Complete Bank Holidays Calendar for India 2026
Welcome to the comprehensive Bank Holidays Calendar for India 2026! This detailed guide provides you with all the important dates when banks across India will remain closed. Whether you're planning financial transactions, organizing payments, or simply want to stay informed about the Reserve Bank of India's financial calendar, our list covers everything from mandatory national holidays to regional celebrations and weekly closures.
National Holidays
Republic Day, Independence Day, and other mandatory closures
Religious Holidays
Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and regional events
Weekly Holidays
Saturdays, with 2nd and 4th Saturdays as full holidays
Bank Holidays in India 2026
List of Bank Holidays in India 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Type | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | National Holiday | National |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Pongal Eve | Bank Holiday | Regional |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Thursday | Pongal | Tamil Festival | Regional |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Friday | Thiruvalluvar Day | Tamil Cultural | Regional |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Saturday | Pongal Holiday | Bank Holiday | Regional |
| Jan 24, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday | National |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Thursday | Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Bank Holiday | Regional |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Mar 04, 2026 | Wednesday | Mahashivratri | Religious Holiday | Religious |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Wednesday | Holi | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Apr 02, 2026 | Thursday | Good Friday | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Apr 04, 2026 | Saturday | Easter Sunday | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Tamil New Year (Chithirai) | Tamil Festival | Regional |
| Apr 25, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| May 01, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day | International | National |
| May 09, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jun 17, 2026 | Wednesday | Bakrid/Eid al-Adha | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Jul 17, 2026 | Friday | Muharram | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Aug 08, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day | National Holiday | National |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Janmashtami | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Sep 07, 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Sep 23, 2026 | Wednesday | Maha Navami | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Thursday | Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Oct 02, 2026 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | National Holiday | National |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Saturday | Diwali | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Nov 01, 2026 | Sunday | Diwali Holiday | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Sunday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Bank Holiday | Religious |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas | Religious | Religious |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Weekly Holiday | Weekly |
Note: This list includes major bank holidays observed across India. Specific holidays may vary by state and individual bank policies. Always check with your local bank for exact closure dates.
Types of Bank Holidays in 2026
Mandatory Holidays
Declared by the Central Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act. These include Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. All banks must remain closed on these days.
Religious Holidays
Declared by the State Governments or the RBI for major religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, etc. Observance may vary by region.
Regional Holidays
Specific to states or regions, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu or Onam in Kerala. Banks in those regions must close on these declared days.
Weekly Holidays
All Saturdays are weekly holidays. Additionally, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month are typically full holidays with complete bank closure.
National Holidays in 2026
These are mandatory holidays declared by the Central Government for all of India. Banks must remain closed on these dates nationwide.
New Year's Day
Date: January 01, 2026
Celebration of the new year
Republic Day
Date: January 26, 2026
Celebration of Indian Republic
Labour Day / May Day
Date: May 01, 2026
International Workers' Day
Independence Day
Date: August 15, 2026
Indian Independence Day
Gandhi Jayanti
Date: October 02, 2026
Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
Government Holidays in 2026
Government holidays in India include both Central and State Government declared holidays. For banks, these often overlap with national and regional bank holidays.
Central Government Holidays
Declared by the Central Government for its offices and public institutions. These typically include the three national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti) and may include additional days like Mahashivratri or Ambedkar Jayanti.
State Government Holidays
Declared by individual State Governments for their offices and public institutions. These often include regional festivals and local events. Banks in those states must observe these holidays as declared by the respective state governments.
Impact on Banking Operations
- Banks must remain closed on all Central Government holidays
- State Government holidays are observed by banks in the respective states
- Government holidays affect cheque clearing, fund transfers, and other banking services
- NEFT and RTGS services are suspended on all government holidays
Central Government Holidays in 2026
These are holidays declared by the Central Government of India for its offices and public institutions. Banks across India are required to remain closed on these dates.
| Date | Holiday Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 2026 | New Year's Day | Celebration of the new year |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Republic Day | Celebration of Indian Republic |
| May 01, 2026 | Labour Day / May Day | International Workers' Day |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Independence Day | Indian Independence Day |
| Oct 02, 2026 | Gandhi Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi |
| Mar 04, 2026 | Mahashivratri | Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Ambedkar Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
Key Points
- Central Government holidays are mandatory for all banks in India
- These holidays are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act
- Banks must remain closed for all operations including NEFT/RTGS
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on these days
State Government Holidays in 2026
These are holidays declared by individual State Governments for their offices and public institutions. Banks in those states must observe these holidays as declared by the respective state governments.
