Bank Holidays in October 2024: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the schedule of bank holidays in October 2024, during which banks will be closed for 15 days due to various regional festivals.
Holidays are classified by the RBI into three categories: those under the Negotiable Instruments Act, those under the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement, and days for banks’ account closures.
The holiday list includes all Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays, and a combination of national and regional holidays. Customers are encouraged to plan their bank visits accordingly to avoid any inconveniences.
Bank Holidays in October 2024
In October 2024, banks will be closed for a total of 15 days across various states due to different regional festivals. A notable national holiday, Gandhi Jayanti, will be observed on Wednesday, October 2, throughout India. Additionally, banks will close on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Specific holidays in October include those for the General Elections to the State Legislative Assembly, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Mahalaya Amavasye, Navratra Sthapna, and several key festival days such as Durga Puja, Dussehra, Lakshmi Puja, Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, Accession Day, and Diwali (Deepavali) along with Kali Puja and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday.
List of Bank Holidays in October 2024
Below is a detailed list of bank holidays in October 2024, highlighting the specific dates, occasions, and states where banks will remain closed. This information will help you plan your banking activities effectively.
| Bank Holidays in October 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Holiday Description | States Affected |
| October 1 | Elections to the State Legislative Assembly 2024 | Jammu and Kashmir |
| October 2 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalaya Amavasye | Across India |
| October 3 | Navratra Sthapna | Rajasthan |
| October 10 | Durga Puja/Dussehra | Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Bengal |
| October 12 | Dasara/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashami)/Durga Puja (Dasain) and second Saturday | All states |
| October 13 | Weekly holiday (Sunday) | All states |
| October 14 | Durga Puja (Dasain) | Sikkim |
| October 16 | Lakshmi Puja | Tripura and Bengal |
| October 17 | Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kati Bihu | Karnataka, Assam, Himachal Pradesh |
| October 20 | Weekly holiday (Sunday) | All states |
| October 26 | Fourth Saturday and Accession Day | Jammu and Kashmir |
| October 27 | Weekly holiday (Sunday) | All states |
| October 31 | Diwali (Deepavali)/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi | Most states except Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya |
Bank Holidays in October 2024 Description
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: This national holiday commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation. Observances include paying respects at his statues with garlands and conducting prayer gatherings. It is also recognized globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring Gandhi’s legacy of peaceful resistance.
Ghatasthapana: Marking the start of the Navratri festival, Ghatasthapana involves a ritual pot (kalasha) filled with sacred water and barley seeds, symbolizing fertility. This pot is worshipped daily for nine days, signifying the beginning of a spiritually significant period.
Maha Saptami: The seventh day of Durga Puja, Maha Saptami, is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga. Devotees pray for her blessings and prepare a sacred meal (Bhog) shared as Prasad within the community. Kalratri and Saraswati Puja are also observed on this day.
Maha Ashtami: Considered one of the most auspicious days of Durga Puja, Maha Ashtami involves honoring Goddess Durga’s weapons and performing extensive pujas. Devotees fast throughout the day, and the celebrations culminate in the Sandhi puja, transitioning into Maha Navami.
Maha Navami: On the ninth day of the Navratri festival, Maha Navami features the Shodhasopachar puja by devotees, along with a special ritual known as Navami hom performed by priests. Some regions may observe animal sacrifices as offerings to the goddess.
Vijaya Dashami: Celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashvin month, Vijaya Dashami marks the end of Navratri and Durga Puja. The festivities vary by region; some communities burn effigies of Ravana, while others immerse idols of deities in rivers after ceremonial pujas.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti: This day honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the ‘Iron Man’ of India, for his role in uniting the nation. Observed as National Unity Day, it involves tributes, programs, and events promoting national unity and celebrating Patel’s contributions.
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti: Celebrated in northern India, this day honors Maharaja Agrasen for his contributions to his people’s welfare. Festivities include colorful processions and community gatherings at Agrasen temples, emphasizing unity and charity.
Kati Bihu: An Assamese festival, Kati Bihu focuses on invoking blessings for a good harvest. Farmers light oil lamps in fields to protect crops from pests and sing traditional songs, highlighting its significance in Assam’s agricultural culture.
Accession Day: This day marks the signing of the Instrument of Accession in 1947, integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India. Celebrations include flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events, honoring this historic milestone.
Naraka Chaturdashi: Also known as Choti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. The day is marked by lighting lamps, bursting firecrackers, and performing purification rituals in preparation for the main Diwali festivities.
| Also Check: |
|---|
| Bank Holidays in August 2024 |
| Bank Holidays in September 2024 |
| Bank Holidays in April 2024 |
| Bank Holidays in July 2024 |
Bank Holidays in October 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What are the bank holidays in October 2024?
Ans. Banks will be closed for 15 days in October 2024 due to regional festivals and national holidays, including Gandhi Jayanti and Durga Puja.
Q.2. Which national holiday is observed in October 2024?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 is a national holiday observed across India, honoring the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.
Q.3. When are the weekly Bank Holidays in October 2024?
Ans. Banks will observe weekly holidays on all Sundays, specifically October 13, 20, and 27.
Q.4. Are all states affected by the bank holidays in October?
Ans. No, while some holidays apply to all states, others are specific to certain regions, like Accession Day, which is only observed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q.5. What should I do if I need banking services during holidays?
Ans. Plan your visits accordingly by checking the holiday schedule and consider using online banking services when banks are closed.
