Bank customers planning to visit a branch on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, should check the holiday schedule before travelling. According to the October bank holiday calendar, branches in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal are scheduled to remain closed for Vijayadashami and Durga Puja.
The closures apply to bank branches in the affected locations, including those of public and private sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank.
Why Are Banks Closed on October 21?
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is an important Hindu festival associated with the victory of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day. In many parts of India, the occasion is marked by the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
Durga Puja is another major festival, celebrated with particular enthusiasm in states such as West Bengal, Tripura and Assam. The festival honours Goddess Durga, with decorated pandals and idols forming an important part of the celebrations.
Since festival dates and official bank holidays differ by state, the October 21 closure will not apply uniformly across the country.
October 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
Here are the key upcoming bank holidays listed for the remainder of October 2026:
| Date | Day | Occasion and affected locations |
|---|---|---|
| October 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra, Vijayadashami, Mahanavami and related festival holidays in several states and banking centres |
| October 21 | Wednesday | Vijayadashami and Durga Puja in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal |
| October 22 | Thursday | Durga Puja and Dashain in Sikkim |
| October 23 | Friday | Durga Puja and Dashain in Sikkim |
| October 24 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday; bank branches closed nationwide |
| October 25 | Sunday | Weekly bank holiday nationwide |
| October 26 | Monday | Lakshmi Puja, Accession Day and Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti in selected locations, including Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tripura |
| October 29 | Thursday | Karwa Chauth in Himachal Pradesh |
| October 31 | Saturday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary in Gujarat |
The holiday calendar is based on published October 2026 bank holiday information. Customers should confirm the applicable holiday for their particular city or branch before visiting.
Will Online Banking Work During the Holidays?
Even when physical bank branches are closed, most routine digital banking services are generally available. Customers can continue to use internet banking, mobile banking and UPI for eligible transactions. ATMs are also generally available for cash withdrawals.
However, services that require in-person assistance or physical processing at a branch may be unavailable during the holiday. Customers planning cheque-related work or other branch-dependent transactions should make arrangements in advance.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Bank holidays can vary by state, city and banking centre, and schedules may be updated by the relevant authorities. Please verify the latest holiday calendar through the Reserve Bank of India or your bank before planning a branch visit.