Bank Holidays in October: From Gandhi Jayanti to Dussehra to Diwali, see full list of bank holidays this month

Bank Holidays in October: In October 2024, bank branches across several cities in India will observe a total of 11 holidays, in addition to their regular weekly offs. These holidays are categorised under the Negotiable Instruments Act by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's banking regulator, and are detailed on the RBI's official website. This significant number of holidays may impact banking operations and services, particularly for those needing access to banking facilities during this period.

Mark These Dates on Your Calendar | Here are 11 bank holidays this month, as listed on the RBI website, rbi.org.in:  

Here are short descriptions of the holidays in October, as listed on the RBI portal: 

• General Elections to the State Legislative Assembly: October 1
• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Mahalaya Amavasye: October 2
• Navratra Sthapna: October 3
• Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Saptami): October 10
• Dusshera (Mahashtami/Mahanavami)/Ayudha Pooja/Durga Puja (Dasain)/Durga Ashtami: October 11
• Dasara/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashmi)/Durga Puja (Dasain): October 12
• Durga Puja (Dasain): October 14
• Lakshmi Puja: October 16
• Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kati Bihu: October 17
• Accession Day: October 26
• Diwali (Deepavali)/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi: October 31

October Bank Holidays in Detail

October 1: General Elections to the J&K State Legislative Assembly

The month kicks off with a crucial holiday on October 1, dedicated to the General Elections to the J&K State Legislative Assembly. The state is all set to hold the final phase of polls for its 90-member Assembly on this day.

This is the first time in a decade that Assembly polls are being conducted in the region.

October 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Mahalaya Amavasye

On October 2, the nation celebrates Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, a day that honors the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Additionally, the day coincides with Mahalaya Amavasye, marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities, making it a day of both remembrance and cultural significance.

October 3: Navratra Sthapna

The following day, October 3, marks Navratra Sthapna, which signifies the beginning of the nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. 

October 10: Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Saptami)

As the festival continues, October 10 is observed as Durga Puja/Dussehra, specifically Maha Saptami. This day is marked by elaborate rituals and the start of the Durga Puja celebrations in many regions. 

October 11: Dussehra (Mahashtami/Mahanavami)/Ayudha Pooja/Durga Puja (Dasain)

The celebrations continue on October 11 with multiple observances, including Dussehra (Mahashtami/Mahanavami), Ayudha Pooja, and Durga Puja (Dasain). 

October 12: Dasara/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashami)/Durga Puja (Dasain)

On October 12, the festivities reach their zenith with Dasara/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashami). It is also observed as Durga Puja (Dasain) in many regions, further cementing the cultural significance of the day.

October 14: Durga Puja (Dasain)

Following the grand festivities, October 14 is again dedicated to Durga Puja (Dasain). 

October 16: Lakshmi Puja

October 16 sees the observance of Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. 

October 17: Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kati Bihu

On October 17, the observance of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti and Kati Bihu takes place. Kati Bihu, celebrated primarily in Assam, marks the end of the agricultural season and is associated with harvesting and feasting.

October 26: Accession Day

Accession Day on October 26 commemorates the day when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. 

October 31: Diwali (Deepavali)/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi

Finally, October 31 brings one of the most celebrated festivals in India—Diwali or Deepavali. 

In addition to these holidays, it is important to note that all banks in the country observe public holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. 

Catch all the latest stock market updates here. For all other news related to business, market, tech and auto, visit Zeebiz.com.