Easemoney News Desk | Updated: October 22, 2025 – As India approaches the final phase of Diwali celebrations, the most trending question is – Is 23 October 2025 a bank holiday?
The answer is yes — but not nationwide. The RBI declared it a regional public holiday for most of the big states for the occasion of Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, Chitragupt Jayanti, and Ningol Chakkouba, depending on the region or city.
This holiday happens just after Diwali and Govardhan Pooja; it marks one of the most emotionally significant festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Why 23 October 2025 Is a Holiday
As per the RBI’s Negotiable Instruments Act holiday list, which is actively counted, they say 23 October has been designated as a public holiday in multiple states, because it is an overlapping cultural event. Here is the list –
- Bhai Dooj/Bhai Beej/Bhratridwitiya – It is the most popular festival just after Diwali, celebrated usually in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. It may have different names, but devoted to sister and brother relations.
- Chitragupt Jayanti is mostly celebrated in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Ningol Chakkouba –a festival celebrated in Manipur. It is also a sisterhood fest.
- Laxmi Puja (Deepawali) – Continued observance in certain western states like Gujarat.
The RBI confirms that branch banking will remain suspended in these states on 23 October; however, you can use digital banking and ATMs, they actively working all over the states. Cash is also available.
States Where Banks Will Be Closed on 23 October 2025
| State / City | Festival / Reason for Holiday |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Bhai Dooj & Chitragupt Jayanti |
| Rajasthan | Bhai Dooj |
| Gujarat | Bhai Beej & Laxmi Puja (Deepawali) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Bhai Dooj |
| Uttarakhand | Bhai Dooj |
| Bihar (Patna) | Chitragupt Jayanti |
| Sikkim (Gangtok) | Bhai Tika (part of Tihar Festival) |
| Manipur (Imphal) | Ningol Chakkouba |
| West Bengal (Kolkata) | Bhai Phonta |
In the rest of the other states, such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala, banks will remain open on 23 October 2025. You may find a time difference & bigger queues due to the holiday week.
Festival Significance
Bhai Dooj, also called Bhau Beej or Bhai Phonta, is a special festival for the bond between brothers and sisters in the northern states, mostly. On this day, sisters perform a ritual tilak and pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity, which is mostly like a rakshabadan.
In Manipur, Ningol Chakkouba is celebrated in the same spirit, as married women go to their parents’ house for a big family feast and celebrate with family and brothers for a day.
Such festivals on the same day signify India’s cultural diversity at its best — and hence the reason for the region-specific holiday notifications.
What Customers Should Know
Even though banks in select regions will close their physical branches, the very best option is still open for customers; you can use mobile banking apps and netbanking systems, as per the bank’s reports, there are no limitations or restrictions for usage.
Here’s a quick summary for customers:
- UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, and ATMs will work as usual.
- Cheque clearing and branch services will be unavailable in affected states.
- It’s best to complete cash transactions, EMI deposits, and account services before 22 October.
The Diwali week (20–23 October) has a number of holidays all over India, such as Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja, and Vikram Samvat New Year. If companies are operating between states, they need to get ready for delayed clearances.
More news – October 22, 2025 Bank Holiday: Which States Have Govardhan Puja Break Today?