Regional Festivals
Many state governments declare holidays for regional festivals that are significant to the local culture. For example:
- Tamil Nadu: Pongal (Jan 15), Thiruvalluvar Day (Jan 16)
- Maharashtra: Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (Feb 19)
- Kerala: Onam (Date varies)
- West Bengal: Durga Puja (Date varies)
Impact on Banking
State Government holidays have a direct impact on banking operations within that state:
- Banks in the state must remain closed on declared holidays
- Local cheque clearing may be affected
- Customer service and branch operations are suspended
- ATM services usually remain operational
Important Note
The list of State Government holidays varies significantly across states. Banks should refer to notifications from their respective State Governments and the RBI for the exact list applicable to their location.
RTGS and NEFT Holidays in 2026
RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) services are not available on bank holidays declared by the Reserve Bank of India. Transactions initiated on a holiday will be processed on the next working day.
RTGS Service Holidays
- • RTGS operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days
- • No transactions processed on bank holidays
- • Settlement is continuous throughout the working day
- • Minimum transaction amount is ₹2 lakhs
NEFT Service Holidays
- • NEFT operates in hourly batches from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- • No transactions processed on bank holidays
- • 12 settlements per working day
- • No minimum transaction amount
Key Points for Fund Transfers
- Schedule your RTGS/NEFT transactions on working days for immediate processing
- Transactions initiated on holidays will be queued for the next working day
- Some banks offer pre-scheduled transfers that can be set up in advance
- Consider using UPI for instant transfers that work 24/7, even on holidays
Bank Holidays on Second and Fourth Saturdays in 2026
In India, all Saturdays are weekly holidays for banks. Additionally, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month are typically observed as full bank holidays, meaning banks remain closed for all operations including NEFT/RTGS.
| Month | Second Saturday | Fourth Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 10, 2026 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| February | Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 |
| March | Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 |
| April | Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 25, 2026 |
| May | May 09, 2026 | May 23, 2026 |
| June | Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 27, 2026 |
| July | Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 25, 2026 |
| August | Aug 08, 2026 | Aug 22, 2026 |
| September | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| October | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 24, 2026 |
| November | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 |
| December | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 |
Regular Saturdays
- All Saturdays are weekly holidays
- Banks may operate with reduced hours
- Limited services available
- NEFT/RTGS usually not available
2nd & 4th Saturdays
- Full bank holidays
- No banking operations
- NEFT/RTGS suspended
- No cheque clearing
Brief Description of Bank Holidays in 2026
Bank holidays in India 2026 encompass a diverse range of national, religious, and regional celebrations that impact financial operations across the country. Understanding these holidays is crucial for effective financial planning and transaction scheduling.
National Significance
Bank holidays in India are primarily governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and include mandatory closures on national holidays like Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). These holidays are uniform across the country and affect all banking operations.
Religious Diversity
Reflecting India's cultural diversity, the bank holiday calendar includes major religious festivals such as Diwali (October 31), Eid al-Adha (June 17), Christmas (December 25), and Buddha Purnima (May 9). The observance of these holidays may vary by region based on local demographics.
Regional Celebrations
States have the authority to declare additional holidays for regional festivals. For instance, Tamil Nadu observes Pongal (January 15) as a state holiday, which is significant for banks operating in that region. These holidays are declared by State Governments and are binding for banks within their jurisdiction.
Weekly Structure
All Saturdays are weekly holidays for banks. The 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month are designated as full holidays with complete closure, affecting services like NEFT and RTGS which operate only on working days as per the RBI's financial calendar.
Financial Impact
Bank holidays significantly impact financial transactions. Services like NEFT, RTGS, and cheque clearing are suspended on these days. Customers are advised to plan their transactions accordingly, utilizing online banking services where available or scheduling transactions for the next working day.
Planning Tips
- Refer to the RBI's official financial calendar for accurate holiday dates
- Check with your specific bank for any variations in holiday observance
- Plan large transactions well in advance of known holidays
- Use digital payment methods like UPI for transactions on holidays
FAQs on Bank Holidays in 2026
How many bank holidays are there in India in 2026?
