Holidays in October 2026

Check: Places to visit in October

List of Bank Holidays in October 2026

Bank holidays are those where public and private sector banks operating in the country remain closed. As per the country's central bank i.e., Reserve Bank of India, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of a month. In addition to those days, banks in the month of October 2026 shall also remain closed on the dates listed in the table below:

Bank (Saturdays) Holidays in October 2025

Banks remain shut on the 10th and 24th of October 2026 on account of the second and fourth Saturdays.

During bank holidays in October 2026, banking institutions will remain closed. ATMs shall be open to the public service.

India has three national holidays: Republic Day, which is celebrated on 26 January every year; Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, which is celebrated on 02 October every year; and Independence Day, which is celebrated on 15 August every year. The month of October 2026 has many holidays for all the classes of people in addition to this national holiday. Why do we need holidays? Well, we all need holidays to take a break from hectic work schedules, celebrate festivals with the people whom we love the most, and go on a trip to the destination we like the most.

Brief Description of October Holidays 2026

1. Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (Gandhi Jayanti): Also referred to as Gandhi Jayanti, this day is a national holiday dedicated to commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation in India. It holds a special status as one of the country's three national holidays. Observances on this day include paying homage, holding prayer gatherings, and conducting commemorative ceremonies. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi are adorned with garlands in a show of respect. Notably, this day is also celebrated worldwide as the 'International Day of Non-Violence' to acknowledge Gandhi's global impact on advocating non-violent resistance.
2. Ghatasthapana: Ghatasthapana signifies the initiation of the Navratri festival and is a pivotal ritual within Navratri celebrations. As part of this festivity, a ritualistic pot, known as a kalasha or kalash, is filled with sanctified water, coated with cow dung, and sown with barley seeds, symbolizing fertility and growth. This sacred pot, containing holy water, is carefully placed in a sand pit and worshipped twice daily throughout the entire nine days of Navratri, signifying the commencement of a spiritually significant period.
3. Maha Saptami: Maha Saptami marks the seventh day of Durga Puja celebrations, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers to seek her blessings on this day and present special dishes to the deity. A sacred meal (Bhog) is prepared and shared with the community as 'Prasad.' It is worth noting that on Maha Saptami, devotees also conduct 'Kalratri Puja' and 'Saraswati Puja' as part of the festivities.
4. Maha Ashtami: Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, stands out as one of the most auspicious days during the Durga Puja festival. Devotees gather to revere the weapons of Goddess Durga, seeking her divine power. On this day, people observe a day-long fast, and temples organize extensive pujas and havans. The eight avatars of Goddess Durga, known as Ashtanayikas, are also venerated. The day culminates with the Sandhi puja, transitioning into Maha Navami.
5. Maha Navami: Maha Navami, the third day of Durga Puja celebrations and the ninth day of the Navratri festival, is marked by the Shodhasopachar puja performed by devotees. Additionally, a special ritual known as Navami hom is conducted by the priest. In some regions, there is the practice of bali, or animal sacrifice, as an offering to the goddess, as part of the festival.
6. Vijaya Dashami: Vijaya Dashami signifies the conclusion of Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashvin month according to the Hindi calendar, the festivities vary depending on the region. In some places, colossal effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanath are set ablaze, marking the occasion. In other areas, idols of deities such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Karthikeya are ceremoniously carried to a riverfront for immersion after priest-led puja rituals.
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti is observed to commemorate the birth of India's 'Iron Man,' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a pivotal role in uniting India. This day is also celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, recognizing Patel's tireless efforts in uniting the nation. On this occasion, tributes are paid to this influential leader, and diverse programs and events are organized throughout the country to foster national unity and celebrate Patel's contributions to the nation's unity and integrity.
8. Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti: Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is celebrated in various northern Indian states to pay homage to the revered king Maharaja Agrasen, known for his significant contributions to the welfare of his subjects. This day is marked by vibrant processions, cultural festivities, and acts of charity. Communities congregate at Agrasen temples to offer their prayers and seek blessings, emphasizing the sense of unity and community spirit.
9. Accession Day: Accession Day is commemorated in the Jammu and Kashmir region to honor the historic signing of the Instrument of Accession in 1947, leading to the state's integration with India. On this occasion, flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and various programs are organized to celebrate the momentous event that marked the unification of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, highlighting its historical importance.

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