Indian Festivals

As October 2025 approaches, banking operations across India will be affected by scheduled holidays, including national, regional, and local observances. These closures influence financial transactions, cheque clearances, and customer services, making awareness essential for both businesses and individuals. National holidays like Gandhi Jayanti will result in pan-India closures, while state-specific festivals such as Dussehra, Eid, and local observances will affect banking in select cities.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Each year, its observance is determined by the lunar calendar, leading to questions about the exact date. In 2025, there has been public curiosity over whether Dussehra will fall on October 1 or October 2. According to the Hindu Panchang, the festival will be observed on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with rituals and ceremonies aligned to auspicious timings. The occasion will mark the culmination of Navratri and set the stage for Diwali celebrations.

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol is slated to headline the Ravan Dahan ceremony at Delhi’s grand Ramlila celebration this Dussehra 2025. Taking place at the historic Red Fort grounds, the event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, combining traditional cultural performances with high-profile celebrity participation. Deol’s involvement adds significant star power, bridging mainstream cinema and cultural heritage while amplifying public interest in the annual festivities.

Bollywood cousins Kajol and Rani Mukerji recently inaugurated the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, a significant annual event for the Mukerji family. The ceremony, held on Panchami, marked the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities in Mumbai. This year's celebration carried deep emotional resonance as the family commemorated the absence of their patriarch, Debu Mukerji, a pivotal figure in organizing the event, who passed away earlier this year. Despite the sorrow, the Mukerji family united to honor his legacy and continue the cherished tradition.

A Tradition of Togetherness

Maha Ashtami, one of the most significant days of the Navratri festival, is observed with deep religious fervor across India. Falling on the eighth day of Navratri, this day is dedicated to Goddess Durga’s fierce form, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees perform special rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. The observance is marked by elaborate temple ceremonies, fasting, and cultural festivities, reflecting both devotion and the vibrant cultural heritage of India.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated across India in 2025 with devotion, grandeur, and cultural vibrancy. The festival, which marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil. Beyond its religious roots, Dussehra serves as a unifying cultural event, blending mythological reverence with community celebrations. People exchange greetings, offer prayers, and share inspirational wishes that highlight courage, righteousness, and hope.

This year, one of Kolkata’s prominent Durga Puja pandals is drawing attention not only for its artistic grandeur but also for its powerful social message. The theme emphasizes unity, collective responsibility, and societal harmony, blending religious devotion with civic consciousness. Organizers have designed immersive displays, intricate sculptures, and thought-provoking installations that encourage visitors to reflect on contemporary challenges while celebrating the cultural and spiritual essence of Durga Puja.

Durga Puja, one of India’s most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals, is celebrated with immense devotion and cultural fervor. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is not only a religious observance but also a time for family gatherings, cultural events, and social connection. Sharing thoughtful messages, quotes, and wishes during this festival has become an essential way for people to express blessings, gratitude, and joy with their loved ones, both in person and across digital platforms.

Ganesh Visarjan 2025 witnessed an exuberant culmination of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, as devotees across India bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with devotion, music, and grandeur. Cities from Mumbai to Hyderabad, Pune to Chennai, were alive with processions featuring beautifully decorated idols, traditional drumming, and enthusiastic crowds. The celebrations highlighted a blend of spirituality and cultural vibrancy, emphasizing environmental consciousness with increasing use of eco-friendly idols and materials.

Recent changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework are reshaping India’s e-commerce sector at a critical juncture, coinciding with the onset of the festive season. While regulatory adjustments have added compliance layers for sellers, the buoyancy of consumer demand during festivals is expected to offset some of the pressure. E-commerce platforms, which have historically relied on festive sales to drive annual revenue spikes, are now navigating a more complex tax environment.