Mysuru: Bank branches across Karnataka will remain closed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in observance of Dasara, also known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. The holiday falls during a period of major festive observances across India, with bank closures varying according to state and regional calendars.

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s October holiday schedule, October 20 is marked as a bank holiday in Karnataka and several other states. Customers planning to visit branches for cash-related services, documentation or other in-person banking work should check their local branch timings and holiday notices before travelling.

The festival period includes several observances, such as Dasara, Dussehra, Vijaya Dashami, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja and Durga Puja. Since these festivals are celebrated on different dates in different regions, bank holidays are not uniform across the country.

Banks closed in Karnataka and several other states

Bank branches are scheduled to remain closed on October 20 in Karnataka and a wide range of states and Union Territories.

The state-wise list includes Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

The holiday is observed under different names depending on local traditions and official calendars. In Karnataka, it is associated with Dasara, one of the state’s major annual festivals, which is celebrated prominently in Mysuru.

However, customers should not assume that every banking centre across India follows the same holiday schedule. The applicable list can differ by location, and separate local notifications may also affect branch operations.

Will banks remain open in Sikkim and Manipur?

The holiday list cited by NDTV Profit does not mark Gangtok in Sikkim or Imphal in Manipur as bank-closure centres for October 20.

Bank branches in these locations are therefore expected to operate, subject to any separate local notification or bank-specific announcement. Customers should confirm the position with their respective branches before making a visit.

The variation reflects India’s regional banking holiday system, under which the Reserve Bank of India publishes calendars based on festivals and local observances. A holiday in one state does not necessarily mean that bank branches across the country will close on the same day.

Why are banks closed on October 20?

October 20 coincides with several religious and regional observances. Depending on the state, the bank holiday is listed for Dasara, Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja or Durga Puja.

Vijaya Dashami marks the culmination of Navratri celebrations in many parts of India. The day is observed through religious ceremonies and cultural traditions, with Dasara holding particular significance in Karnataka.

In Mysuru, Dasara is associated with the city’s historic royal celebrations and cultural events. The festival is an important part of Karnataka’s cultural calendar, and the holiday allows people to participate in celebrations.

Other states follow different festival calendars. Durga Puja celebrations, for example, can result in bank closures on dates that differ from those observed in Karnataka and other southern states.

Digital banking services generally remain available

Although physical bank branches are closed, customers can generally continue using digital banking facilities during the holiday.

Services typically available include:

  • UPI payments: Customers can make digital payments and transfer money through supported UPI applications.
  • Mobile banking: Account holders can check balances, review transactions and use services offered by their banks.
  • Internet banking: Online fund transfers and other supported banking transactions can generally be completed.
  • ATMs: Cash withdrawals and other ATM services are usually available, depending on machine functionality and cash availability.

Customers should remember that some services require a physical branch visit. These may include certain documentation procedures, locker access, demand drafts and other branch-dependent requests.

Availability of digital services can also depend on scheduled maintenance or technical interruptions. Anyone planning a time-sensitive transaction should check the latest notice issued by their bank.

More bank holidays scheduled during October

October includes several additional bank holidays linked to festivals and regular weekend closures. The exact dates vary by state and banking centre.

Banks in several states also observed holidays on Monday, October 19, for Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja and related Durga Puja observances. Further regional closures are scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, in places including Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal.

Saturday, October 24, is the fourth Saturday of the month, when bank branches across India will remain closed. Sunday, October 25, is also a regular weekly holiday.

Check your branch before visiting

Customers who need to complete banking work in person should verify the holiday schedule applicable to their branch. This is particularly important for transactions or procedures that cannot be completed through mobile or internet banking.

For customers in Karnataka, October 20 is listed as a bank holiday for Dasara. Digital payment services and other online facilities generally remain accessible, but physical branch services will be unavailable for the day.

Checking the relevant bank’s notice or the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar can help customers avoid unnecessary trips and plan their banking requirements around the festive closures.