October 2025 is set to be one of the most vibrant months in India, as it brings together two of the country’s grandest celebrations – Dussehra (Vijayadashami) and Diwali (Deepavali). Both festivals are not only moments of cultural pride and spiritual devotion but also mark multiple bank holidays across India. Knowing the exact bank holiday schedule in October 2025 is essential if you have financial plans, travel arrangements, or business transactions.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover all bank holidays in October 2025, their cultural significance, and how you can manage your finances during this festive period.
Why October 2025 Has Extra Bank Holidays
October always falls in India’s peak festive season. After Ganesh Chaturthi in September, the celebrations flow seamlessly into October, making it a month filled with holidays. In 2025, the calendar is particularly special because:
- Dussehra holidays start in the first week of October with Maha Navami and Ayudha Puja.
- Diwali holidays dominate the third and fourth weeks of October, spreading across several consecutive days.
- Apart from these, Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 adds a nationwide closure, along with regional holidays.
The combination of religious, cultural, and official holidays makes October a month with multiple banking non-working days.
Bank Holidays in October 2025 at a Glance
Here’s the complete list of bank holidays in October 2025, including Dussehra and Diwali celebrations across states.
| Date | Day | Festival / Occasion | States Where Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2025 | Wednesday | Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal |
| October 2, 2025 | Thursday | Gandhi Jayanti | Nationwide |
| October 6, 2025 | Monday | Lakshmi Puja | Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal |
| October 7, 2025 | Tuesday | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Punjab |
| October 20, 2025 | Monday | Diwali (Main Celebration) | Most states across India |
| October 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Naraka Chaturdashi / Regional Diwali | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu |
| October 22, 2025 | Wednesday | Govardhan Puja / Vikram Samvat New Year | Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| October 23, 2025 | Thursday | Bhai Dooj | Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar |
| October 31, 2025 | Friday | Naraka Chaturdashi (Regional Holiday) | Certain states in South India |
In addition:
- Sundays (October 5, 12, 19, 26) are bank holidays.
- Second and fourth Saturdays (October 11 and October 25) will also be non-working days.
State-Wise Bank Holidays in October 2025 for Dussehra and Diwali
| State / UT | Dussehra Holidays | Diwali Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| Assam | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Bihar | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 7 (Valmiki Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Chhattisgarh | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Delhi (NCT) | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 7 (Valmiki Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 22 (Govardhan Puja), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Goa | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| Gujarat | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 22 (Vikram Samvat New Year), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Haryana | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 7 (Valmiki Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Himachal Pradesh | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Jharkhand | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Karnataka | October 1 (Ayudha Puja), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| Kerala | October 1 (Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| Madhya Pradesh | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Maharashtra | October 1 (Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| Odisha | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 6 (Lakshmi Puja) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Punjab | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 7 (Valmiki Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Rajasthan | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 22 (Govardhan Puja), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Tamil Nadu | October 1 (Ayudha Puja), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi / Deepavali) |
| Telangana | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Tripura | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 6 (Lakshmi Puja) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| Uttar Pradesh | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali), October 22 (Govardhan Puja), October 23 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Uttarakhand | October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) | October 20 (Diwali) |
| West Bengal | October 1 (Maha Navami), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 6 (Lakshmi Puja) | October 20 (Diwali) |
Dussehra 2025: Cultural Significance and Bank Closures
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In 2025, the celebrations begin with Maha Navami on October 1, followed by Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja in several southern states.
- In North India, Dussehra is marked by the grand burning of Ravana effigies. Cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow will see massive public gatherings.
- In South India, Ayudha Puja involves worshipping tools, vehicles, and instruments as a mark of respect to work and knowledge.
- In West Bengal and Odisha, the day aligns with Durga Puja Vijaya Dashami, making it one of the most awaited holidays.
Because of these diverse traditions, bank closures vary by state. For instance:
- West Bengal and Odisha will see multiple closures around Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami.
- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will observe Ayudha Puja as a bank holiday.
- Some northern states may mark only the central Dussehra day.
Diwali 2025: The Festival of Lights and Financial Impact
Diwali (Deepavali), India’s biggest festival, will be celebrated on October 20, 2025. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and prosperity over hardship. This festival is deeply connected to finance, wealth, and new beginnings, making it particularly important for banks.
Regional Observances Around Diwali
- October 20 (Main Diwali Day): Most states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, will observe a bank holiday.
- October 21 (Naraka Chaturdashi): In South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) and Maharashtra, this is considered the key Diwali day.
- October 22 (Govardhan Puja & Vikram Samvat New Year): Gujarat and Rajasthan will celebrate the New Year according to the traditional Vikram Samvat calendar.
- October 23 (Bhai Dooj): A sibling festival celebrated in North India, especially Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Multiple Days of Bank Closures
Since Diwali extends over nearly a week depending on regional customs, banks across India will shut on different days. Businesses and individuals must prepare for consecutive non-working days in the third and fourth week of October.
How Bank Holidays in October 2025 Affect Daily Life
Bank holidays during Dussehra and Diwali can significantly impact financial operations:
- Branch Transactions Halted: Cheque clearances, demand drafts, and in-branch services will pause during closures.
- Delayed Business Operations: Businesses relying on physical banking may face transaction delays.
- High Demand at ATMs: Cash withdrawals may face queues due to festive shopping rush.
- Digital Banking Still Active: Mobile banking apps, ATMs, UPI, and online transfers will continue to function.
Tips to Manage Finances During Dussehra and Diwali Bank Holidays
To ensure smooth financial planning in October 2025, here are some essential tips:
- Plan Ahead: Finish cheque deposits, fund transfers, or loan EMIs before the holiday week.
- Use Digital Banking: Rely on NEFT, IMPS, UPI, and mobile banking to avoid interruptions.
- Keep Cash Handy: With shopping, travel, and gifting at peak levels, ensure you withdraw enough cash in advance.
- Track State-wise Holidays: Since holidays vary by state, check your local calendar to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Schedule Business Payments Early: Businesses should clear vendor and salary payments before banks shut for Diwali week.
Conclusion: October 2025 Brings Both Celebrations and Closures
October 2025 is not just another festive month; it is a time when India shines with the spirit of Dussehra’s victory and Diwali’s light. While families prepare for cultural rituals and joyous gatherings, banks across India will close multiple times in the first and last weeks of the month.
Being prepared with a clear understanding of bank holidays in October 2025 will help you manage your financial tasks without stress. Whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, or Chennai, marking these dates on your calendar ensures a smooth festive season.
Celebrate the festivals, enjoy the traditions, and keep your finances ready — because October 2025 is about both joyful holidays and smart planning.
Ashish Rai is a professional automotive writer with four years of experience crafting reviews, features, and technical guides. Passionate about vehicles, he translates complex engineering concepts into engaging content. Covering market trends, EV developments, and driving experiences, Ashish delivers insightful, reader-friendly articles that ignite automotive enthusiasm worldwide consistently with integrity.
