Bank Holiday Today: Banks in several cities will remain closed today, Thursday, October 17, in observance of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti and Kati Bihu. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banking services will be unavailable in Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Shimla as these regions mark the occasion.
Today, devotees honor Maharshi Valmiki, the revered author of the Ramayana, one of Hinduism's most significant epics alongside the Bhagavad Gita. In commemoration of his birth anniversary, several state governments have declared a public holiday, leading to the closure of schools, colleges, banks, and government offices. According to news reports, schools and colleges in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed on this special occasion.
Why Banks Are Closed
Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti commemorates the birth of Maharshi Valmiki, the revered poet and sage known for composing the Ramayana, one of the greatest epics in Indian literature. Valmiki is honored as the first poet, or Adi Kavi, in Sanskrit literature.
Cities Affected
As per the RBI's holiday calendar, the following cities will see banks closed today:
Bengaluru
Guwahati
Shimla
Banks in other cities will operate as usual.
October Bank Holidays
- October has seen a number of bank holidays, varying by region. Here's a list of some significant dates:
- October 1: Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir
- October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
- October 3: Shardiya Navratri, Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti
- October 10-14: Durga Puja, Dussehra
- October 17: Valmiki Jayanti
- October 26: Accession Day (Jammu and Kashmir)
- For the complete state-wise holiday schedule, customers can refer to the RBI’s official website.
Banking Services Still Accessible
Despite these closures, customers can still access most banking services online. Routine transactions such as fund transfers, bill payments, and account management remain unaffected. However, for tasks that require in-person visits, it is advised to plan ahead, especially on holidays.