When the RBI released its 2025 banking holiday calendar, millions of Indians immediately checked their calendars—not for vacations, but for when their banks would close. The answer? A string of regional and national closures stretching from Navratri to Diwali, with some states shutting down for nearly a week straight. Here’s what you need to know—especially if you’re in West Bengal, Bihar, or Rajasthan.
Navratri Brings Extended Closures Across the East and North
The real disruption begins on September 22, 2025, when Rajasthan shuts down entirely for Navratri Sthapana. It’s not just banks—schools, government offices, even local shops close. But that’s just the start. While most of India carries on, the eastern and southern states gear up for a month-long festival rhythm. From September 27 to October 2, Kolkata and large parts of West Bengal will see six consecutive days without banking services. It starts with Durga Ashtami on September 30, peaks with Mahanavami on October 1, and ends with Dussehra on October 2. That’s six days straight—no ATM withdrawals, no NEFT, no cheque clearances. And it’s not just West Bengal. Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura will also shut down on multiple days. Here’s the breakdown:- September 27 (Saturday): Durga Puja holiday in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam
- September 28 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
- September 29 (Monday): Maha Saptami in Kolkata, Guwahati, and Agartala
- September 30 (Tuesday): Maha Ashtami in Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and West Bengal
- October 1 (Wednesday): Mahanavami/Dussehra in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal
October: A Month of Sacred Closures
October isn’t just about Navratri. It’s a festival marathon. On October 2, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti shuts down banks nationwide. That’s non-negotiable. But in Sikkim, the party continues—banks remain closed on October 3 and 4 for Durga Puja extensions. Meanwhile, Assam observes Katii Bihu on October 18, shutting all banks for a day. Then comes the big one: Diwali. On October 20, nearly every bank in India closes for the festival of lights. It’s not just a holiday—it’s a cultural pause. The next day, October 21, Govardhan Puja keeps them closed again, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan. And just when you think it’s over, Chhath Puja hits on October 27 and 28. In Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, banks shut again. That’s three major closures in just eight days.What the RBI Rules Say
The RBI doesn’t just pick holidays randomly. Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, banks must close on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. That’s 10 fixed holidays already. Add to that 15 gazetted holidays nationwide, and you’re looking at over 25 closures in 2025. Regional holidays? They’re decided by state governments. That’s why Rajasthan closes for Navratri Sthapana but Tamil Nadu doesn’t. And why West Bengal gets six straight days while Delhi gets just two.Who Gets Hit the Hardest?
If you live in West Bengal, Bihar, or Assam, you’re looking at 10–12 bank holidays between September and October. That’s more than a week of frozen transactions. Small businesses relying on daily settlements? They’re stuck. Farmers waiting for subsidy payments? Delayed. Even digital payments like UPI can’t bypass the system—banks need to be open to process interbank transfers. But here’s the twist: most people don’t realize how much this impacts rural India. In villages where digital banking is still emerging, the closure of the nearest branch can mean days without cash. And while urban customers can use ATMs, those too run out of cash during peak festival periods.What’s Next? Other Key Dates in 2025
Don’t forget the rest of the year:- February 3: Saraswati Puja (Agartala)
- March 15: Holi (multiple cities)
- May 25: Eid-ul-Fitr (all regions except Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram)
- August 1: Eid-ul-Adha (all regions except Chandigarh, Gangtok, Kochi, Panaji, Thiruvananthapuram)
- December 25: Christmas (nationwide)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do bank holidays affect digital payments like UPI and NEFT?
UPI transactions can still go through on bank holidays since they operate on the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) network, which doesn’t require bank branches to be open. But NEFT and RTGS transfers halt completely on non-working days. Funds initiated on a holiday will only process on the next working day, which can delay payroll, bill payments, and business settlements.
Why do some states have more bank holidays than others?
Bank holidays in India are determined by both the RBI’s national list and individual state governments. States with strong cultural or religious observances—like West Bengal for Durga Puja or Rajasthan for Navratri Sthapana—declare additional holidays. This reflects India’s federal structure, where regional identity often overrides uniform national policy.
Are private banks closed on the same days as public sector banks?
Yes. All scheduled commercial banks—whether public, private, or foreign—are bound by the RBI’s holiday calendar. Even fintechs and digital banks rely on the same clearing systems. So if the RBI declares a holiday, every bank in India shuts down, regardless of ownership.
What should I do if I need cash during a long bank holiday?
Withdraw cash before the holiday period begins, especially if you’re in a region with extended closures like West Bengal or Bihar. ATMs may run out of cash during peak festival days. Consider using digital wallets or prepaid cards for small purchases. If you’re a business owner, plan your cash flow around these dates—many vendors won’t be able to process payments until banks reopen.
Is there a way to get a full list of 2025 bank holidays online?
Yes. The RBI publishes the official calendar on its website under the "Banking Regulations" section. Most banks also display it on their portals. For a consolidated view, check the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) holiday calendar, which cross-references all regional and national closures in one place.
How does this affect credit card payments and loan EMIs?
Credit card payments and EMIs are typically auto-debited from your account on the due date, even on holidays. The system pulls funds from your savings or current account, so as long as you have sufficient balance, the payment goes through. However, if your bank is closed and you need to make a manual payment, you’ll have to wait until the next working day—risking late fees if not handled in advance.
