Celebrating Diwali and Allied Traditions Nationwide
India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, celebrates Diwali — the Festival of Lights — in numerous unique ways across its states. On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, several regions are observing bank holidays in honour of Diwali and related regional festivities such as Vikram Samvat New Year, Govardhan Puja, Balipadyami, and Lakshmi Puja.
Bank Closures on October 22, 2025: Where and Why
States Observing a Holiday
On October 22, banks will remain shut in the following states:
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Gujarat
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Maharashtra
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Karnataka
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Uttarakhand
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Sikkim
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Rajasthan
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Uttar Pradesh
These closures are in recognition of significant cultural and spiritual observances associated with the Diwali season, including Vikram Samvat New Year in Gujarat and Balipadyami in Karnataka.
Festive Bank Holiday Highlights for October 2025
The month of October 2025 is rich with celebrations, leading to widespread bank closures across different days and states. The major occasions include:
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Ayudha Puja
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Vijayadashami
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Durga Puja
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Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
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Lakshmi Puja
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Kumar Purnima
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Karva Chauth
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Kati Bihu
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Naraka Chaturdashi
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Govardhan Puja
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Balipadyami
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Bhaidooj
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Chhath Puja
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti
Extended Holidays in Select States
Some states will enjoy multi-day bank holidays due to the clustering of festivals:
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Sikkim: A four-day bank holiday from October 20 to 23.
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Maharashtra: Banks closed on October 21 and 22.
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Gujarat & Uttar Pradesh: Holidays observed on October 22 and 23.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Overview
Various cities across India will observe closures on different days in October. For instance:
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Ahmedabad and Lucknow: Closed on October 22 and 23.
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Bengaluru: Closed on multiple occasions including October 22.
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Mumbai & Nagpur: Banks shut on October 21 and 22.
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Gangtok (Sikkim): Celebrates a rare four-day festive break from October 20 to 23.
These closures are designated under the Negotiable Instruments Act, recognizing the cultural significance of each festival and enabling citizens to celebrate with family and community.
Cultural Significance of October’s Holidays
Each festival in October holds distinct regional and spiritual importance:
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Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami mark the victory of good over evil.
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Lakshmi Puja invites wealth and prosperity into homes.
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Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of his devotees.
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Balipadyami commemorates the return of the benevolent King Bali.
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Bhai Dooj honors the bond between brothers and sisters.
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Chhath Puja, especially in Bihar and Eastern India, pays homage to the Sun God with fervent rituals.
These deeply rooted traditions explain the extensive and region-specific bank holidays during this vibrant month.
