Bank Holiday Today: Are Banks Closed on January 24 for Fourth Saturday?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially declared that all public and private banks across India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), will remain closed on January 24, 2026. This closure is due to the fourth Saturday weekend holiday, as per the RBI's annual holiday schedule.
Complete RBI Holiday Calendar for January 2026
In January 2026, the RBI has announced a total of 16 holidays for banks nationwide, which include both weekends and specific regional observances. This comprehensive list ensures that customers are well-informed about banking availability throughout the month.
Key Dates in the January 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar:
- 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.
- January 15 – Banks closed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Sikkim for Uttarayana Punyakala/Pongal/Maghe Sankranti/Makara Sankranti.
- January 16 – Banks closed in Tamil Nadu for Thiruvalluvar Day.
- January 17 – Banks closed in Tamil Nadu for Uzhavar Thirunal.
- January 18 – Bank holiday due to Sunday.
- January 23 – Banks closed in West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura for Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose/Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami)/Vir Surendrasai Jayanti/Basanta Panchami.
- January 24 – Bank holiday due to fourth Saturday.
- January 25 – Bank holiday due to Sunday.
- January 26 – Banks closed across all states and Union Territories for Republic Day.
Long Weekend Impact and Regional Variations
January 24 marks a significant date as it contributes to a long weekend in many states. This extended break runs from Friday, January 23, to Monday, January 26, due to the combination of regional holidays and the Republic Day observance. Specifically, January 23 was a regional holiday in Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal, followed by the fourth Saturday on January 24, Sunday on January 25, and Republic Day on January 26.
It is crucial to note that holidays may vary across different states based on local and regional requirements. Customers are advised to verify the exact holiday schedule with their local bank branches to avoid any inconvenience.
What You Can and Cannot Do When Banks Are Closed
Despite the physical closure of bank branches on holidays, several banking services remain accessible to customers:
- Online and Mobile Banking – These services continue to operate normally unless there is a specific technical notification.
- ATM Withdrawals – ATMs are available for cash emergencies, allowing withdrawals as usual.
- Digital Payments – Apps and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) function without interruption.
However, transactions involving negotiable instruments such as cheques and promissory notes are not available on these holidays, as per the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The RBI declares the annual holiday calendar to regulate these aspects and ensure smooth banking operations.
Key Takeaways for Bank Customers
- January 24, 2026, is a bank holiday due to the fourth Saturday, affecting all public and private banks across India.
- The RBI has scheduled 16 holidays in January 2026, including weekends and regional observances.
- Digital banking services, including online platforms and ATMs, remain operational during holidays.
- Customers should check with local branches for any state-specific holiday variations to plan their financial activities effectively.
Staying updated with the RBI holiday calendar helps in managing financial transactions efficiently, especially during long weekends and emergency situations. For real-time updates and more details on banking news, follow reliable financial sources and official announcements.
