Diwali Bank Holidays 2024: Diwali, one of India*s biggest festivals, is around the corner, and with it comes several bank closures across different states. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday schedule, banks will be closed for 15 days in October 2024, including regular closures on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. During the Diwali celebrations, banks across the country will be shut for four consecutive days, starting from Thursday, 31st October.
According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) holiday list, both public and private banks will be closed during Diwali festivities. If you plan to visit the bank from October 31, 2024, to November 3, 2024, it's important to note the upcoming bank holidays. However, the closure of banks differs by city, so checking the local holiday schedule is essential to avoid any confusion.
The Diwali celebrations last for five days, starting with Dhanteras on Wednesday, 30th October, and ending with Bhai Dooj on Sunday, 3rd November. Banks will be closed starting from Thursday, 31st October, to mark the Diwali festival. Below are the key dates to be aware of:
Date | Day | Event | States |
---|---|---|---|
October 31st | Thursday | Diwali (Deepavali)/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel*s Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi | Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu |
November 1st | Friday | Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan)/Deepawali/Kut/Kannada Rajyothsava | Tripura, Belapur, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya |
November 2nd | Saturday | Diwali (Bali Pratipada)/Balipadyami/Laxmi Puja (Deepawali)/Govardhan Puja/Vikram Samvant New Year Day | Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra |
November 3d | Sunday | Bhai Dooj and Weekend | All Over India |
Please note:?Several states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, will observe Diwali as a bank holiday on Thursday, 31st October. Additionally, many other states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, will also celebrate Diwali on the same day, with some having additional regional holidays on Friday, 1st November.
Although banks will be shut during the Diwali holidays, you can still manage your banking needs through online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs, which remain available 24/7. This allows you to transfer funds, check your account balance, or withdraw cash even when banks are closed.
The RBI sets different types of bank holidays in India, which can vary from state to state. The three main categories of bank holidays are:
These are public holidays, including major festivals and local observances, during which banks stop all operations.
These holidays mean the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system does not operate, though other banking services might still be available.
These holidays are observed at the end of the financial year when banks close accounts and settle finances.
Bank holidays in India are generally divided into two main categories: national holidays and government holidays.
National holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti are celebrated across the country. On these days, banks, schools, government offices, and private businesses are closed nationwide.
Government holidays can either be state-specific or observed across the country. For example, Himachal Day is a holiday in Himachal Pradesh but not in other states, while Onam is only a holiday in Kerala. However, central government holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day are observed across all states.
During Diwali in 2024, banks in many states will be closed for four consecutive days. To avoid any last-minute issues, it*s best to plan ahead and complete any essential banking activities before the holidays begin. Even though banks will be closed, you can still access your account through online services or ATMs, which will operate as usual. Be sure to check your state*s specific holiday schedule to stay prepared.