Bank Holiday on October 21, 2026: RBI Calendar Lists Closures in Six States; Check Where Banks Will Remain Shut

Bank branches will remain closed in six states on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, on account of Vijayadashami and Durga Puja, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar cited in the report. Customers planning to visit a bank branch should check the holiday schedule applicable to their state before making a trip.

Will Banks Remain Closed on Wednesday, October 21?

According to the report, banks will remain closed in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal on Wednesday due to Vijayadashami and Durga Puja.

The closures will apply to public and private sector banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank.

Bank holidays vary across states and banking centres depending on the festivals observed in each region. Customers should confirm the applicable holiday through the official RBI calendar or their bank before visiting a branch.

Why Are Banks Closed on October 21?

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival symbolising the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu religious beliefs, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day. The occasion is marked by Ravan Dahan and celebrations of Lord Rama’s victory in many parts of India.

In some regions, Vijayadashami is also celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

Durga Puja is particularly popular in West Bengal, Tripura and Assam. The festival features elaborately decorated pandals, installations of Goddess Durga idols and religious ceremonies.

These regional celebrations are among the reasons bank holidays differ from one state to another.

Bank Holidays on October 20

The report states that bank branches are closed in several states on Tuesday, October 20, due to festivals including Dussehra, Vijayadashami, Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja and Durga Puja.

The states listed include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh.

According to the report, banks are open in Sikkim and Manipur on October 20.

Complete List of Remaining Bank Holidays in October 2026

October 21, Wednesday — Vijayadashami and Durga Puja

Banks will remain closed in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal.

October 22, Thursday — Durga Puja

Bank branches will remain closed in Sikkim due to Durga Puja and Dashain.

October 23, Friday — Durga Puja

Banks will remain closed in Sikkim on account of Durga Puja and Dashain.

October 24, Saturday — Fourth Saturday

Bank branches will remain closed nationwide because it is the fourth Saturday of the month.

October 25, Sunday — Weekly Holiday

Banks will remain closed across the country on Sunday.

October 26, Monday — Lakshmi Puja and Valmiki Jayanti

Banks will remain closed in Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tripura due to Lakshmi Puja, Accession Day and Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, according to the report.

October 29, Thursday — Karwa Chauth

Bank branches will remain closed in Himachal Pradesh for Karwa Chauth.

October 31, Saturday — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti

Banks will remain closed in Gujarat on account of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti.

Online Banking Services to Remain Available

Customers can continue using many digital banking services even when physical branches are closed. Internet banking, mobile banking and UPI can be used to transfer money, while ATMs will generally remain available for cash withdrawals, subject to service availability.

However, branch-dependent services, including cheque clearance and certain other transactions, may be delayed due to the holidays.

Customers are advised to check the official RBI holiday calendar or contact their bank to confirm local branch closures before planning important transactions.