The number of bank holidays in India varies by state and bank. Typically, there are around 10-15 mandatory bank holidays per year declared by the Central Government, plus additional state-specific holidays. Banks also observe all Saturdays as weekly holidays, with the 2nd and 4th Saturdays often being full holidays. In total, this can amount to approximately 40-50 days per year when banks are closed for full or partial operations.
Are NEFT and RTGS services available on bank holidays?
No, NEFT and RTGS services are not available on bank holidays declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These services operate only on working days as per the RBI's financial calendar. Transactions initiated on a holiday will be processed on the next working day. For urgent transfers on holidays, customers can use UPI which operates 24/7.
What are the mandatory bank holidays in India 2026?
Mandatory bank holidays in India are typically aligned with national holidays like Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). The exact list is declared by the Central Government and applies to all banks. Additional holidays may be declared by the State Governments for banks within their jurisdiction. Banks must remain closed on all declared mandatory holidays.
Are all Saturdays bank holidays in India?
All Saturdays are weekly holidays for banks in India. Additionally, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month are typically observed as full bank holidays, meaning banks remain closed for all operations including NEFT/RTGS. Other Saturdays usually have limited working hours with some services available. This structure is consistent with RBI guidelines for the banking sector.
How are bank holidays different from national holidays in India?
National holidays are declared by the Central Government and are observed nationwide for offices, schools, and public institutions. Bank holidays include national holidays but also encompass additional days declared by the RBI for financial operations, religious festivals, and regional events. Banks must remain closed on all declared bank holidays, affecting services like NEFT/RTGS, whereas other institutions may have different operational arrangements.
Do bank holidays affect salary credits and bill payments?
Yes, bank holidays can affect salary credits and bill payments. If a scheduled payment date falls on a bank holiday, it is typically processed on the next working day. Many banks and employers have systems to adjust for holidays automatically. For ECS/NACH mandates, the processing cycle may shift to accommodate holidays. Customers should check with their banks about specific policies for holiday-related payment adjustments.
Can I access my bank account online on bank holidays?
Yes, internet banking and mobile banking services are generally available 24/7, even on bank holidays. You can check your account balance, view transactions, and perform various non-fund transfer activities. However, certain transactions like NEFT, RTGS, and cheque clearing are not processed on holidays. Some banks may also schedule maintenance during holidays, so it's advisable to check for announcements.
Are bank holidays the same across all states in India?
No, bank holidays are not the same across all states in India. While mandatory national holidays are uniform, states have the authority to declare additional regional holidays. For example, Pongal is a significant holiday in Tamil Nadu but not in other states. Banks operating in a specific state must observe the holidays declared by that state's government. Therefore, the total number of bank holidays can vary significantly from one state to another.
News about Bank Holidays in India
Stay updated with the latest announcements and developments regarding bank holidays in India.
RBI Announces 2026 Financial Calendar
January 15, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has released the official financial calendar for 2026, listing all the bank holidays for the year. The calendar includes national holidays, religious festivals, and regional celebrations that will affect banking operations across the country.
Government Declares Additional Holidays for Southern States
February 10, 2026
The Central Government, in consultation with state authorities, has declared additional optional holidays for banks in southern states to coincide with regional festivals. This move aims to promote cultural celebrations and provide employees with opportunities to participate in local events.
Digital Payments Surge on Bank Holidays
March 22, 2026
A recent report indicates a significant increase in digital payment transactions through UPI and other platforms on bank holidays. With traditional banking services unavailable, consumers are increasingly turning to mobile wallets and digital payment solutions for their financial needs.
Banks Implement Flexible Holiday Policies
April 5, 2026
Several major banks have announced flexible holiday policies allowing employees to swap certain holidays based on personal or regional preferences. This initiative aims to improve work-life balance while ensuring adequate staffing during peak periods.
RBI Reviews Weekend Banking Operations
May 18, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is conducting a review of weekend banking operations, considering options to extend limited services on Saturdays. The review focuses on customer convenience and aligning with global banking practices while maintaining the traditional holiday structure.
Stay Informed
For the most current information on bank holidays, always refer to official notifications from the Reserve Bank of India, your bank's website, or local branch announcements. This calendar is based on currently available information and may be subject to change.