As the nation commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary today, October 2, all private and public sector banks across India will remain closed, marking Gandhi Jayanti as a national holiday. This national holiday, which falls on a Wednesday this year, is one of the three mandatory bank holidays observed across India, alongside Republic Day on January 26 and Independence Day on August 15.

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2 to pay homage to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately known as the “Father of the Nation.” Born on this day in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to non-violent resistance played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Through his dedication, patience, and principles of truth and nonviolence, he led India to freedom in 1947.

Banks Across the Country Closed for Gandhi Jayanti
As a national holiday, banks across India will not be operational today, affecting various banking services. Customers should plan their banking activities accordingly, as all financial institutions, including both public and private sector banks, are shut for the day.

October 2024: Holidays and Festivities
The bank holiday on Gandhi Jayanti is just the beginning of a series of holidays throughout October 2024. The month features numerous significant events, cultural celebrations, and regional observances that will see banks closing on multiple occasions.

List of upcoming bank holidays in October 2024:
October 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Mahalaya Amavasye (National Holiday) – All banks across India are closed.
October 3: Navratri (Jaipur) – Banks in Jaipur will be shut.
October 5: Sunday – Banks remain closed as usual.
October 10: Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Saptami) – Banks will be closed in cities like Agartala, Guwahati, Kohima, and Kolkata.
October 11: Dussehra (Mahashtami/Mahanavami)/Ayudha Pooja/Durga Puja (Dasain)/Durga Ashtami – Banks in multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, and Kolkata, will observe a holiday.
October 12: Second Saturday/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashami)/Durga Puja (Dasain) – Banks across India remain closed on the second Saturday.
October 13: Sunday – Regular weekend closure.
October 14: Durga Puja (Dasain) – Banks in Gangtok will not be operational.
October 16: Lakshmi Pooja – Banks in Agartala and Kolkata will observe a holiday.
October 17: Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kati Bihu – Banks in Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Shimla will be closed.
October 20: Sunday – Regular closure.
October 26: Second Saturday and Accession Day – Banks across India will be shut for the second Saturday.
October 27: Sunday – Regular weekend closure.
October 31: Diwali (Deepavali)/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi – Banks will be closed in numerous cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, and more.

As the list of holidays suggests, the month of October will see frequent bank closures due to various festivities, regional observances, and regular weekend holidays. Customers should plan their banking transactions in advance, especially during this holiday-heavy month, to avoid any inconvenience.

Story first published: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 8:17 [IST]