Bank customers planning to visit a branch on Friday, October 23, 2026, should check the holiday schedule before heading out. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, bank branches in Sikkim will remain closed on Friday on account of Durga Puja and Dashain.
The holiday will apply to public and private sector banks operating in the state, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. Banks in Sikkim are also closed on October 22 for Dashain. Bank branches in other states are scheduled to remain open on October 23.
Why Are Banks Closed in Sikkim on October 23?
Durga Puja and Dashain are important religious festivals celebrated in Sikkim. Durga Puja commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
During the first nine days of the festival, devotees worship Goddess Durga. On the tenth day, elders traditionally bless younger family members by applying a tilak to their foreheads. In many places, idols of the goddess are also immersed as part of the celebrations.
Complete List of Bank Holidays in October 2026
Customers should keep the following dates in mind when planning branch visits during the remaining days of October.
- October 23, Friday – Durga Puja: Bank branches in Sikkim will remain closed for Durga Puja and Dashain.
- October 24, Saturday – Fourth Saturday: Bank branches across India will be closed as it is the month’s fourth Saturday.
- October 25, Sunday – Weekly Holiday: Banks across the country will remain closed for the regular Sunday holiday.
- October 26, Monday – Lakshmi Puja, Accession Day and Valmiki Jayanti: Banks in Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tripura will remain closed for the respective regional observances.
- October 29, Thursday – Karwa Chauth: Bank branches in Himachal Pradesh will be closed for the festival.
- October 31, Saturday – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti: Banks in Gujarat will observe a holiday on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
Bank holidays vary by state and occasion, so customers should check the applicable RBI holiday calendar before visiting their local branch.
Online Banking Services to Remain Available
Although physical bank branches may be closed on designated holidays, customers can continue using several digital banking facilities. Internet banking, mobile banking and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services can be used for eligible transactions, including money transfers. ATM services will also remain available for cash withdrawals.
However, some branch-dependent services, such as cheque clearance, may be delayed because of the holiday. Customers who need to complete an in-person transaction should plan accordingly.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Bank holidays may differ by state, region and the applicable RBI notification. The dates and holiday details listed above are based on the information provided and have not been independently verified. Customers should consult the official RBI holiday calendar or their bank for the latest confirmed schedule before planning a branch visit.