Skip to content
Free Indian Tools

Daily · Free tool

Bank Holidays 2026

Banks remain closed on these days. Plus all 2nd and 4th Saturdays + every Sunday. NEFT / RTGS / IMPS work 24×7 even on holidays. Cheque clearing is paused.

DateDayHolidayStates
31 MaySunBakri EidAll India
15 AugSatIndependence DayAll India
27 AugThuJanmashtamiAll India
2 OctFriGandhi JayantiAll India
21 OctWedDiwali (Lakshmi Puja)All India
22 OctThuGovardhan Puja / Diwali PadwaMH, GJ, RJ
24 OctSatBhai DoojMH, GJ, UP
25 NovWedGuru Nanak JayantiAll India
25 DecFriChristmasAll India

How it works

The Reserve Bank of India publishes a state-wise holiday list each year under three heads: Negotiable Instruments Act (NI Act) holidays — banks shut, cheque presentation halted; Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) holidays — large-value settlement closed; and Banks' Closing of Accounts. Additionally, all banks observe every Sunday and the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month as off. We list the consolidated 2026 calendar so you can plan around cheque deposits, demand drafts and branch visits.

Worked example

For Maharashtra in 2026, expect ~20-22 bank holidays including Republic Day (26 Jan), Maharashtra Day (1 May), Independence Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali Balipratipada and Christmas, plus state-specific Gudi Padwa. A cheque deposited on the eve of a 3-day weekend (Saturday + Sunday + Monday holiday) clears only on Tuesday. NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and UPI run 24x7 — including holidays — for sending money digitally; only branch services pause.

When to use this

  • Scheduling salary disbursements or rent payments to avoid “next working day” delays
  • Planning a high-value cheque or DD deposit before a long weekend
  • Confirming if your locker, FD-renewal or KYC update visit needs to shift

For tax due-date planning that interacts with bank holidays, use our advance tax calculator.

FAQ

Are NEFT and RTGS available on bank holidays?

Yes — both run 24×7×365. UPI is also 24×7. Only physical branches are closed. Cheque clearing is paused; ATM / online services work.

Is the bank holiday list national or state-specific?

Both. RBI publishes the central list; states add regional festivals. For example, Onam is a holiday in Kerala but not Maharashtra.

Are 1st and 3rd Saturdays banking days?

Yes. Per the 2015 RBI directive, banks observe 2nd and 4th Saturdays as off, working on 1st, 3rd, and 5th. Sundays always off.