As January 2026 approaches, residents and businesses across India are preparing their financial schedules around the official bank holidays. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its calendar, indicating a month with a significant number of non-working days for banks, though closures vary widely from state to state.
Understanding the January 2026 Bank Holiday Schedule
The total number of potential bank holidays in January 2026 reaches up to 16 days. It is crucial to note that this is not a uniform nationwide shutdown. The specific holidays observed depend entirely on the location, dictated by local festivals, cultural observances, and state government notifications. This means a bank in Tamil Nadu will have different closed days compared to one in Gujarat or West Bengal.
In addition to these festive and commemorative closures, banks will follow their standard weekly offs. This includes closure on every Sunday, as well as on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. All major banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank, will adhere to these state-specific holiday lists.
State-Wise List of Festive and National Holidays
Here is a detailed breakdown of the festive and national bank holidays scheduled for January 2026 across various Indian states and union territories:
- 1 January: Banks closed in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland for New Year’s Day / Gaan-Ngai.
- 2 January: Banks closed in Mizoram and Kerala for New Year Celebration / Mannam Jayanthi.
- 3 January: Banks closed in Uttar Pradesh for the Birthday of Hazrat Ali.
- 12 January: Banks closed in West Bengal for the Birth Day of Swami Vivekananda.
- 14 January: Banks closed in Gujarat, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam for Makar Sankranti / Magh Bihu.
- 15 January: Banks closed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Sikkim for Uttarayana Punyakala / Pongal / Maghe Sankranti / Makara Sankranti.
- 16 January: Banks closed in Tamil Nadu for Thiruvalluvar Day.
- 17 January: Banks closed in Tamil Nadu for Uzhavar Thirunal.
- 23 January: Banks closed in West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura for the Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose / Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami) / Vir Surendrasai Jayanti / Basanta Panchami.
- 26 January: Banks closed across all states and Union Territories for Republic Day, a national holiday.
Weekly Weekend Closures in January 2026
Mark your calendars for these mandatory weekly closures that apply to all banks nationwide:
- 4 January (Sunday)
- 10 January (Second Saturday)
- 11 January (Sunday)
- 18 January (Sunday)
- 24 January (Second Saturday)
- 25 January (Sunday)
By combining these weekend holidays with the regional and national holidays, the total number of non-operational days for banks in specific states can reach the maximum of 16.
Key Takeaways for Your Financial Planning
To navigate January 2026 smoothly, keep these points in mind. First, Republic Day on 26 January is the only universal bank holiday, with all branches across India remaining shut. Second, the festive period around Makar Sankranti and Pongal (14th-17th January) will see significant closures, particularly in southern and eastern states. Finally, always verify the holiday list with your local bank branch, as notifications can sometimes vary slightly.
Planning cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, or any urgent banking transactions ahead of these dates is advisable to avoid last-minute inconvenience. With this comprehensive guide, you can now efficiently schedule your financial activities for the first month of 2026.
