Bank Holiday: Banks will be closed on Friday, October 31st. Find out why the RBI has declared a holiday.

RBI Declares Bank Holiday in Gujarat on October 31 for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a bank holiday in Gujarat on Friday, October 31, 2025, to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s “Iron Man.” While banks across most states will operate as usual, branches in Gujarat will remain closed to observe this important national occasion.

With the month of October nearing its end, only a few days remain, and this is one of the final official holidays for the banking sector in October.

Why Banks Are Closed on October 31

Every year, October 31 is celebrated as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti, also known as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). Patel played a historic role in uniting India’s 562 princely states after independence and is honored nationwide for his unmatched contribution to the nation’s unity and integrity.

To commemorate his legacy, the RBI has listed October 31 as a regional bank holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, applicable only in Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat. This means banks in other states — including Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal — will remain open as usual.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: India’s Iron Man

Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Patel was one of India’s most respected freedom fighters and the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He played a decisive role in integrating the princely states into one nation after independence.

Patel’s efforts laid the foundation for a united India, earning him the title “Iron Man of India.” His vision of “Ek Bharat” (One India) continues to inspire the nation.

In recognition of his contribution, National Unity Day was officially declared by the Government of India in 2014. Since then, October 31 has been marked by unity marches, pledge ceremonies, and cultural programs across the country.

Bank Holiday Schedule for October 2025

Here’s a quick look at major bank holidays for the month of October 2025, as per the RBI’s official list.

✅ Major Bank Holidays in October 2025

• October 1: Navratri ends / Maha Navami / Dussehra celebrations in various states

• October 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Durga Puja

• October 7: Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti / Kumar Purnima

• October 10: Karva Chauth

• October 20–23: Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj holidays

• October 27–28: Chhath Puja (Evening and Morning Arghya) – Bihar & Jharkhand

• October 31: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti – Gujarat only

It’s worth noting that bank holidays differ by state, depending on regional festivals and observances recognized by the RBI.

Cities Where Banks Will Remain Closed on October 31

Banks in the following major cities of Gujarat will observe a full-day closure on October 31, 2025:

• Ahmedabad

• Gandhinagar

• Vadodara

• Surat

• Rajkot

• Jamnagar

However, digital banking services such as UPI, net banking, and mobile apps will remain fully functional, allowing customers to perform online transactions without interruption.

Upcoming Bank Holidays

As November begins, banks will resume normal working hours across the country. The next nationwide bank holidays are expected during Guru Nanak Jayanti and Christmas, as per the RBI holiday calendar.

What Customers Should Know

• Banks in Gujarat will remain closed on October 31, but ATMs, digital payment platforms, and online banking will continue to operate.

• Cheque clearance and interbank transactions initiated on October 31 may get processed on the next working day.

• Customers are advised to complete essential in-branch work — such as loan queries, deposits, or withdrawals — before October 30, 2025.

Key Takeaway

While October 31 marks an important date of remembrance for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, it is also a regional bank holiday limited to Gujarat. People in other states can continue banking operations as usual.