Branches Closed in UP, Bihar & 11 Other States for Mahanavami and Durga Puja
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If you are planning to visit your local bank branch for financial transactions or in-person administrative work on Monday, October 19, 2026, make sure to verify regional schedules before heading out. According to the official holiday calendar published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commercial banking operations—including those of both public sector undertakings and private lenders—are suspended across 13 Indian states today. The shutdowns coincide with major festive observances surrounding the climax of Navratri and Durga Puja, including Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Maha Ashtami, Dussehra, and Vijayadashami. While branches remain closed in major northern, eastern, and northeastern regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, regular physical banking counters continue to function normally across several other territories, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Festive Shutdowns: Why Bank Branches Are Closed on October 19
The Reserve Bank of India designates holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act in coordination with regional state governments, accounting for major cultural festivities:
Festivals Behind the Closures: Branch operations are halted in observance of key festive events, including Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Durga Puja celebrations, Maha Ashtami rituals, and associated Dussehra observances.
Both Public and Private Lenders Impacted: In the affected states, physical branches of all major banking institutions—including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank—remain shut for the day.
Alternate Banking Rails Active: While brick-and-mortar branches are inaccessible in notified circles, core electronic banking infrastructure—such as automated teller machines (ATMs), Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transfers, net banking portals, and mobile mobile applications—continues to operate uninterrupted nationwide.
Complete State List: Where Bank Branches Remain Closed Today
Customers residing in the following 13 states will not be able to access in-person counter services today:
Uttar Pradesh: Public and private sector branches remain closed across all districts for Mahanavami and festival festivities.
Bihar: Branches are shut statewide in observance of Durga Puja and Navami celebrations.
West Bengal: Financial counters are closed as the state marks extensive Durga Puja and Navami traditions.
Jharkhand: Branch operations are suspended across the state for regional festival rituals.
Assam & Northeastern States: Closures are active in Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Eastern & Southern Regions: Physical banking operations are halted across Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala to mark Ayudha Puja and regional festival events.
Where Banking Operations Are Open as Usual
In contrast to the 13 designated holiday circles, bank branches in several key states and union territories are running regular operational schedules:
Open Financial Hubs: Banks are open and providing complete customer counter facilities in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Maharashtra (including Mumbai), and Rajasthan.
Routine Processing: Clearing operations, cash counter desks, and loan processing units in non-holiday circles continue standard Monday opening hours.
State Verification Essential: Because bank holiday schedules are notified jurisdiction by jurisdiction under the RBI framework, account holders are advised to check their respective state-specific holiday lists before scheduling branch visits this week.
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