Full Breakdown
October 2026 Holiday Schedule: Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra and Bank Closures Across India
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Friday, October 2, 2026, India will observe Gandhi Jayanti, a gazetted holiday for Central Government offices and a bank holiday per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Friday date creates a three-day weekend for many workers. Additional regional holidays linked to Dussehra, Durga Puja and other observances will cause further bank, school and office closures throughout October.
Background & Context
Gandhi Jayanti marks the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (born October 2, 1869). The United Nations designated the date as the International Day of Non-Violence on June 15, 2007. In India it is a national gazetted holiday, alongside Republic Day and Independence Day.
Timeline of Key Holiday Dates (October 2026)
- Oct 2 – Gandhi Jayanti (national gazetted holiday; banks, Central Government offices, India Post closed).
- Oct 3 – Saturday; banks follow the regular schedule.
- Oct 4 – Sunday (weekly holiday).
- Oct 10 – Bank branches in Bengaluru and Kolkata close for Mahalaya Amavasye.
- Oct 11 – Second Saturday (standard bank holiday).
- Oct 17 – Banks in Agartala close for Maha Saptami.
- Oct 18 – Durga Puja Saptami (school holiday in many states).
- Oct 19 – Banks in several cities close for Dussehra-related observances.
- Oct 20 – Nationwide bank closures for Dasara/Dussehra (except Gangtok and Imphal); many schools observe Vijayadashami.
- Oct 21 – Banks in multiple cities close for Vijaya Dasami/Durga Puja.
- Oct 22-23 – Bank branches in Gangtok close for Durga Puja (Dasain).
- Oct 24 – Fourth Saturday (standard bank holiday).
- Oct 26 – Banks in Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, Srinagar close for Laxmi Puja, Accession Day and Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday.
- Oct 29 – Banks in Shimla close for Karva Chauth.
- Oct 31 – Bank branch in Ahmedabad closes for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday.
Data & Statistics
- RBI’s October 2026 calendar lists 15 bank holidays, including regular second and fourth Saturdays.
- Some media reports cite 16 closure days, adding regional observances such as Mahalaya Amavasye.
- Digital banking (UPI, mobile and internet) remains operational on all holidays; branch-only services may be unavailable.
Official Statements & Responses
- Reserve Bank of India: October 2 is a bank holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act; subsequent regional holidays vary by state and city.
- Central Government: The 2026 holiday list marks October 2 as a gazetted holiday, closing ministries nationwide.
- Ministry of Education: Schools typically observe Gandhi Jayanti with cultural programmes, but exact calendars are set by state authorities.
- United Nations: The 2007 resolution designates October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Impact on Banking Services and Educational Institutions
- Banking: Physical branches are closed on all listed dates. Customers needing branch services should plan ahead. Digital channels stay functional, though settlement-dependent transactions may be delayed.
- Schools and Colleges: Gandhi Jayanti is widely observed as a school holiday; private institutions may hold programmes instead. The Dussehra-Durga Puja cluster later in the month creates extended breaks in many state calendars.
- Government Offices: Central offices close on October 2; state offices follow their own schedules, most including the day as a holiday.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Bank Holiday Count: RBI lists 15 days, while some sources report 16, reflecting an extra regional observance. Users should verify their local branch schedule.
- School Closure Uniformity: National guidelines suggest closures on Gandhi Jayanti, but state variations mean the Dussehra-Durga Puja break length differs across regions.
