Bank Holiday Update: Will Banks Be Closed on the Third Saturday of October Due to Maha Saptami? The questions has arise. October 17th falls on the third Saturday of the month, typically a day when banks are open. This date coincides with Maha Saptami, the seventh day of Navratri, celebrated as an important festival in Tripura where banks are closed. While no official holiday has been declared in other states, bank employees in West Bengal are pressing for a day off on October 17th. The uncertainty remains as to whether banks will operate nationwide on this day, causing potential inconvenience to customers.
Demand for October 17th as a Holiday
– Bank employees in West Bengal are requesting a holiday on October 17th in observance of Durga Puja.
– The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC) in West Bengal has urged Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to grant this holiday.
– Employees argue that Maha Saptami holds significance during Durga Puja and wish to partake in the celebrations with their families.
– While Durga Puja holidays for bank employees in West Bengal are set from October 18th to 21st, they are pushing for October 17th to be included as well.
Bank Closure on Third Saturday Norm
Typically, Indian banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, remaining open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays. As October 17th lands on the third Saturday, banks are expected to be open, unless specific closures are announced. Despite the usual operational pattern, Tripura and West Bengal are exceptions due to Maha Saptami, with a decision pending on the closure status for the rest of the country.
Appeal for October 17th Holiday:
The West Bengal AIBOC unit has requested a holiday on October 17th under the Negotiable Instruments Act to honor the festive spirit. Acknowledging the festivities of Maha Saptami spanning from October 16th night to October 18th morning, employees stress the importance of the holiday. Denial of leave on this day might prevent bank and financial institution employees from participating in the puja celebrations.
Precaution Before Visiting the Bank:
The RBI’s October 2026 calendar indicates holidays from October 19th to 21st in Kolkata, with an additional holiday in West Bengal on October 18th. The decision on the requested holiday for October 17th is pending, advising customers to verify their bank’s official holiday schedule before visiting. Essential services such as UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATMs will remain functional during this period.