Bank Holiday Today, October 18: Are Banks Closed for Dhanteras? Check Full RBI Schedule & Diwali Holiday List

India is celebrating Dhanteras today, which is one of the most auspicious days to buy gold, silver, and valuables. While many organisations are closed since the festival is on a weekend, there is confusion about whether banks are open or closed today. According to the official RBI bank holiday list for 2025, banks across most parts of India will remain open on Saturday, while only Assam will observe a bank holiday for the Kati Bihu festival.

Bank Open on Dhanteras 2025 in Most States

Contrary to popular belief, Dhanteras 2025 is not a national bank holiday. All public and private sector banks in states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are functioning normally.

Only banks in Assam, particularly Guwahati, are closed today due to Kati Bihu, a regional harvest festival.

Customers in other states can visit branches for cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, locker access, and other banking services as usual. This ensures that people can carry out festive purchases or transactions smoothly on this auspicious day.

Online Banking, UPI, NEFT, and IMPS Remain Fully Operational

While some physical bank branches in Assam are closed, online banking services remain unaffected across India. Popular payment systems like UPI, NEFT, IMPS, and RTGS continue to function seamlessly.

So, whether you're buying gold and silver online for Dhanteras or transferring money for Diwali shopping, digital platforms ensure 24x7 access.
Customers can also use mobile banking apps, internet banking portals, and digital wallets to make instant payments, book gold coins online, or settle festive bills without visiting a bank.

RBI Bank Holiday Schedule: Diwali Week Closures

As the Diwali 2025 festive week begins, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced several holidays across states. Here's a list of upcoming bank holidays during Diwali 2025:

October 19, Sunday: Weekly Off, so banks closed nationwide for the regular Sunday holiday.

October 20, Monday: Diwali bank holiday in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. It is one of the major bank holidays of the year; most cities observe closures.

October 21, Tuesday: Govardhan Puja, a bank holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

October 22, Wednesday: Balipratipada / New Year: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan observe this bank holiday.

October 23, Thursday: Bhai Dooj: Observed as a bank holiday in northern and eastern states, including parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Dhanteras Gold Buying Muhurat: Best Time To Purchase Gold and Silver

One of the biggest highlights of Dhanteras 2025 is the Shubh Muhurat for gold buying, which is believed to bring prosperity, luck, and blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. As per Drik Panchang, the Trayodashi Tithi begins at 12:18 PM on October 18 and ends at 6:10 AM on October 19.
This gives devotees nearly 18 hours of auspicious time to purchase gold, silver coins, ornaments, and new valuables.