Published Mar 22, 2026 4 Min Read

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Introduction

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases an annual list of bank holidays that outlines the days on which banking operations across the country will remain closed. This list is crucial for individuals and businesses alike, as it helps them plan financial transactions, cheque clearances, and other banking activities in advance. The RBI holiday list for 2026 includes a mix of national, regional, and festival-based holidays, ensuring that the diverse cultural and regional practices of India are respected.

In this article, we provide a detailed, month-wise breakdown of the RBI holiday list for 2026, along with essential insights to help you stay prepared and manage your financial activities effectively.

 

Month-wise List of RBI Bank Holidays for 2026

The RBI categorises bank holidays into three types:

  1. National Holidays: These are observed across the country, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
  2. Religious and Cultural Holidays: These vary across states, depending on regional customs and traditions.
  3. State-Specific Holidays: These are unique to certain states and are based on local festivals or historical events.

Below is the detailed month-wise breakdown of RBI bank holidays for 2026.

List of RBI Bank Holidays for January 2026

January marks the beginning of the year and includes major holidays like New Year’s Day and Republic Day. Regional festivals such as Pongal and Makar Sankranti are also observed in specific states.

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
1 January 2026ThursdayNew Year’s DayAll states except a few
14 January 2026WednesdayMakar SankrantiGujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc.
15 January 2026ThursdayPongalTamil Nadu
26 January 2026MondayRepublic DayNationwide

List of RBI Bank Holidays for February 2026

February typically has fewer holidays, but regional observances such as Guru Ravidas Jayanti and other local festivals are celebrated.

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
2 February 2026MondayVasant PanchamiWest Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and other northern states
12 February 2026ThursdayGuru Ravidas JayantiPunjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh
14 February 2026SaturdayValentine’s Day (observed)Observed across India (not a public holiday)
17 February 2026TuesdayMaha ShivaratriObserved across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for March 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
2 March 2026MondayHolika DahanObserved in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
3 March 2026TuesdayHoli (Dhulandi)Observed across most states in India
19 March 2026ThursdayUgadi / Gudi PadwaKarnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra
22 March 2026SundayBihar DiwasBihar

List of RBI Bank Holidays for April 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
1 April 2026WednesdayAnnual Bank ClosingAll states
2 April 2026ThursdayRam NavamiMost states across India
14 April 2026TuesdayDr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti / Tamil New Year / Vishu / BaisakhiMultiple states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana
18 April 2026SaturdayGood FridayObserved across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for May 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
1 May 2026FridayMaharashtra Day / Labour DayMaharashtra and several states
25 May 2026MondayBuddha PurnimaObserved across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for June 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
17 June 2026WednesdayBakri Eid (Eid al-Adha)Observed across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for July 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
6 July 2026MondayMuharram (Ashura)Observed across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for August 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
15 August 2026SaturdayIndependence DayAll states
19 August 2026WednesdayRaksha BandhanSeveral northern and central states
28 August 2026FridayJanmashtamiObserved across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for September 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
17 September 2026ThursdayGanesh Chaturthiमहाराष्ट्र, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana
28 September 2026MondayEid-e-MiladObserved across India

List of RBI Bank Holidays for October 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
2 October 2026FridayGandhi Jayanti / DussehraAll states
20 October 2026TuesdayDiwali (Lakshmi Puja)Observed across India
22 October 2026ThursdayBhai DoojSeveral states

List of RBI Bank Holidays for November 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
15 November 2026SundayGuru Nanak JayantiPunjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi

List of RBI Bank Holidays for December 2026

DateDayOccasion or FestivalApplicable States/Union Territories
25 December 2026FridayChristmasObserved across India

Conclusion

Key Notes on RBI Holidays (2026)

  • State-Specific Variations: Bank holidays differ across states, depending on local festivals and events. Always refer to the specific holiday list for your state.
  • National Holidays: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) are observed nationwide.
  • Weekend Closures: Banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to Sundays.
  • Check with Your Bank: While the RBI provides a comprehensive list, it is advisable to confirm with your local bank branch for any updates or changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are RBI bank holidays different from public holidays?

RBI bank holidays are specific to banking operations and may not always coincide with public holidays. While public holidays are observed by government offices and institutions, RBI holidays are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and primarily affect banking services. For example, some festivals may be public holidays but not necessarily RBI bank holidays, depending on the state.

Will online banking services be affected on RBI bank holidays in 2026?

No, online banking services such as NEFT, RTGS, and mobile banking apps typically remain operational on RBI bank holidays. However, certain processes like cheque clearances or in-branch services will not be available. It is advisable to complete any urgent in-branch banking tasks before the holiday.

Can cheque clearances happen on RBI bank holidays?

No, cheque clearances do not occur on RBI bank holidays. Cheques submitted on a holiday will be processed on the next working day. To avoid delays, ensure you deposit cheques well in advance of a bank holiday.

Are ATM services available during RBI holidays?

Yes, ATMs are operational during RBI holidays. However, there may be instances of cash shortages, especially during extended holiday periods. It is recommended to withdraw cash in advance to avoid inconvenience.

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