The festival of lights is here, and like millions of Indians, you’re probably juggling festive preparations with last-minute banking needs. But here’s where things get interesting—and a bit confusing. This year, Diwali bank holidays aren’t following a simple, nationwide pattern. Some states are observing bank closures on October 20, while others have marked October 21 as the holiday. Below you will find the complete dates of Bank Holidays Diwali 2025.
Having worked with countless clients over the years who’ve faced banking challenges during festive seasons, I’ve learned that proper planning can save you from unnecessary stress. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about bank holidays during Diwali 2025, based on the official Reserve Bank of India calendar and state-wise notifications.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Diwali 2025 Bank Holiday Confusion
Before diving into specifics, let’s address the elephant in the room: why are different states observing Diwali on different dates?
The variation stems from different interpretations of the lunar calendar across regions. While most states celebrate Diwali on Monday, October 20, 2025, some regions will observe it on Tuesday, October 21, along with Govardhan Puja. This isn’t unusual—India’s cultural diversity means festivals often have regional variations in celebration dates.
Through my years in the digital marketing and business services industry, I’ve worked with clients across India, and this regional variation in bank holidays is something every business owner and individual needs to understand for smooth financial planning.
Bank Holidays Diwali Status for October 20, 2025 (Monday)
According to the Reserve Bank of India’s official holiday calendar, Monday, October 20, 2025, will be observed as a bank holiday in most parts of the country on the occasion of Diwali (Deepavali).
States Where Banks Will Be Closed on October 20
Banks will remain shut in Tripura, Gujarat, Mizoram, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Nagaland, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Major cities affected include:
- New Delhi
- Bengaluru
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Chennai
- Thiruvananthapuram
Cities Where Banks Will Remain Open on October 20
Here’s the good news for some regions—banks will remain open in Mumbai, Patna, Jammu, Belapur, Imphal, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Srinagar. If you’re in these cities and need urgent banking services today, you’re in luck.
However, there’s a catch: most of these cities will observe bank holidays on October 21 instead.
Bank Holiday Status for October 21, 2025 (Tuesday)
In Maharashtra, Odisha, Sikkim, Manipur, Jammu, Belapur, Bhubaneswar, and Srinagar, banks will remain closed on October 21, 2025, for Govardhan Puja and regional Diwali observances.
Banks will remain closed in Mumbai, Bhopal, Belapur, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Jammu, Nagpur, Raipur, and Srinagar on this date.
So if you’re in Mumbai and thinking you’ll handle banking tasks on October 21, you’ll need to rethink that plan. The financial capital observes its Diwali bank holiday on the 21st, not the 20th.
The Complete Diwali Week Banking Calendar
Let me break down the entire festive week so you can plan accordingly:
October 18 (Saturday) – Dhanteras
Banks will stay open nationwide. This falls on the third Saturday of October, which is a regular working day for banks.
October 19 (Sunday) – Choti Diwali
Banks will stay closed nationwide. This is a regular Sunday, so banks follow their standard weekly closure.
October 20 (Monday) – Diwali/Deepavali
Banks closed in most states (detailed above). This creates an extended weekend in many regions.
October 21 (Tuesday) – Diwali Amavasya/Govardhan Puja
Banks closed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Manipur, and select other cities.
October 22 (Wednesday) – Various Regional Observances
Several states will observe holidays for Diwali (Bali Pratipada)/Vikram Samvant New Year Day/Govardhan Pooja/Balipadyami, Laxmi Puja.
October 23 (Thursday) – Bhai Dooj
Bhai Bij/Bhaidooj/Chitragupt Jayanti/Laxmi Puja/Bhratridwitiya/Ningol Chakkouba holidays in several states.
October 26 (Saturday)
This is the fourth Saturday of the month, which means banks will be closed nationwide as per RBI regulations.
October 27-28 (Monday-Tuesday) – Chhath Puja
Banks will remain closed over two consecutive days in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand for Chhath Puja’s Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi.
October 31 (Friday) – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti
Banks will remain closed in Gujarat on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti.
What Banking Services Remain Available During Holidays?
Here’s something many people don’t realize: bank branches may be closed, but your banking doesn’t have to stop completely.
Even on bank holidays, online banking and mobile banking services will remain operational. Customers can carry out transactions like fund transfers via NEFT/RTGS, demand draft requests, and cheque deposits. ATM, debit, and credit card services will continue to function.
From my experience working with businesses that operate during festivals, I always recommend:
Digital Banking Options That Work 24/7:
- UPI transactions (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.)
- IMPS transfers
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking portals
- ATM withdrawals
- Credit and debit card usage
What Won’t Work:
- Branch visits for physical transactions
- Cheque deposits at branches (though drop boxes may be available)
- NEFT/RTGS during bank holidays (these resume on working days)
- In-person loan applications or account opening
How Different Bank Types Handle Diwali Holidays
Public sector banks and private sector banks, including RBI, SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and others, will be closed during the holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
This means whether you bank with State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, or any other institution, they all follow the RBI holiday calendar. There’s no advantage to being with a private bank versus a public sector bank when it comes to festive holidays.
Smart Banking Tips for the Diwali Season
Based on my years of experience helping businesses and individuals manage their finances, here are my top recommendations:
Before the Holidays Hit
- Withdraw sufficient cash during working hours, especially if you’re planning festive shopping
- Schedule bill payments in advance through online banking
- Transfer funds to accounts you’ll need to access during the holiday period
- Check your card limits and request increases if needed for festive shopping
Understanding Regional Variations
This is crucial: The dates vary across states. Don’t assume your neighboring state follows the same holiday pattern. Always check the RBI calendar specific to your city.
