Banks to remain closed in these 6 states today; check the full list of holidays for October 21

Although banks are closed in several states today on the occasion of Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, there is no need to worry, as online services, mobile banking, UPI, and ATMs will remain operational.

Those planning to visit a bank today, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, should check the list of holidays before leaving home. According to the bank holiday calendar for October, bank branches will remain closed in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Tripura, and West Bengal on the occasion of Vijayadashami and Durga Puja. All public and private sector bank branches in these states will be closed. This includes State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank.

Why are banks closed on October 21?

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, it was on this day that Lord Rama defeated Ravana. This is why effigies of Ravana are burnt in many parts of India on this day. Meanwhile, Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm in states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam.

During this festival, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga, grand *pandals* (temporary structures) are set up, streets are illuminated with lights, and people worship the Goddess by following traditional rituals. Since festival dates and bank holidays vary from state to state, the holiday on October 21 will not apply uniformly across the entire country.

Where will banks remain open today?

Today, banks will remain open in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and the NCR, Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Since the holidays for Dussehra and Navami in these states concluded on October 19 and 20, banks will operate as usual.

Will online banking be available during the holidays?

For the convenience of customers, digital banking services will remain operational even if bank branches are closed. Customers can use internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI for essential transactions. ATMs will also remain functional for cash withdrawals. However, for tasks such as accessing a bank locker, submitting documents for a loan, or changing an account category, you will need to wait until the bank reopens. Tomorrow, October 22 (Thursday), banks will resume normal operations in these 6 states.