That familiar feeling is in the air. You can almost hear the distant, rhythmic beat of the dhak and smell the sweet fragrance of incense mingling with street food. Yes, Durga Puja bank holidays is coming, and the excitement is building! It’s a time for family, friends, fantastic food, and of course, pandal hopping.
But amidst all the festive planning, there’s one practical detail that can trip up even the most seasoned Pujo enthusiast: the bank holidays. Nothing dampens the festive spirit faster than a “Closed” sign on the bank door when you need cash for that last-minute shopping spree.
That’s why I’ve put together this friendly, no-nonsense guide to the Durga Puja for 2025. Think of me as your financially-savvy friend who’s done the homework so you don’t have to.
First Things First: Mark Your Pujo Calendar!
Before we talk money, let’s get the dates straight. The main festivities for Durga Puja 2025 kick off in late September and spill into early October, creating a magical five-day spectacle.
- Maha Saptami: Monday, September 29, 2025
- Maha Ashtami: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Maha Navami: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Vijayadashami (Dussehra): Thursday, October 2, 2025
Knowing these dates is key, because this is when the banking world in several states takes a well-deserved break to join the celebrations.
So, Are Banks Really Closed During Durga Puja?
You bet they are! And it’s not just an informal break. Is Durga Puja a government holiday? Yes, it absolutely is in several states. State governments officially declare these holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which means banks are legally required to close.
But here’s the catch: a holiday in Kolkata doesn’t automatically mean a holiday in Mumbai or Bengaluru. It all depends on where you are.
Your State-by-State Holiday Cheat Sheet
This is where things get interesting. Durga Puja Bank Holidays The number of days banks are closed varies wildly depending on how grandly the festival is celebrated in each region.
West Bengal: The Heartbeat of the Celebration
It’s no surprise that West Bengal, the epicenter of Pujo, goes all out. If you’re in Kolkata or anywhere else in the state, get ready for a significant banking break. Banks will be officially closed for four straight days.
- Monday, Sep 29: Maha Saptami
- Tuesday, Sep 30: Maha Ashtami
- Wednesday, Oct 1: Maha Navami
- Thursday, Oct 2: Vijayadashami & Gandhi Jayanti
And the festive mood continues! Banks in West Bengal are also closed for Lakshmi Puja on Monday, October 6th, so plan for a longer period of potential disruption.
Assam and Tripura: Pujo Fervor in Full Swing
The celebrations are just as vibrant in Assam and Tripura, and their holiday schedules reflect that.
In Assam, banks will be closed for the three main days of worship, letting everyone soak in the festivities.
- Monday, Sep 29 to Wednesday, Oct 1
Tripura, however, takes the crown for the longest holiday stretch. The state has declared a massive six-day public holiday, meaning banks will be shut for an extended period.
- Monday, Sep 29 to Saturday, Oct 4
What About the Rest of India? A Look at Maharashtra & Karnataka
If you’re searching for “bank holidays 2025 Maharashtra” or wondering if there’s a “tomorrow bank holiday in Karnataka” during Pujo, the answer is mostly no.
In states where Durga Puja isn’t the primary festival, it’s largely business as usual for banks from September 29th to October 1st. You can expect your local branches in Mumbai, Pune, or Bengaluru to be open.
However, everyone gets a day off on Thursday, October 2nd. This date is a unique triple-header: it’s Vijayadashami/Dussehra, but it’s also Gandhi Jayanti, which is a mandatory national holiday. So, no matter where you are in India, every single bank will be closed on October 2nd.
Your Top Questions, Answered!
Let’s clear up a few common points of confusion.
“Are banks closed on 30 September 2025?”
Yes, they are, but only in specific states. On Tuesday, September 30th, banks in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura will be closed for the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami. If you’re anywhere else, your bank should be open.
The 2025 “Long Weekend” Trap
This year, the Pujo holidays are perfectly timed to create an extra-long weekend.
- Saturday, September 27th is the fourth Saturday of the month, which is a bank holiday nationwide.
- Sunday, September 28th is a weekly holiday.
This means that in states like West Bengal and Assam, the banking shutdown actually begins on Saturday the 27th, leading to a six-day continuous break. For Tripura, it’s a staggering eight-day closure!
“How can I check if my local SBI or HDFC branch is open today?”
When you’re in doubt, don’t just guess. The best way to know for sure if there’s a bank holiday today is to check the official sources.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website has the most accurate, state-wise holiday list. (Suggestion: Link to the RBI’s official holiday page).
- Your bank’s official mobile app or website usually has a holiday calendar.
My Personal Tips for a Hassle-Free Pujo
A little bit of planning can save you a world of headaches. Here’s my advice:
- Befriend the ATM (Early!): Don’t wait until Saptami evening to get cash. The lines will be long, and machines might run dry. I always make sure I have enough cash by the Friday before the festivities begin (that’s September 26th, 2025!).
- Go Digital: Thank goodness for technology! Services like UPI and IMPS are your best friends during the holidays. They work 24/7 for shopping, sending money to family, or paying for that extra plate of puchkas.
- Schedule Big Payments: If you have large, important transfers to make using NEFT or RTGS, get them done before the holidays kick in. These services won’t work when banks are closed, and you don’t want payments getting stuck.
Go Enjoy the Festival!
The Durga Puja bank holidays are a chance for everyone to pause, celebrate, and connect with loved ones. With a little bit of foresight, you can handle all your banking needs ahead of time and dive into the festivities without a single worry.
So go on, plan your pandal-hopping route, pick out your best outfits, and get ready to make some incredible memories.
What are you most excited about for Durga Puja 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear them! And don’t forget to share this guide with anyone who might find it useful.
