# Bank Holiday Schedule for October 19–25: Regional Closures and Digital Services Major Indian banks observe regional festival holidays, but digital transaction channels remain fully operational nationwide. - **Source:** [mint - industry](https://www.livemint.com/rss/industry) - **Published:** 2026-10-18 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c5d103bf-356b-46b2-9882-fa27203bd57f ## Regional Bank Holiday Overview The week of October 19 to 25 features four national holidays due to Durga Puja and Dussehra festivities. Physical bank branches across various Indian cities will remain closed on specific dates. Customers are strongly advised to verify their local holiday calendar before planning any in-person visits to their respective bank branches. ## Operational Status of Branches Branch-based tasks, including cash deposits and cheque processing, will be paused in regions observing these holidays. Closures vary significantly by city, affecting major institutions like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and PNB. For instance, October 19 closures impact cities like Kolkata and Chennai, while October 20 affects most major urban centers nationwide. ## Digital Banking Continuity Despite physical branch closures, essential financial services remain fully operational across the country. Customers can continue to perform transactions seamlessly using internet banking platforms and mobile applications. These digital channels ensure that financial activities are not disrupted by regional holiday schedules, providing a reliable alternative for urgent banking needs throughout the week. ## UPI and Payment Accessibility Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services remain active around the clock, regardless of bank holidays. Individuals can send and receive money instantly using their bank's app or third-party UPI platforms. While these services are generally available, they may occasionally experience downtime for scheduled maintenance, which banks typically communicate to users in advance. ## Automated Financial Services Beyond basic transfers, customers retain access to various automated services during the holiday period. ATM networks remain functional, and users can manage credit or debit card requirements. Furthermore, administrative tasks such as setting up standing instructions or applying for locker services can be handled through digital portals or automated banking systems. ## Specific Holiday Date Breakdown Holiday schedules are highly localized, requiring attention to specific dates. October 21 closures include Bengaluru, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, while October 22 and 23 are restricted to Gangtok. Later in the month, October 26 impacts cities like Jammu and Shimla, and October 31 marks a holiday in Ahmedabad for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday. ## Transaction Processing Mechanisms Fund transfer requests via NEFT and RTGS remain supported through digital forms, alongside demand draft and chequebook request options. These mechanisms ensure that even when physical staff are unavailable, the infrastructure for processing financial requests remains intact. Customers should utilize these digital forms to initiate requests that will be processed upon reopening. ## Strategic Customer Advice Given the variability of holiday applicability across different states, checking with local bank branches is the most effective way to confirm service availability. Relying on digital infrastructure mitigates the impact of these closures, allowing for uninterrupted financial management. Proactive planning remains essential for customers requiring specific in-branch assistance during this festive week. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.livemint.com/industry/banking/bank-holidays-this-week-will-sbi-hdfc-icici-pnb-be-closed-for-festivals-from-19-25-october-check-city-wise-rbi-list-11792226135864.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._