Emergency Banking Needs
If you absolutely need banking services during holidays:
- Use digital banking platforms for most transactions
- Keep emergency contact numbers of your bank’s customer care
- Know the location of 24/7 ATMs in your area
- Consider using banking correspondents (BC) where available
Why Understanding Bank Holidays Matters for Businesses
Let me share something from my professional experience. In my company, where we handle SEO, website design, and digital marketing services for various clients, we’ve seen businesses face cash flow issues because they didn’t plan for extended bank holidays.
Imagine you’re running an e-commerce business during Diwali—arguably your biggest sales period. If you haven’t planned for bank holidays, you might face:
- Delayed payment settlements
- Inability to process refunds promptly
- Cash flow management issues
- Delayed vendor payments
The solution? Always maintain a buffer of at least 3-5 working days during festive seasons.
The Role of RBI in Declaring Bank Holidays
All banks governed by the Reserve Bank of India are closed on RBI-declared holidays, but online banking services remain operational.
The RBI releases a comprehensive holiday calendar at the beginning of each year, taking into account national holidays, religious festivals, and regional observances. State governments and local administrations also play a role in declaring holidays for region-specific festivals.
You can always check the official RBI website or refer to comprehensive RBI holiday calendars available through trusted financial portals for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Common Misconceptions About Diwali Bank Holidays
Myth 1: All of India observes the same Diwali holiday date Reality: As we’ve seen, different states observe Diwali on different dates based on regional traditions and lunar calendar interpretations.
Myth 2: No banking is possible during holidays Reality: Digital banking services work round the clock. Only physical branch operations are suspended.
Myth 3: Private banks might be open when public banks are closed Reality: All banks follow RBI guidelines and observe the same holidays in their respective regions.
Myth 4: ATMs won’t work during bank holidays Reality: ATMs remain operational 24/7, though cash replenishment might be delayed during extended holidays.
Planning Your Festive Banking: A Practical Checklist
Here’s your action plan for smooth banking during Diwali 2025:
One Week Before:
- Check which specific dates banks will be closed in your city
- Withdraw cash for festive expenses
- Set up online banking if you haven’t already
- Update your contact information with your bank
- Check your card expiry dates
During the Holiday Period:
- Use digital banking for all possible transactions
- Keep track of your spending through mobile banking apps
- Avoid last-minute large transactions
- Monitor your account for any unusual activity
After the Holidays:
- Visit your branch for any pending physical transactions
- Reconcile your accounts
- Update any investment instructions that couldn’t be processed during holidays
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali Bank Holidays
Are banks open on Diwali day everywhere in India?
No, bank holidays vary by state and city. While most major cities observe closure on October 20, 2025, some regions like Mumbai, Belapur, and several others will remain open on the 20th but close on October 21 for regional Diwali observances and Govardhan Puja.
Do nationalized and private banks follow the same holiday calendar?
Yes, all banks—whether public sector (nationalized) or private sector—follow the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar. They observe the same holidays in their respective regions under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Can I perform online transactions on Diwali bank holidays?
Absolutely! Online banking, mobile banking, UPI transfers, and IMPS services remain operational 24/7, even during bank holidays. However, NEFT and RTGS transactions may not be processed on holidays, though this has been changing with RBI’s recent moves toward 24/7 RTGS availability.
What if Diwali falls on a weekend?
When Diwali coincides with a Sunday (as Choti Diwali does this year on October 19), banks remain closed as per their regular weekly schedule. This can create extended holiday periods when combined with festive holidays on adjacent days.
Will ATMs have enough cash during the extended Diwali holiday period?
Banks typically ensure ATMs are well-stocked before major festivals. However, during extended holidays, some ATMs in high-traffic areas might run low on cash. It’s wise to withdraw cash earlier rather than waiting until the last moment.
How can I confirm the exact bank holiday status for my city?
The most reliable sources are: the official RBI website where the complete holiday calendar is published, your bank’s official website or mobile app which displays branch-specific holidays, and trusted financial news portals that publish state-wise holiday lists based on RBI notifications.
Looking Beyond Diwali: Future Banking Trends
While we’re focused on Diwali 2025 holidays right now, it’s worth noting how banking is evolving. The push toward digital banking means that holiday closures impact customers less each year. In my work with various businesses, I’ve noticed a significant shift—even traditional customers are now comfortable with online transactions.
The future likely holds:
- More seamless 24/7 banking services
- Reduced dependency on physical branches
- Better holiday planning through AI-powered reminders
- Enhanced mobile banking features
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Bank Holidays Dampen Your Festive Spirit
Here’s what I’ve learned after years in business and working with clients across India: a little advance planning goes a long way. Bank holidays during Diwali shouldn’t be a source of stress—they’re meant to give banking staff time to celebrate with their families too.
The key takeaway? Know your local bank holiday schedule, plan your cash needs in advance, embrace digital banking options, and keep emergency contact information handy.
This Diwali, whether you’re in Delhi celebrating on October 20 or in Mumbai observing the festival on October 21, your financial transactions don’t need to take a backseat. With the right planning and awareness of available digital services, you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating the festival of lights with your loved ones.
Remember to check the RBI holiday calendar specific to your region, set up online banking if you haven’t already, and plan any large transactions well in advance of the holiday period. The banking system has evolved to support us even during holidays—we just need to know how to use the available tools effectively.
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Diwali! May your celebrations be bright, and may your banking be smooth and hassle-free.
