18–22, depending on local observances.
RBI’s Bank Holiday Categories Explained
The Reserve Bank of India classifies bank holidays into three types:
- Holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act
- Holiday under Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
- Bank Account Closure Holiday (for internal audits)
During these days, offline banking operations, such as cash deposits, check clearances, and in-branch transactions, remain closed.
However, customers can continue to use ATMs, mobile banking apps, UPI, and internet banking services without interruption.
Key States Where Banks Will Be Closed on Dhanteras
Banks will remain closed on October 18 (Dhanteras) in the following states due to regional observances:
- Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune)
- Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Surat)
- Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur)
- Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Varanasi)
- Delhi NCR
Meanwhile, states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu may observe alternate holidays based on regional calendars.
Banking Services That Will Still Be Available
Even during Diwali week, digital banking services will remain fully operational, including:
✅ UPI transactions (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)
✅ Online fund transfers (NEFT, IMPS, RTGS)
✅ ATM withdrawals and cash deposits via kiosks
✅ Mobile banking, net banking, and credit card payments
However, customers should plan ahead for:
- Branch visits, check clearances, and DD issuances before October 17.
- High-traffic ATM use during the long holiday period.
Next RBI Holiday Update
The RBI will issue the complete list of holidays for November–December 2025 soon. It’s expected to include:
- Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 5, 2025)
- Christmas (December 25, 2025)
- Year-End Audit Holiday (December 31, 2025)
Employees and customers are advised to check the RBI official website or their respective bank branches for local holiday variations.
Plan Banking Activities Before Diwali Week
With Dhanteras (October 18) and Diwali (October 20) both marked as bank holidays, customers should complete key banking tasks in advance.
Although digital transactions will function 24×7, physical banking will remain closed for multiple consecutive days in several regions.
If you’re planning cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, or loan EMIs, ensure they are processed before the festive shutdown begins.
Disclaimer; This article is based on the RBI’s tentative bank holiday schedule for October–December 2025. Actual holidays may vary from state to state. Please verify with your local branch or RBI regional office.