Bank holidays play a crucial role in India’s financial and personal planning. Whether you are scheduling important transactions, running a business, planning travel, or managing deadlines, knowing the bank holidays in India for 2026 helps you avoid last-minute inconvenience. Unlike some countries with a single nationwide list, India follows a mixed system of national and state-specific bank holidays, making it essential to understand how the system works.
This in-depth guide explains how bank holidays are decided, the major bank holidays in 2026, state-wise variations, what remains open, and how to plan effectively.
What Are Bank Holidays in India?
A bank holiday is a day when scheduled commercial banks, public sector banks, private banks, and cooperative banks remain closed for in-branch services. These holidays are declared under:
- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines
- State government notifications
On these days, activities such as cheque clearing, branch cash services, and document processing are suspended, although digital banking usually continues.
How Bank Holidays Are Decided in India
1. National Bank Holidays
These are observed across all states and union territories. Banks remain closed nationwide.
Common national bank holidays include:
- Republic Day
- Independence Day
- Gandhi Jayanti
2. State-Specific Bank Holidays
States declare additional bank holidays based on:
- Regional festivals
- Local cultural events
- State foundation days
- Religious observances
This is why a bank may be closed in one state but open in another on the same date.
3. Weekend Closures
Across India, banks observe:
- All Sundays
- Second and Fourth Saturdays of every month
This rule applies uniformly to public and private banks.
4. Special Banking Holidays
Some states notify:
- Annual closing of bank accounts day (usually around 1 April)
- Special one-time holidays due to elections or extraordinary events
Major Bank Holidays in India 2026 (Pan-India & Widely Observed)
Below is a consolidated list of important bank holidays in 2026 that are observed nationwide or in many states. Final applicability depends on state notification.
January 2026
- 1 January (Thursday) – New Year’s Day (regional)
- 14–15 January (Wed–Thu) – Makar Sankranti / Pongal (state-wise)
- 26 January (Monday) – Republic Day (national)
February 2026
- 15 February (Sunday) – Maha Shivaratri (regional)
March 2026
- 3 March (Tuesday) – Holi (state-wise)
- 19 March (Thursday) – Ugadi (regional)
- 21 March (Saturday) – Eid-ul-Fitr* (subject to moon sighting)
April 2026
- 1 April (Wednesday) – Annual Closing of Bank Accounts (many states)
- 3 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 14 April (Tuesday) – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti / Regional New Year
May 2026
- 1 May (Friday) – May Day / Labour Day
- 27 May (Wednesday) – Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)*
June 2026
- 26 June (Friday) – Muharram*
August 2026
- 15 August (Saturday) – Independence Day (national)
- 26 August (Wednesday) – Eid-e-Milad*
September 2026
- 4 September (Friday) – Janmashtami
- 14 September (Monday) – Ganesh Chaturthi (regional)
October 2026
- 2 October (Friday) – Gandhi Jayanti
- 20 October (Tuesday) – Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami
November 2026
- 8 November (Sunday) – Diwali (Deepavali)
- 24 November (Tuesday) – Guru Nanak Jayanti
December 2026
- 25 December (Friday) – Christmas Day
*Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may change by one day.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Variations in 2026
Different states observe additional bank holidays, including:
- Kerala – Onam, Vishu
- West Bengal – Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Bhai Dooj
- Maharashtra – Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Shivaji Jayanti
- Tamil Nadu – Thai Pongal, Tamil New Year
- Assam – Rongali Bihu, Magh Bihu
- Punjab – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Each state publishes its own official bank holiday list, usually at the end of the previous year.
What Is Open and Closed on Bank Holidays?
Services Usually Closed
- Branch cash deposits and withdrawals
- Cheque clearing and settlement
- Demand draft issuance
- Passbook updates at branches
Services Usually Available
- UPI payments
- Internet and mobile banking
- ATM withdrawals and deposits
- Card payments and online fund transfers
Note: While digital services work, settlement of some transactions may occur on the next working day.
Why Bank Holidays Matter for Individuals & Businesses
Advantages
- Helps employees and customers plan financial activity
- Allows banks time for reconciliation and maintenance
- Encourages advance digital adoption
Challenges
- Delays in cheque clearing and physical documentation
- Reduced access for rural or branch-dependent customers
- Congestion before and after long holiday stretches
Smart Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
- Check your state’s official holiday list, not just national dates
- Avoid last-day branch visits before long weekends
- Use digital banking for urgent transfers
- Plan cheque-based transactions with buffer days
- Keep track of moon-dependent holidays close to the date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are private banks closed on bank holidays?
Yes. Most private banks follow the same holiday schedule as public sector banks.
Are banks closed on all Saturdays?
No. Banks are closed only on 2nd and 4th Saturdays and all Sundays.
Is Diwali a bank holiday in 2026?
Diwali falls on a Sunday in 2026. Banks will remain closed due to Sunday, but no additional weekday holiday is usually provided.
Do online transactions stop on bank holidays?
No. Online and mobile banking services generally remain active.
Can bank holidays change?
Yes. Especially religious holidays based on lunar calendars may change.
Conclusion
The bank holiday calendar for India in 2026 reflects the country’s cultural diversity and federal structure. With national holidays, state-specific festivals, and standard weekend closures, there is no single uniform list that applies everywhere. Staying informed through official notifications and planning transactions in advance can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Whether you are a salaried individual, entrepreneur, student, or traveler, understanding bank holidays in 2026 ensures smoother financial management throughout the year.
If you want, I can also create a state-wise or city-specific bank holiday calendar for 2026 tailored exactly to your location.