Bank Holiday October 29, 2026: Bank customers planning to visit a branch on Thursday, October 29, should check the holiday calendar before leaving home. Banks will remain closed in Himachal Pradesh on account of Karwa Chauth, according to the holiday schedule reported for the state.

However, this is not a nationwide bank holiday. Branches in most other states are expected to operate according to their regular working schedules, unless a separate local holiday applies.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes a bank holiday calendar that includes national observances, regional festivals and other holidays applicable to different banking centres.

As a result, banks may remain closed in one state while continuing normal operations elsewhere.

Here is everything customers should know about the October 29 bank holiday, the reason for the closure and the banking services that will remain available.

Why Are Banks Closed on October 29, 2026?

The bank holiday on Thursday, October 29, is associated with Karwa Chauth.

Karwa Chauth is a traditional festival observed in several parts of northern India.

On this occasion, many married women observe a fast and participate in customary rituals.

The festival is particularly significant in parts of North India, although its observance and official holiday status vary across states.

According to the reported RBI holiday schedule, banks in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, will observe a holiday on October 29.

Customers in the affected region should avoid scheduling branch-dependent transactions for that day.

Where Will Banks Remain Closed on Thursday?

The reported closure applies to banking branches in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, for Karwa Chauth.

It is important to understand that a regional bank holiday does not automatically apply to every state.

For example, customers in Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states should check their respective local banking schedules instead of assuming that all branches will be closed.

Bank Holiday October 29: Key Details

Customers should confirm the status of their specific branch if they have an important transaction scheduled.

Will SBI, PNB, HDFC and ICICI Bank Remain Closed?

Regional bank holidays generally apply to the relevant branches of scheduled banks operating in the affected location.

This can include public sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bank of Baroda.

Private sector banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, may also observe the applicable regional holiday.

Regional rural banks operating in the affected area are generally covered by the relevant banking holiday arrangements as well.

However, the actual branch schedule should always be checked through the bank's official website, mobile application or customer service channel.

Are Banks Open on Saturday, October 31, 2026?

Customers should also pay attention to the final Saturday of October.

October 31, 2026, falls on the fifth Saturday of the month.

Under the usual banking schedule, branches are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays.

The first, third and fifth Saturdays are generally working days, unless a separate holiday applies.

Therefore, October 31 is normally a working Saturday for bank branches.

Customers should still check for any state-specific or local holiday that could affect their branch.

Bank Holiday Rules: Which Saturdays Are Working Days?

Bank customers sometimes assume that all Saturdays are holidays.

However, the standard banking schedule follows a different arrangement.

Regular Bank Working Schedule

These are the normal weekly banking arrangements.

Regional festivals and officially notified holidays may result in additional closures.

Will ATMs Work on October 29?

Yes, ATM services generally remain available even when bank branches are closed for a holiday.

Customers can usually withdraw cash, check account balances and use other supported ATM services.

Some ATMs and cash deposit machines also offer deposit facilities.

However, the availability of cash and specific ATM functions may vary.

Customers expecting to need a large amount of cash should consider withdrawing it in advance.

Will UPI Payments Work During the Bank Holiday?

UPI services generally continue operating on bank holidays.

Customers can normally use payment applications to transfer money, pay merchants, settle bills and complete other supported transactions.

Popular UPI applications include BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm.

However, occasional technical issues, bank maintenance or transaction limits may affect individual payments.

A branch holiday does not normally mean that UPI services are suspended.

Can You Use Internet Banking and Mobile Banking?

Most digital banking services remain available throughout bank holidays.

Customers can usually access their accounts through official bank websites and mobile applications.

Commonly available services include checking balances, transferring funds, paying bills, viewing statements and managing certain account services.

NEFT, RTGS and IMPS are generally available through electronic banking channels according to their operating arrangements.

However, some transactions that require branch verification, manual processing or physical documentation may be delayed until the next working day.

Which Banking Services May Be Affected?

Customers should plan ahead for services that require an in-person branch visit.

These may include certain cash transactions, cheque-related work, account documentation, physical verification and other services requiring bank staff.

Cheque clearing and settlement timelines can also depend on the applicable clearing calendar and operational arrangements.

Customers should avoid assuming that every banking transaction will be processed immediately during a branch holiday.

How to Check the RBI Bank Holiday List

The RBI publishes information about bank holidays on its official website.

Customers can check the holiday calendar by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the RBI website at https://www.rbi.org.in/.

Step 2: Find the bank holiday calendar or holiday information section.

Step 3: Select the relevant month and year.

Step 4: Check the banking centre or state applicable to your branch.

Step 5: Confirm whether the date is listed as a holiday.

Customers can also consult their bank's official website or customer support service.

Checking the correct banking centre is important because holidays differ across regions.

Why Do Bank Holidays Differ Between States?

India celebrates numerous regional and religious festivals.

Some occasions are observed across the country, while others are primarily celebrated in particular states.

The bank holiday system takes these regional differences into account.

For example, a festival may result in a bank holiday in one state without affecting banking operations elsewhere.

This is why customers should not rely solely on a national holiday list when planning branch visits.

Important Advice for Bank Customers

Customers who need to complete urgent banking work should verify the branch schedule before travelling.

If a transaction can be completed through internet banking or a mobile application, it may not require a branch visit.

For cash withdrawals, ATMs can provide an alternative.

However, customers should never share banking passwords, ATM PINs or OTPs with anyone claiming to help them during a holiday.

Always use official banking channels for transactions and support.

Final Update

Banks are scheduled to remain closed in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, on account of Karwa Chauth.

The holiday is regional and does not mean that bank branches across India will remain closed.

Meanwhile, October 31 falls on the fifth Saturday of the month and is normally a working day for banks, subject to local holidays.

Customers should check their branch's holiday status before visiting, while ATM, UPI, mobile banking and internet banking services are generally expected to remain available.

Disclaimer: Bank holidays may vary by state, banking centre and institution. Customers should verify the latest official RBI holiday calendar and their bank's branch schedule before making travel or transaction plans.