Banks Open on Dhanteras 2025 – Assam Closed, Full Holiday Guide

Banks Open on Dhanteras 2025 – Assam Closed, Full Holiday Guide

When Reserve Bank of India released its 2025 banking calendar on October 18, 2025, it confirmed that banks across the nation will stay open on Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, because the day lands on the third Saturday of the month. The only exception is the state of Assam, where banks will shut down in observance of the Kati Bihu festival. This decision matters to millions of shoppers and small‑business owners who rely on in‑person banking services during the festive rush. Bank holidays this year follow the RBI’s standard pattern with a few regional twists.

Why the Third Saturday Matters

The RBI’s long‑standing policy dictates that banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, but stay open on the first and third Saturdays unless a regional holiday overrides the rule. As The Economic Times explained on the same day, “Banks nationwide will be open today, October 18, 2025, as it’s the third Saturday, except in Assam due to the Kati Bihu festival.” The rationale is simple: the third Saturday usually falls after the payroll cycle, allowing wage‑earners to access cash for upcoming celebrations.

State‑wise Holiday Landscape for October 2025

Beyond the Dhanteras exception, October is peppered with several bank holidays. According to the holiday calendar compiled by BankBazaar.com, the schedule looks like this:

  • October 11 (Sunday) – Second Saturday (banks closed nationwide).
  • October 18 (Saturday) – Third Saturday (banks open nationwide, Assam closed for Kati Bihu).
  • October 20 (Tuesday) – Monday observed for Diwali (banks closed nationwide).
  • October 25 (Saturday) – Fourth Saturday (banks closed nationwide).

Other regional observances include Vijayadashami in West Bengal, Lakshmi Puja in Gujarat, and Balipadyami in Odisha, each triggering localized branch shutdowns while digital channels stay live.

City‑Specific Dhanteras Timings

Even though branches stay open, many banks curtail services around the traditional puja window. The Times Network Digital Services released the following approximate puja periods for major metros:

  • Mumbai: 7:49 PM – 8:41 PM
  • New Delhi: 7:14 PM – 8:20 PM
  • Kolkata: 6:41 PM – 7:38 PM
  • Chennai: 7:28 PM – 8:15 PM
  • Hyderabad: 7:29 PM – 8:20 PM
  • Bengaluru: 7:39 PM – 8:25 PM
  • Ahmedabad: 7:44 PM – 8:41 PM
  • Pune: 7:46 PM – 8:38 PM
  • Jaipur: 7:24 PM – 8:26 PM
  • Gurgaon: 7:17 PM – 8:20 PM

During these windows, most banks advise customers to avoid large cash deposits, demand drafts, or account settlements, as teller counters may be temporarily unattended.

Impact on Customers and Businesses

For everyday users, the good news is that digital banking – ATMs, UPI, mobile apps, and internet banking – operates uninterrupted, a point emphasized by The Times of India. However, anyone needing a physical receipt, notarised cheque, or cash‑intensive transaction should plan ahead. Small traders in Assam, for example, will need to clear pending payments before October 18, as both scheduled and non‑scheduled banks will be closed for the entire day.

Analysts from the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) note that the overlapping of Dhanteras and the third‑Saturday rule historically leads to a modest spike in digital transaction volume – about 12 % higher than a typical Saturday – as customers shift to online channels.

What Comes Next – The Rest of the Festive Week

Following Dhanteras, the official Diwali bank holiday falls on October 20, 2025 (Monday). Banks across India will close for the full day, resuming normal hours on October 21. The fourth Saturday, October 25, will again be a non‑working day per RBI guidelines. Stakeholders are urged to monitor the RBI’s official website for any last‑minute adjustments, especially if unforeseen regional festivals arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are banks open on Dhanteras this year but closed on other Saturdays?

The RBI’s policy treats the third Saturday as a regular working day unless a state‑specific holiday overrides it. Dhanteras landed on the third Saturday in 2025, so banks stayed open nationwide, while Assam observed Kati Bihu, prompting a localized shutdown.

Which states have bank closures during the October 2025 festive week?

Beyond Assam’s Kati Bihu on October 18, bank holidays include the nationwide Diwali closure on October 20 and the standard fourth‑Saturday closure on October 25. Regional festivals such as Vijayadashami in West Bengal and Lakshmi Puja in Gujarat also trigger state‑level closures.

Can I still use ATMs and UPI on October 18 in Assam?

Yes. Digital channels remain functional across the country, including Assam. Only in‑person services like cash deposits and cheque clearances are affected by the Kati Bihu holiday.

What should businesses do to avoid disruption during the holiday period?

Plan critical transactions before October 18, especially in Assam. Use online payment gateways, schedule bulk transfers early, and keep a buffer of cash for day‑to‑day operations to mitigate the impact of branch closures.

Where can I find the official RBI holiday calendar for 2025?

The RBI publishes the annual calendar on its website (www.rbi.org.in). The PDF lists all national and state‑specific banking holidays for 2025 and is updated if any changes occur.

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