Bankers in West Bengal request holiday on October 17 for Durga Puja

The West Bengal unit of the All India Bank Officers' Confederation has formally requested Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to declare a bank holiday on October 17, 2026, aligning with the two-day Maha Saptami celebration of Durga Puja. Secretary Shubhajyoti Chattopadhyay highlighted that the festival’s tithi begins on the night of October 16 and continues through the whole of October 17, making it essential for bank staff to observe the ritual.

He noted that other state employees already receive a holiday on that date and that denying bankers a day off could demotivate them. The Confederation assured that cash-chest operations and ATM replenishment would continue under RBI coordination. Past instances show that West Bengal has granted three to five extra holidays during Durga Puja depending on the calendar. The appeal seeks parity for banking personnel with other public workers.