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Bank Holiday Today: Banks in multiple states across India will remain shut today, October 22, according to the official holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The closures are due to the observance of regional festivals of Govardhan Puja, Balipadyami, and Vikram Samvat New Year Day, thus forming part of the celebration of post-Diwali.

Govardhan Puja, Bali Padyami, and Vikram Samvat New Year are considered to be very important and ceremonious occurrences in the religious and cultural sphere. Govardhan Puja is the festival of commemorating Lord Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill, which symbolises protection and gratitude.

Bali Padyami marks the worship of King Bali, celebrated in some parts of the country as a day of reverence. While Vikram Samvat New Year is the celebration of the introduction of a new year, marking the end of one year and the commencement of another in the traditional Hindu calendar.

Today's bank holiday signifies the overlapping of different religious observances. Many states observed Diwali (Deepavali) on 20 or 21 October; today is a festival day for other regions—like Balipadyami or Vikram Samvat New Year, also in some places, the observance of Govardhan Puja. Thus, the RBI's state-wise bank holiday calendar takes into consideration these regional differences.

Banks are closed today in several states across India on account of Diwali-related holidays (or the festival day in that region), including:

1) Gujarat Ahmedabad

2) Karnataka

3) Uttarakhand

4) Rajasthan

5) Uttar Pradesh

6) Maharashtra

It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive—regional banks in some other states may also be closed depending on local tradition and bank branch jurisdiction.

Today, bank customers expecting to go to a branch located in one of the states that observes the holiday will find the branch closed. Customers will not be able to access banking services at the branches; however, they will be able to use digital banking services(internet banking, mobile apps, ATM access).

It is advisable to prepare in advance for cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, transaction authorisations or other banking actions that are time-sensitive.

1) Second Saturdays: Banks are closed on the second Saturday of each month.

2) Fourth Saturdays: Banks are closed on the fourth Saturday of each month.

3) Sundays: Banks are closed on all Sundays.