The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially unveiled the comprehensive schedule of bank holidays for the upcoming year, 2026. With the new year just around the corner, this crucial announcement helps citizens and businesses plan their financial activities well in advance. The calendar marks a wide array of over 100 days when banks across various states and union territories will remain closed, encompassing national celebrations, religious festivals, and regional observances.
A Year-Round Calendar of National and Cultural Observances
The 2026 holiday list begins with New Year's Day on January 1st, followed closely by Republic Day on January 26th. The year is packed with major national holidays like Independence Day on August 15th and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd. The festive spirit will see banks closed for celebrations including Holi in early March, Diwali in November, and Christmas at the year's end on December 24th, 25th, and 26th.
Religious diversity is strongly reflected in the schedule. Key festivals from various faiths are accounted for, such as Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan-Id) in March, Mahavir Jayanti in March, Good Friday in April, Buddha Pournima in May, Eid-ul-Adha in May, Muharram in June, Janmashtami in September, Dussehra and Durga Puja in October, and Guru Nanak Jayanti in November.
Regional Diversity in the Holiday Schedule
The RBI list meticulously includes state-specific and regional holidays, highlighting India's cultural richness. For instance, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Uttarayana Punyakala are marked in January for southern and western regions. Festivals like Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu are observed in April. States like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh celebrate their Statehood Day on February 20th, while Sikkim marks its State Day on May 16th.
Other notable regional holidays include Losar in February, Chapchar Kut and Gudi Padwa/Ugadi in March, Garia Puja in April, Wangala Festival in November, and Losoong in December. Banks in specific locations like Agartala will close for Kharchi Puja on July 22nd, and Goa observes Liberation Day on December 19th.
Planning Your Financial Year with the RBI List
For account holders and businesses, this announcement is more than just a list of closures; it's an essential tool for effective financial planning. Knowing these dates helps in scheduling cheque clearances, planning fund transfers, managing bill payments, and coordinating business transactions that depend on banking services. The RBI also designates April 1st as a holiday specifically to enable banks to close their yearly accounts.
With the digital banking infrastructure now robust, many services will remain accessible online and via ATMs on these holidays. However, for services requiring branch presence—such as cash deposits above certain limits, demand draft issuance, or locker access—this calendar is indispensable. Marking these over 100 non-working days early can prevent last-minute hassles and ensure smooth financial operations throughout 2026.
