The Reserve Bank of India has released its official holiday schedule for January 2026, detailing specific dates when banking operations will be suspended across different regions of the country. This comprehensive calendar includes a total of sixteen holidays, incorporating both weekly closures and state-specific observances that reflect India's diverse cultural and religious landscape.
Today's Bank Closures in Eastern States
Financial institutions in three eastern states are observing a complete shutdown today due to multiple significant occasions. In Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal, all public and private sector banks remain closed to mark Saraswati Puja, also known as Shree Panchami or Basant Panchami, which celebrates the goddess of knowledge and arts.
Simultaneously, these states are honoring two important historical figures. Vir Surendrasai Jayanti is being commemorated, while the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India's most prominent independence leaders, is also being observed through this banking holiday.
Extended Weekend in Affected Regions
Residents in these eastern states are enjoying an extended break from banking services, as today's holiday creates a three-day weekend. Since yesterday was the second Saturday of January, and tomorrow is Sunday, banking operations will resume only on Monday in Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal.
This consecutive closure period provides customers with advance notice to complete any urgent financial transactions before the holiday period begins, though emergency banking needs may require alternative arrangements.
Complete January 2026 Bank Holiday Schedule
The RBI's published calendar outlines all scheduled banking holidays for the first month of 2026, including both nationwide and region-specific observances:
- January 1 – Banks closed in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland for New Year's Day/Gaan-Ngai
- January 2 – Banks closed in Mizoram and Kerala for New Year Celebration/Mannam Jayanthi
- January 3 – Banks closed in Uttar Pradesh for the Birthday of Hazrat Ali
- January 4 – Bank holiday due to Sunday
- January 10 – Bank holiday due to second Saturday
- January 11 – Bank holiday due to Sunday
- January 12 – Banks closed in West Bengal for the Birthday of Swami Vivekananda
- January 14 – Banks closed in Gujarat, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam for Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu
Important Considerations for Bank Customers
The Reserve Bank of India emphasizes that holiday schedules can vary significantly between states and even between individual bank branches due to local regulations and regional requirements. While the central calendar provides a general framework, specific closures may differ based on state government notifications and bank policies.
Customers are strongly advised to verify holiday schedules with their local bank branches to avoid inconvenience, particularly when planning time-sensitive transactions or during extended holiday periods. Being informed about upcoming closures allows for better financial planning and helps prevent last-minute banking emergencies.
The holiday schedule applies uniformly to all banking institutions, including the State Bank of India and other public sector banks, as well as private sector banks operating throughout the country. This standardized approach ensures consistency in banking operations while respecting regional observances and cultural traditions across India's diverse states.
