As the festive season of Diwali illuminates India, banking operations across the country are set for temporary disruptions. With multiple holidays scheduled during this period, customers need to plan their financial transactions carefully, especially around Govardhan Puja on October 21.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Pattern for Govardhan Puja
According to the Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar, banking services will see varying levels of disruption across different states on Monday, October 21. The holiday pattern follows the traditional regional observance of Govardhan Puja, with some states declaring full banking holidays while others maintaining normal operations.
States With Complete Bank Closure
Several states will observe complete banking holidays on October 21, including:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Haryana
- Jharkhand
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
Major Cities With Operational Banks
Meanwhile, financial hubs and other major cities will maintain normal banking operations. Banks are expected to function regularly in:
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- New Delhi
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
Planning Your Banking During Festive Season
The Diwali week typically sees multiple bank holidays that can affect financial planning. Customers are advised to:
- Complete urgent transactions in advance to avoid last-minute hassles
- Utilize digital banking platforms for essential payments and transfers
- Check with local branches for any state-specific holiday declarations
- Plan cash withdrawals considering the holiday schedule
While physical branches may be closed in certain regions, digital banking services including internet banking, mobile banking apps, and ATMs will remain operational throughout the holiday period, ensuring continuous access to essential banking services.
Understanding the Holiday Calendar
The RBI categorizes holidays under three brackets: Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act, Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement, and Banks' Closing of Accounts. The Govardhan Puja holiday falls under the first category, affecting cheque clearing and other traditional banking operations in observing states.
Customers should note that while some states observe holidays on specific dates, others might have substituted holidays or different regional observances. It's always recommended to verify with your local bank branch for the most accurate and updated information regarding holiday schedules.
