Banks across most parts of India will operate as usual on Thursday, October 29, 2026, but branches in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, will remain closed for Karwa Chauth. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) October holiday calendar lists the closure as a regional bank holiday, affecting both public- and private-sector banks in the city.
Customers planning to visit a branch should check their local bank holiday schedule in advance, as closures can vary by state and city.
Which Banks Are Closed in Shimla Today?
Bank branches in Shimla, including those of State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, will remain closed. The holiday also applies to branches of Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda.
While in-person branch services will be unavailable, customers can continue using online and mobile banking for routine transactions. UPI payments, debit and credit cards, and ATMs also provide alternatives for many banking needs.
However, digital services may occasionally be affected by technical issues or scheduled maintenance. Customers should check their bank’s notifications for any service disruptions.
Why Is There a Bank Holiday on Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival observed mainly in northern and western India. Married women traditionally fast from sunrise until moonrise and offer prayers for their husbands’ safety, long life and prosperity. In 2026, the festival falls on Thursday, October 29.
Bank holidays in India are determined by national observances, regional festivals and regular weekly closures. As a result, a holiday in one city does not necessarily mean that banks will be closed throughout the country.
Banks generally remain closed on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Customers can use digital banking facilities during these closures, subject to service availability.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in October and November 2026
The next regional bank holiday mentioned in the calendar is Saturday, October 31, when branches in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, will close to observe Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday. Banks across India will also remain closed on Sunday, November 1, as part of the regular weekly holiday.
The November 2026 bank holiday calendar includes regional holidays on November 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16, followed by additional regional holidays on November 20, 23, 24 and 27. Regular second- and fourth-Saturday closures will fall on November 14 and 28.
Since regional holidays differ across locations, customers should confirm the applicable dates with their nearest branch before planning a visit. The RBI publishes bank holiday schedules, and its calendar is updated for the relevant regions.
How to Access Banking Services During Holidays
Customers who need to make payments or manage their accounts during a bank holiday can use their bank’s website or mobile application. UPI supports money transfers around the clock, while ATMs and card payments provide other options for everyday transactions.
Standing instructions can also help customers manage recurring bills, recharges and other scheduled payments without visiting a branch. Nevertheless, customers should check for bank-issued alerts if a transaction or digital service is unavailable.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Bank holidays may vary by state, city and individual bank. Check the latest RBI holiday calendar or your bank’s official website and notifications to confirm local closures and service availability before visiting a branch.