February 2026 Bank Holidays: RBI Announces Nine Days Including Regional Festivals
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially released its holiday calendar for February 2026, listing a total of nine holidays for all public and private banks across the nation, including the State Bank of India. This comprehensive schedule incorporates both weekend closures and specific regional observances, providing clarity for banking customers planning their financial activities.
Understanding the Holiday Structure
According to the RBI's notification under the Negotiable Instruments Act, banks will observe their standard weekend holidays on all Sundays, as well as the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Unless a specific public or regional holiday is declared, banks remain operational on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays. This framework ensures consistency while accommodating local festivities.
Detailed February 2026 Bank Holiday List
Here is the complete schedule of bank holidays for February 2026 as per the RBI calendar:
- February 1 (Sunday) – Pan-India holiday for the weekly Sunday closure.
- February 8 (Sunday) – Pan-India holiday for the weekly Sunday closure.
- February 14 (Saturday) – Pan-India holiday on account of the second Saturday of the month.
- February 15 (Sunday) – Pan-India holiday for the weekly Sunday closure. Notably, this day also coincides with Mahashivratri in some regions, but since it falls on a Sunday, it is already a bank holiday.
- February 18 (Wednesday) – Bank holiday in Gangtok, Sikkim for Losar. Celebrated by the Tibetan community, Losar marks the New Year with festivities including the ceremonial masked dance known as 'Losar Cham'.
- February 19 (Thursday) – Bank holiday in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Belapur in Maharashtra on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. This day honors the birth anniversary of one of India's greatest warriors and rulers, commemorating his enduring legacy.
- February 20 (Friday) – Bank holiday in Aizawl (Mizoram) and Imphal (Manipur) on account of State Day or Statehood Day celebrations. This marks the anniversary of when these states, along with Meghalaya, became full-fledged states on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
- February 22 (Sunday) – Pan-India holiday for the weekly Sunday closure.
- February 28 (Saturday) – Pan-India holiday on account of the fourth Saturday of the month.
Important Considerations for Bank Customers
It is crucial to note that holidays may vary across different states due to regional and local requirements. Customers are advised to confirm with their local bank branches for the approved holiday schedule to avoid any inconvenience. Being informed in advance allows for better planning, especially during emergencies or long weekends.
During these holidays, banking services are impacted as follows:
- You can continue to use online or mobile banking services, including apps and UPI, unless technical issues are notified.
- ATMs remain operational for cash withdrawals, providing a solution for urgent financial needs.
- Transactions involving negotiable instruments like cheques and promissory notes are not available on these holidays, as per the RBI's regulations.
Stock Market Operations on Budget Day
In related financial news, the Indian stock market will be open on February 1, 2026, which is Budget Day. According to circulars from the stock exchanges, a special trading session will be held following regular timings from 9 am to 3:30 pm, ensuring market activities align with the national budget announcement.
Stay updated with the latest industry and banking news to manage your finances effectively during the holiday season. Always verify local bank schedules for accurate information tailored to your region.
