Introduction: Why Bank Holidays Matter
Bank holidays are more than just a day off from financial transactions—they influence business operations, travel plans, and even personal finances. Every month brings its own list of holidays, and September is no exception. Knowing the bank holidays in advance helps individuals and businesses avoid last-minute rushes and plan their schedules with ease.
Bank holidays in India are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Negotiable Instruments Act. In September 2025, banks will remain closed on second and fourth Saturdays, all Sundays, and additional days specific to regional and national festivals. Across the month, there will be up to 15 bank holidays nationwide, varying by state.
National Bank Holidays in September
September generally includes a few important national holidays that are observed across most states in India. These may include occasions such as Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, which sometimes falls close to September weekends) or religious festivals that occasionally shift based on the lunar calendar. While not every holiday is a nationwide closure, several are widely observed, impacting banks, schools, and government offices.
For 2025, September features holidays linked to festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and regional harvest celebrations. On these days, all banks under the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday list remain closed, though digital transactions through ATMs, mobile banking, and net banking continue.
Bank Holiday Calendar: September 2025
Date | Day | Occasion / Festival | Impact / Region |
---|---|---|---|
6 Sept 2025 | Saturday | Second Saturday (regular weekend closure) | All India (banks closed) |
7 Sept 2025 | Sunday | Sunday closure | All India (banks closed) |
13 Sept 2025 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday (regular weekend closure) | All India (banks closed) BankBazaar |
14 Sept 2025 | Sunday | Sunday closure | All India (banks closed) |
20 Sept 2025 | Saturday | Regular Saturday closure | All India |
21 Sept 2025 | Sunday | Regular Sunday closure | All India |
Regional Bank Holidays in September
In addition to nationwide closures, September bank holidays vary across states, depending on local culture and traditions. For example:
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Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, leading to bank closures in these regions.
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Onam in Kerala often falls in late August or early September, bringing multiple days of holidays in the state.
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In the North-East, states like Assam, Manipur, and Tripura may observe unique local festivals in September, contributing to region-specific bank holidays.
This regional diversity makes it important to check the state-wise holiday list before planning any banking or business-related activity.
Additionally, note these regional and festival-related closures:
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September 3 (Wednesday) – Karma Puja observed in Ranchi.
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September 4 (Thursday) – First Onam in Kerala (Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram).
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September 5 (Friday) – Id-e-Milad / Milad-un-Nabi / Thiruvonam observed in many states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, etc.
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September 6 (Saturday) – Indrajatra / Id-e-Milad observed in Gangtok, Raipur, Srinagar.
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September 12 (Friday) – Extra holiday following Eid in places like Jammu, Srinagar, Jaipur.
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September 22 (Monday) – Navratra Šthapna in Jaipur.
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September 29–30 (Monday–Tuesday) – Durga Puja (Saptami & Mahashtami) mainly in West Bengal and some eastern states.
Impact of September Bank Holidays on Daily Life
The effect of bank holidays extends far beyond banking counters. Here are a few areas where you may feel the impact:
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Business Transactions: Cheque clearances and branch-based services are delayed.
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Travel and Tourism: Many families use long weekends in September to travel, so ticket prices and hotel bookings tend to rise.
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Festive Shopping: With major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi falling in this month, markets and e-commerce platforms often see a boom.
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Government Services: Since many public offices remain closed, paperwork and official tasks may take longer.
While physical banking is paused, digital platforms like UPI, NEFT, and IMPS remain functional, reducing inconvenience.
Observations & Planning Tips
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Total Holiday Count: Across India, banks will observe around 15 holiday days in September, though the exact days vary by state.
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Regional Variations: Festivals like Onam (specific to Kerala), Karma Puja (Ranchi), and Durga Puja (West Bengal, East India) make bank holiday schedules highly state-dependent.
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Digital Services Remain Active: Even when branches are closed, digital banking—via ATMs, mobile, and internet—remains operational nationwide.
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Advance Planning: For tasks like cheque deposits, RTGS/NEFT transfers, or urgent branch visits, plan ahead of local holidays and weekends.
How to Plan Around Bank Holidays
Being prepared is the key to avoiding stress during bank holidays. Here are a few tips:
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Check the Official RBI Holiday List: The Reserve Bank of India releases a detailed list of holidays every year, which can help you prepare in advance.
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Use Digital Banking: For urgent transfers or bill payments, rely on mobile banking apps and ATMs.
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Schedule Business Transactions: Make sure critical cheques and RTGS/NEFT transfers are planned before a holiday.
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Plan Your Travel: Use long weekends wisely by booking tickets and accommodations early.
By planning ahead, you can enjoy the holidays instead of worrying about pending work.
Conclusion: September—A Blend of Work and Festivity
September is a month that blends business with festivity. The bank holidays during this period not only give people a chance to celebrate cultural and religious occasions but also provide time to relax and recharge. Whether you’re a professional managing finances or a family planning a vacation, keeping track of these holidays is essential.
By being proactive, you can make the most out of September’s calendar, balancing personal commitments, work, and leisure without disruptions.
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