Bank Holiday Alert: Banks to Remain Closed on Tuesday for Maha Ashtami and Durga Ashtami in Several Cities

The festive season is in full swing and banking customers should take note of the upcoming holiday. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks in several parts of the country will remain closed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in observance of Maha Ashtami and Durga Ashtami. Both public and private sector banks will not operate in select locations, so customers are advised to plan their banking transactions in advance.

Reason for the Closure

Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, marks the eighth day of the Navratri festival and is considered one of the most important days of the Durga Puja celebrations. Devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri on this day, symbolising strength, serenity, and purity. The festival conveys the triumph of good over evil and positivity over negativity.

Key Cities Affected by the Bank Holiday

As per the RBI’s holiday schedule, banks will remain closed on September 30 in cities such as Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, and Ranchi, among others. The closures are part of the country’s region-specific holiday calendar, which is prepared by the RBI every year to align with state-level festivals and observances. While branches in these cities will remain closed, online banking and mobile banking services will continue to function as usual, allowing customers to manage essential transactions digitally.

Other September 2025 Bank Holidays

September is one of the busiest months for festivals, leading to multiple bank closures across the country. Apart from Maha Ashtami, banks observed holidays earlier this month for occasions such as Karma Puja (September 3), Onam (September 4), Eid-e-Milad (September 5 and 6), Navratri Sthapana (September 22), Maharaja Hari Singh Jayanti (September 23), and Maha Saptami/Durga Puja (September 29). Customers were also affected by regular weekend closures on second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays.

Impact on Banking Services

Even though branches will remain shut, essential services such as ATM withdrawals, UPI payments, NEFT, RTGS, and mobile banking will remain fully operational. Customers can use digital channels to pay bills, transfer funds, or check account details without disruption. Those needing in-branch services like cash deposits, cheque clearance, or demand drafts should complete their transactions before or after the holiday.

Tips for Customers

• Plan Ahead: If you need to visit a branch for urgent work, complete it a day earlier or wait until the banks reopen.

• Use Digital Banking: Take advantage of internet banking, mobile apps, and UPI to avoid delays.

• Check Local Schedules: Bank holiday dates may vary by region, so verify the holiday list of your city through your bank or the RBI’s official website.

With festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Durga Puja approaching in October, more holidays are expected in the coming weeks. Staying updated on the RBI holiday calendar will help customers manage their finances smoothly during this extended festive season.