As 2026 begins, many people are once again searching for clarity on bank holidays, especially in January when financial planning, loan processing, and official work pick up pace. Being aware of bank closure dates in advance can help individuals and businesses avoid last-minute inconvenience related to branch visits, cheque clearance, documentation, and other banking services.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases an annual holiday calendar that outlines the days on which banks will remain closed across the country. These holidays include national holidays, weekly offs, and festival-related closures, some of which vary from state to state.

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Bank Holidays in January 2026 (RBI List)

According to the RBI holiday calendar, banks in many parts of India will remain closed on the following days in January 2026:

• January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
• January 10 (Saturday): Second Saturday
• January 24 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday
• January 26 (Monday): Republic Day

On these dates, public and private sector banks will remain shut for branch-based services. However, digital banking services such as UPI, internet banking, mobile apps, and ATMs will continue to function.

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Full List of RBI Bank Holidays in 2026

Below is a month-wise overview of major bank holidays in 2026 as per RBI guidelines, excluding state-specific variations:

February 2026

• February 14 – Second Saturday
• February 15 – Maha Shivaratri
• February 28 – Fourth Saturday

March 2026

• March 3 – Holi
• March 14 – Second Saturday
• March 20 – Ugadi
• March 28 – Fourth Saturday

April 2026

• April 3 – Good Friday
• April 11 – Second Saturday
• April 14 – Vaisakhi
• April 14 – Ambedkar Jayanti
• April 25 – Fourth Saturday

May 2026

• May 1 – May Day
• May 9 – Second Saturday
• May 23 – Fourth Saturday
• May 27 – Bakrid / Eid al-Adha

June 2026

• June 13 – Second Saturday
• June 27 – Fourth Saturday

July 2026

• July 11 – Second Saturday
• July 25 – Fourth Saturday

August 2026

• August 8 – Second Saturday
• August 15 – Independence Day
• August 22 – Fourth Saturday

September 2026

• September 4 – Janmashtami
• September 12 – Second Saturday
• September 26 – Fourth Saturday

October 2026

• October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti
• October 10 – Second Saturday
• October 24 – Fourth Saturday

November 2026

• November 8 – Diwali
• November 14 – Second Saturday
• November 28 – Fourth Saturday

December 2026

• December 12 – Second Saturday
• December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – Fourth Saturday

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Why Bank Holidays Differ Across States

India has 28 states and multiple union territories, and each state government notifies additional holidays based on local festivals and regional observances. As a result, a festival that leads to bank closures in one state may not affect banking operations in another.

For example, a regional festival observed in Tamil Nadu or Punjab may not be a bank holiday in northern or eastern states. Customers are advised to check state-specific RBI holiday notifications before planning branch visits.

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National Bank Holidays in India

Banks across all states and union territories remain closed on three national holidays every year:

• Republic Day – January 26
• Independence Day – August 15
• Gandhi Jayanti – October 2

These closures apply uniformly across India, regardless of state-specific holiday lists.

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Important Note for Customers

Even on bank holidays, customers can continue to access:

• ATM services
• UPI transactions
• Mobile and internet banking
• Card payments

However, services such as cheque clearing, cash deposits at branches, and document-related banking work may be affected.

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Final Word

Keeping track of the RBI bank holiday list for 2026, especially at the start of the year, can save time and prevent unnecessary delays in financial planning. January, with its combination of national holidays and weekend closures, is particularly important for those handling major banking tasks.

Planning ahead ensures smooth transactions and stress-free banking throughout the year.