Dhanteras 2024: Are Banks Open or Closed Today?

Dhanteras, marking the start of Diwali festivities, falls on October 29 this year. Many people wonder if banks will be closed for this celebration. However, since the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not recognize Dhanteras as an official bank holiday, all public and private banks across the country will remain open today.

Diwali Bank Holidays: October 31 or November 1?

The primary question remains for the Diwali holiday on October 31 and November 1, when states observe various festivals. Since bank holidays differ across regions, customers are encouraged to check specific holiday notifications from their local bank branches or banking apps.

Detailed Diwali Holiday Schedule by State

October 31: Banks will remain closed in states like Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Depending on the state, these closures are for Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday, or Kali Puja.

November 1: In Manipur, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Tripura, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand, banks will be closed for Diwali, Kut Festival, and Kannada Rajyotsava.

November 2: Banks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh will be closed for Laxmi Puja or Govardhan Puja. Additionally, this day falls on the first Saturday of the month, which is generally a working day for banks.

November 3: Sunday, a standard holiday, will see banks closed across all states and union territories.

Availability of Online Banking Services

Despite physical branch closures, digital banking services, including mobile apps and online portals, will remain accessible to customers. ATMs will remain operational for cash withdrawals throughout the Diwali holiday period, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential banking services.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh's 8th Deepotsav to Set a New World Record with Eco-Friendly Celebrations

Summary

On October 29, Dhanteras, marking the start of Diwali, is not an official bank holiday, so banks remain open. Diwali bank holidays vary by state: banks in states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka close on October 31, while Maharashtra, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand observe the holiday on November 1. Some states, including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, will have additional closures on November 2 for Laxmi Puja, and all banks are closed on Sunday, November 3. However, digital banking services and ATMs will remain available throughout the holiday period.