RBI Announces October 2024 Bank Holidays Across India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially released the list of bank holidays for the month of October 2024, confirming a total of 15 non-working days. These include national holidays, regional celebrations, and certain election dates, impacting the operational status of banks nationwide.

Among the noted holidays, Gandhi Jayanti will be observed on Wednesday, October 2. Several prominent regional holidays such as Navratri, Durga Puja, and state-specific festivals will also be observed, leading to additional bank closures in respective regions. The RBI’s holiday schedule covers both Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) holidays and account closure restrictions, applicable to banks across both the public and private sectors.

In terms of specific regional observances, October 10 will see banks closed in cities including Agartala, Guwahati, Kohima, and Kolkata due to Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Saptami). On October 11, a variety of festivals such as Dusshera (Mahashtami/Mahanavami), Ayudha Pooja, and Durga Ashtami will result in bank closures in multiple cities across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, and Patna.

Additional closures will occur on October 12, which coincides with the second Saturday of the month. This day will see banks shut in a broader array of cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, among others, due to Dasara/Dussehra (Vijayadashmi) celebrations.

Furthermore, a variety of state-specific holidays will be observed. For example, October 17 will witness celebrations of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti and Kati Bihu in Karnataka, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh. Accession Day in Jammu and Kashmir will be marked on October 26, which also coincides with the statutory second Saturday holiday.

Diwali, celebrated nationwide with significant observance in Gujarat and West Bengal, will fall on October 31 this year. This day also marks the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Despite these scheduled holidays, bank customers will continue to have full access to online and digital banking services, enabling them to manage their financial needs without disruption throughout the month.