Bank Holiday Today: Operational Status for Saraswati Puja/Basant Panchami
On Friday, January 23, 2026, banks in several Indian cities will observe a holiday in observance of Saraswati Puja, also widely celebrated as Basant Panchami. This festival marks the birth anniversary of the Hindu deity Goddess Saraswati, revered as the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts, and heralds the arrival of spring. While most banks across the country will operate as usual, specific cities have declared closures as per the Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar.
City-Wise Bank Operational Status for January 23
According to the RBI holiday calendar for 2026, which outlines regional and national holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the following cities will have bank closures today:
- Agartala: Banks CLOSED
- Bhubaneswar: Banks CLOSED
- Kolkata: Banks CLOSED
In contrast, banks in numerous other major cities will remain open, including:
- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and many others as listed in the RBI guidelines.
It is crucial for customers in the affected cities to note these closures to avoid inconvenience. The RBI's calendar for January 2026 includes a total of 16 bank holidays, in addition to the mandatory weekly offs on the second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays.
Available Banking Services During the Holiday
Despite the physical closure of bank branches in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata, essential financial services will continue to be accessible through digital and self-service platforms. Customers can utilize the following services without interruption:
- Online and Mobile Banking: For fund transfers, balance inquiries, and bill payments.
- NEFT and RTGS Services: Available according to their operational windows, though some delays might occur on holidays.
- ATM Withdrawals and Card Transactions: Fully operational for cash access and purchases.
- Online Requests: For services such as ordering chequebooks, demand drafts, and managing account-related queries.
Customers are advised to plan their in-branch visits accordingly and leverage online banking tools for seamless transactions during this period. This approach ensures that banking needs are met efficiently, even on holidays.
Understanding the Holiday Context
Saraswati Puja, or Basant Panchami, is a significant cultural and religious event in India, particularly in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura. The holiday impacts not only banks but also various institutions and businesses in these regions. The RBI designates such holidays to accommodate regional festivities, ensuring that employees and customers can participate in the celebrations.
For the fiscal year 2026, the RBI has meticulously planned these holidays to balance operational efficiency with cultural respect. Customers should stay updated with the latest announcements from their respective banks and the RBI to manage their financial activities effectively around such dates.
