As Dussehra approaches, banks throughout India will observe varying closure days depending on the state, in recognition of this significant Hindu festival. Known by several names—Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain—Dussehra is a nationwide public holiday marked by festivities and rituals.
Celebrated on the 10th day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of Ashvin (Ashwayuja) in the Hindu calendar, Dussehra involves communal prayer gatherings, food offerings to deities, and vibrant processions featuring effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of Lord Ram over evil. In many regions, banks will remain closed for up to four consecutive days, contributing to a total of 15 closures throughout October due to state festivals and weekends.
State-wise Dussehra Holiday Schedule
- October 10: Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Saptami)
Banks closed in: Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal. - October 11: Dussehra (Mahashtami/Mahanavami)/Ayudha Pooja/Durga Puja (Dasain)/Durga Ashtami
Banks closed in: Tripura, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya. - October 12: Dasara/Dussehra (Mahanavami/Vijayadashami)/Durga Puja (Dasain)
Banks closed in: All states, as this is a second Saturday. - October 14: Durga Puja (Dasain)
Banks closed in: Sikkim.
In states like Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal, banks will be closed from October 10 to 13. In Sikkim, closures will extend from October 11 to 14.
Other October 2024 Holidays
- October 16: Lakshmi Puja
Banks closed in: Tripura and West Bengal. - October 17: Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti/Kati Bihu
Banks closed in: Karnataka, Assam, Himachal Pradesh. - October 26: Accession Day
Banks closed in: Jammu and Srinagar. - October 31: Diwali/Kali Puja/Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday/Naraka Chaturdashi
Banks closed in: Most states except Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
