Banks around India will remain open today, with only one exception. Only one city has an official bank holiday for Karwa Chauth 2026.
Banks in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, are closed today, Thursday, October 29. The Reserve Bank of India’s October 2026 calendar lists this as a local holiday. The closure covers both public- and private-sector banks in the region.
Banks closed in Shimla include the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda are also closed. Customers cannot use branch services at these banks during the holiday. However, online banking and mobile banking apps remain available for transactions.
Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated mainly in northern and western India. Married women fast from sunrise until moonrise on this occasion. They pray for their husbands’ safety, long life and prosperity. This year, the festival falls on Thursday, October 29.
Bank holidays in India include national holidays, local festivals and regular weekly closures. Local holidays depend on the region and the RBI calendar.
All scheduled and non-scheduled banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. Banks also remain closed every Sunday. Digital banking services continue during these holidays while branch services remain shut.
Customers in Shimla who need banking services today can use their bank’s website or mobile app. UPI allows people to send and receive money round the clock. Bank apps and payment platforms support these transactions.
However, technical problems or scheduled maintenance may affect services. Banks notify their customers about scheduled maintenance affecting transactions.
Credit cards, debit cards and ATMs offer other options for payments and transactions. Customers can also set standing instructions for regular bills and recharges.
These instructions help manage recurring or scheduled expenses. Online banking remains available across the country during official holidays and weekends.
Another local bank holiday follows on Saturday, October 31, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Banks there will close for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday. Banks across India will then remain closed on Sunday, November 1. Customers planning to visit a branch should keep these upcoming closures in mind.
Bank holidays in November
November’s bank holiday calendar includes regional holidays and regular weekend closures. Regional holiday dates include November 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16. Other regional holidays fall on November 20, 23, 24 and 27. Second and fourth Saturday closures fall on November 14 and 28.
The RBI releases its annual bank holiday list in January. Customers should contact their nearest branch to confirm local holidays before visiting.
Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. Check the official RBI or the respective bank's website for the bank holiday calendar, alerts, and notifications.