New Delhi: October 2023 is poised to be a month of festivities and celebrations across India. While the nation readies itself to honor Mahatma Gandhi, partake in the grandeur of Durga Puja, and commemorate the birth of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it's vital to remember that these joyous occasions come with a trade-off. Banks in 21 cities will remain closed on various days throughout the month, leaving citizens to navigate their financial tasks accordingly.

A Diverse Calendar of Festivals

As per the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) holiday calendar, the month of October promises a diverse and rich tapestry of celebrations. From the solemnity of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti to the vibrant revelry of Durga Puja, this month is a testament to India's cultural and historical diversity. While these festivities are celebrated across the country, the holiday schedule is not uniform. Banks will remain closed in accordance with each state's traditions, creating a mosaic of closures throughout the month.

Plan Your Finances Wisely

Before you embark on your banking endeavors in October, it's imperative to familiarize yourself with the list of days when banks will be closed in your city. Doing so will help you avoid last-minute inconveniences and ensure a seamless execution of your financial tasks.

Here's the Full List of Bank Holidays for October 2023:

October 1: The first Sunday of the month will be observed as a holiday.

October 2: The nation will commemorate Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

October 8: The second Sunday of the month will be a holiday.

October 14: Banks will remain closed in Kolkata for Mahalaya.

October 15: The third Sunday of the month will be observed as a holiday.

October 18: Guwahati will observe a bank holiday for Kati Bihu.

October 21: On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja (Maha Saptami), banks will be closed in Guwahati, Imphal, Kolkata, and Agartala.

October 22: The fourth Sunday of the month will be a holiday.

October 23: A cluster of festivals including Dusshera, Ayudha Pooja, Durga Puja, and Vijaya Dasami will lead to bank closures in multiple cities across India, including Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Kanpur, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Shillong, and Thiruvananthapuram.

October 24: Dussehra, Dusshera (Vijaya Dashmi), and Durga Puja will result in bank closures in several cities, including Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Telangana), Jaipur, Jammu, Kohima, Kochi, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, Panaji, Raipur, Ranchi, Shillong, Thiruvananthapuram, and Srinagar.

October 25: Durga Puja (Dasain) will result in a bank holiday in Gangtok.

October 26: Durga Puja (Dasain) and Accession Day will lead to bank closures in Gangtok, Jammu, and Srinagar.

October 27: Durga Puja (Dasain) will be observed as a bank holiday.

October 28: Lakshmi Puja will result in a bank holiday in Gangtok.

October 29: The fifth Sunday of the month will be a holiday.

October 31: The month concludes with the celebration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday, leading to bank closures in Ahmedabad.

With a month brimming with festivities and occasions, Indians are urged to plan their banking activities in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience. The myriad of cultural and regional traditions that make up India's tapestry will be on full display, providing a unique opportunity to revel in the nation's diversity while managing personal finances with prudence.