Banks to remain closed across states for Valmiki Jayanti observance

Bank closures will affect physical operations in several states today as financial institutions observe Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the revered sage and author of the Ramayana. The Reserve Bank of India has designated the day as a regional holiday under its official holiday schedule for October 2026, resulting in the suspension of branch-level services across affected states.

The partial closure reflects India's observance of significant cultural and religious occasions through its banking holiday framework. While the exact list of states observing the holiday may vary based on regional significance and RBI guidelines, customers in affected regions should expect delays in cheque clearance, fund transfers, and other branch-dependent services.

The RBI maintains a differentiated holiday calendar that accounts for regional, national, and religious observances across India's diverse states and union territories. This approach ensures that banks remain operational in regions where specific festivals hold less cultural prominence, while respecting local traditions elsewhere.

Customers are encouraged to complete urgent banking transactions before branch closures or utilize digital banking channels and ATMs, which typically remain operational during holidays. For those requiring assistance, banks usually provide emergency contact details for critical issues during holiday periods.