Many industries, including banking, are getting ready for a long vacation as the nation gets ready to celebrate Diwali, one of the most important holidays in India. Known for its lavish festivals, lights, and celebrations, Diwali sometimes results in extended weekends with, depending on the area, bank holidays that last for several days.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There During The Diwali Week?
Depending on the state and local traditions, bank holidays around Diwali might vary. The majority of India celebrates Diwali, while regional festivals and weekends determine the precise dates of bank holidays. The major festival day, the day after Diwali (Govardhan Puja), and, in certain areas, Bhai Dooj are the three days when banks are normally closed during the Diwali season.
- On Diwali (October 31) and Bhai Dooj, which occurs two days following Diwali, banks in Northern India are closed.
- Banks may close on other days, such as Dhanteras and the Gujarati New Year, in Western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- Depending on local customs, Diwali bank holidays may be shorter in Southern India, usually observing a one-day shutdown.
Diwali Bank Holiday List 2024
Below is a summary of the important days on which banks in different Indian states will be closed:
- October 30, 2024: Naraka Chaturdashi/Chhoti Diwali
- October 31, 2024: Diwali (Deepavali)
- November 2, 2024: Govardhan Puja
- November 3, 2024: Bhai Dooj
Will Banks Be Closed On Diwali?
Indeed, on India’s important Diwali day, banks will be closed. Other closures could be in effect during the weekend, depending on the state and particular celebrations. Check the state-by-state holiday list and finish transactions ahead of time if you have any bank-related work planned to prevent any interruptions.
Prepare In Advance: Diwali Banking Tips
Planning your financial activity is crucial to preventing any disruption over the Diwali holiday weekend. You can take the following actions to avoid the Christmas rush:
- Complete important transactions beforehand: Make sure you do any urgent financial activities, such as cash withdrawals, bill payments, or deposits, before the holiday starts because banks will be closed for several days.
- Use online banking services: Most banks will continue to provide their .whole range of services through online and mobile banking, even if physical bank locations are shuttered. For convenience, make sure you understand the digital services offered by your bank.
- Access to ATMs: Although ATMs will be open over the Diwali holidays, it is advisable to take out cash beforehand because of the possibility of machine shortages owing to heavy demand.
