Bank Holidays in Punjab during October

Gandhi Jayanti, observed every year on the 2nd of October, serves as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birthday. This day holds the status of a public and bank holiday nationwide.

In recognition of Gandhiji's pivotal role as the ''Father of the Nation'' for his leadership during the freedom struggle, which ultimately resulted in India gaining independence from British rule in 1947, educational institutions also remain closed on this significant day. Throughout the country, tributes are offered to Gandhiji in various settings, including schools, colleges, government offices, and across social, political, and private organizations.

Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu religious festival dedicated to honoring the birth anniversary of Valmiki, a renowned Hindu poet celebrated for composing the Ramayana—one of Hinduism's most significant epics.

This day is also recognized as Pargat Diwas by the Balmiki religious community. In the year 2024, Valmiki Jayanti, or Pargat Diwas, is scheduled to be celebrated on October 17. The date fluctuates annually as it is determined by the Indian lunar calendar, specifically falling in the month of Ashwin and coinciding with a full moon.

All the banks in Punjab will remain closed on the above-mentioned days. The banks will not perform the usual functioning these days. All the banks including Union Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HSBC Bank, and Punjab National Bank will remain closed on the bank holidays.

Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday: Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of the great Sanskrit poet and the author of the prominent mythological epic ‘Ramayana’.

The sage composed 24,000 shlokas and 7 cantos also referred to as kandas which include Uttara Kanda in the Hindu epic Ramayana. On this day Shobha yatras will be conducted to celebrate the birth anniversary of the great poet.