Bank Holidays in India 2026

List of Bank Holidays in India 2026

Bank holidays in India vary based on national holidays, regional festivals, and state-specific observances. In 2026, banks will remain closed on key public holidays as declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and respective state governments.

Below is the complete list of major bank holidays in India for 2026, helping you plan your financial activities, transactions, and travel in advance.

For a more detailed and state-wise bank holiday calendar, you can explore the dedicated holiday pages for each state, where you’ll find localized holidays and region-specific closures.

Date	Holiday	Day
10 January 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
24 January 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
26 January 2026	Republic Day	Monday
14 February 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
28 February 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
15 February 2026	Maha Shivaratri	Sunday
3 March 2026	Holi	Tuesday
14 March 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
19 March 2026	Ugadi	Thursday
28 March 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
3 April 2026	Good Friday	Friday
11 April 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
14 April 2026	Vaisakhi	Tuesday
14 April 2026	Ambedkar Jayanti	Tuesday
25 April 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
1 May 2026	May Day	Friday
9 May 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
23 May 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
27 May 2026	Bakrid/Eid al-Adha	Wednesday
13 June 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
27 June 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
11 July 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
25 July 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
8 August 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
15 August 2026	Independence Day	Saturday
22 August 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
4 September 2026	Janmashtami	Friday
12 September 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
26 September 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
2 October 2026	Gandhi Jayanti	Friday
10 October 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
24 October 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
8 November 2026	Diwali	Sunday
14 November 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
28 November 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday
12 December 2026	2nd Saturday	Saturday
25 December 2026	Christmas Day	Friday
26 December 2026	4th Saturday	Saturday

India’s banking system includes various institutions such as the central authority Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commercial banks, cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Local Area Banks (LABs). All these banks follow a holiday schedule issued by the RBI, which includes national and government holidays observed across the country. In addition, banks also observe state-specific holidays based on regional festivals and local regulations where their branches operate. Besides these holidays, banks remain closed on all Sundays as well as on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

Types of Bank Holidays in 2026

Bank holidays in India are broadly classified into two categories: National Holidays and Government Holidays. These holidays determine when banks and financial institutions remain closed across the country.

National Holidays

India observes three national (gazetted) holidays, during which all banks and financial institutions remain closed nationwide:

• Republic Day
• Independence Day
• Gandhi Jayanti

Government Holidays

Government holidays are further divided into Central Government Holidays and State Government Holidays.

Central Government Holidays

These holidays are observed across most parts of India and include major festivals such as:

• Makar Sankranti
• Good Friday
• Eid al-Fitr
• Christmas
• Holi
• Dussehra
• Diwali

State Government Holidays

These holidays vary depending on regional culture and traditions. Examples include:

• Maharashtra: Maharashtra Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti
• Goa: Goa Liberation Day, Shigmo Festival
• Haryana: Haryana Day, Teej
• Tamil Nadu: Pongal, Tamil New Year
• Karnataka: Karnataka Rajyotsava, Ugadi

RTGS and NEFT Holidays in 2026

RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) are electronic payment systems managed by the Reserve Bank of India. These systems allow seamless fund transfers between banks.

Since 14 December 2020, both RTGS and NEFT services are available 24/7, including most holidays, ensuring uninterrupted digital banking services.

Bank Holidays on Second and Fourth Saturdays

Apart from national and government holidays, banks in India remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, along with all Sundays. If a particular month has a fifth Saturday, banks operate normally on that day. Earlier, banks used to function for half a day on all Saturdays, but this system has now been replaced with full-day closures on designated Saturdays to ensure better work-life balance and operational efficiency.

Date	Holiday
10 January 2026	2nd Saturday
24 January 2026	4th Saturday
14 February 2026	2nd Saturday
28 February 2026	4th Saturday
14 March 2026	2nd Saturday
28 March 2026	4th Saturday
11 April 2026	2nd Saturday
25 April 2026	4th Saturday
9 May 2026	2nd Saturday
23 May 2026	4th Saturday
13 June 2026	2nd Saturday
27 June 2026	4th Saturday
11 July 2026	2nd Saturday
25 July 2026	4th Saturday
8 August 2026	2nd Saturday
22 August 2026	4th Saturday
12 September 2026	2nd Saturday
26 September 2026	4th Saturday
10 October 2026	2nd Saturday
24 October 2026	4th Saturday
14 November 2026	2nd Saturday
28 November 2026	4th Saturday
12 December 2026	2nd Saturday
26 December 2026	4th Saturday

Brief Description of Bank Holidays in India 2026

Bank holidays in India are observed on important national events, religious festivals, and cultural occasions. These holidays reflect the country’s diversity and allow people to celebrate traditions, history, and values.

Key Bank Holidays Explained

• Ambedkar Jayanti – Celebrated to honor Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. The day includes ceremonies, discussions, and tributes recognizing his contributions to social justice and equality.
• Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) – This Islamic festival commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and devotion. It is marked by prayers, charity, and sharing meals with family and the community.
• Diwali – Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People celebrate with lamps, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings.
• Christmas – Celebrated on 25 December, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is observed with church services, festive meals, and gift exchanges.
• Gandhi Jayanti – Observed on 2 October, it honors Mahatma Gandhi and promotes values of peace and non-violence.
• Good Friday – A solemn day remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marked by prayers and reflection.
• Holi – Celebrates the arrival of spring with colors, music, and joy, promoting unity and happiness.
• Krishna Janmashtami – Marks the birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with fasting, prayers, and devotional activities.
• Maha Shivaratri – A night dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils.
• International Workers’ Day (May Day) – Celebrates workers’ contributions and promotes labor rights through events and rallies.
• Republic Day – Celebrated on 26 January, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution with parades and national events.
• Ugadi – Celebrated in southern states as the New Year, featuring traditional rituals and festive meals.
• Vaisakhi – Marks the harvest season and Sikh New Year, celebrated with processions and community gatherings.
• Independence Day – Observed on 15 August, commemorating India’s independence with flag hoisting and cultural events.
• Mahavir Jayanti – Honors Lord Mahavir with prayers, processions, and teachings on non-violence and compassion.

FAQs on Bank Holidays in India 2026