The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently released a list of seven additional bank holidays for the month of October, with the inclusion of significant festivals such as Ayudha Puja.
In India, all banks operate under the regulatory authority of the RBI, which also notifies the public about upcoming bank holidays.
Generally, banks in India remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as on public holidays.
This results in a total of 15 days of holidays in the month of October, including weekends and festival days.
Eight of these holidays have already passed, leaving us with seven more to look forward to. Let’s take a closer look at the list of remaining holidays and the states where banks will be closed.
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- 23 October – Bank holiday due to Maha Navami and Ayudha Puja.
- 24 October – Bank holiday due to Dussehra, Vijayadashami, and Durga Puja.
- 25 October – Bank holiday due to Durga Puja.
- 26 October – Bank holiday due to Durga Puja.
- 27 October – All banks are closed due to Durga Puja.
- 28 October – Bank holiday due to the fourth Saturday of the month.
- 31 October – Bank holiday in Gujarat on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday.
1) 23rd October – Bank Holiday due to Maha Navami and Ayudha Puja
On the 23rd of October, a bank holiday will be observed in several states across India, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, in honour of Maha Navami and Ayudha Puja. Maha Navami marks the ninth day of the Navratri festival, celebrating the goddess Durga, while Ayudha Puja is a day to pay homage to tools, machinery, and instruments. On this day, people traditionally clean and decorate their tools and offer prayers for a prosperous future.
2) 24th October – Bank Holiday due to Dussehra, Vijayadashami, and Durga Puja
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the 24th of October. This day signifies the triumph of good over evil and the end of the nine-day Navratri festival.
In addition to Dussehra, this day also marks the conclusion of Durga Puja in West Bengal. On this occasion, the ten-armed goddess Durga is immersed in water, concluding the grand festivities that have been taking place for several days.
3) 25th October – Bank Holiday due to Durga Puja
In West Bengal, the 25th of October is observed as an additional bank holiday exclusively for Durga Puja immersion processions. This is a day of grandeur and celebration as the beautifully crafted idols of the goddess Durga are paraded through the streets to be immersed in rivers or ponds.
4) 26th October – Bank Holiday due to Durga Puja
The celebrations of Durga Puja continue on the 26th of October in West Bengal, where banks will remain closed for another day to honour the goddess Durga and her devotees. The state comes alive with colourful processions, cultural performances, and elaborate decorations during this time.
5) 27th October – All Banks Holiday due to Durga Puja
In West Bengal, all banks will remain closed on the 27th of October due to the concluding ceremonies and processions of Durga Puja. This is a time of immense joy, as people bid farewell to the goddess Durga with prayers and festivities.
6) 28th October – Bank Holiday due to Fourth Saturday
The 28th of October is the fourth Saturday of the month, which is a regular bank holiday. Banks across the country will remain closed on this day, as is the practice on every fourth Saturday of the month.
7) 31st October – Bank Holiday in Gujarat on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the ‘Iron Man of India,’ a bank holiday will be observed in the state of Gujarat on the 31st of October. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and was a key figure in the integration of princely states into a unified India.
Now that we have explored the list of upcoming 7 More Bank Holidays in October 2023, it’s important to plan your banking activities accordingly. Many businesses and individuals depend on the functioning of banks for various financial transactions. Therefore, understanding the holiday schedule can help you manage your financial affairs more effectively.
As we can see, these holidays are linked to cultural and historical events and celebrations, reflecting India’s rich diversity and heritage. Each region in India has its unique way of observing these festivals, and they are an integral part of the country’s cultural tapestry.
It’s also worth noting that while banks may remain closed on these holidays, ATMs, online banking, and mobile banking services are typically available for basic transactions. However, it’s advisable to plan ahead and complete any critical banking tasks in advance to avoid inconvenience.
In conclusion, the month of October brings several significant bank holidays, offering people the opportunity to celebrate festivals, pay homage to historical figures, and enjoy some well-deserved rest.
These holidays not only provide a break from the routine but also serve as a reminder of India’s vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re participating in the festivities or simply enjoying a day off, these holidays are an essential part of the Indian calendar and should be cherished by all.
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