Planning your banking activities for the new year? The Reserve Bank of India has released the official bank holidays January 2026 calendar, revealing that banks will remain closed for up to 16 days across different states during the month. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Table of Contents
Bank Holidays January 2026
| Date | Day | Occasion | States/Cities Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day / Gaan-Ngai | Aizawl, Chennai, Gangtok, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Shillong |
| January 2 | Friday | New Year Celebration / Mannam Jayanthi | Aizawl, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram |
| January 10 | Friday | Second Saturday | All India |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Magh Bihu | Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Itanagar |
| January 15 | Thursday | Pongal / Makara Sankranti | Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Vijayawada |
| January 16 | Friday | Thiruvalluvar Day | Chennai |
| January 23 | Friday | Netaji Jayanti / Saraswati Puja | Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata |
| January 24 | Friday | Fourth Saturday | All India |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | All India |
Understanding Bank Holidays January 2026
The RBI holiday calendar operates on a state-specific basis, meaning not all bank holidays apply uniformly across India. While national holidays like Republic Day (January 26) result in nationwide bank closures, regional festivals cause closures only in specific states.
Banks across India will remain shut on approximately 10-12 days in January 2026, depending on your location. This count includes Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays, national holidays, and state-specific festival observan
National vs. Regional Closures
Nationwide Closures: Republic Day on January 26 will see all banks closed across India, making it the only uniform national holiday in January 2026. Additionally, every Sunday and the second and fourth Saturdays result in nationwide closures.
Regional Closures: Festival-based holidays vary significantly by state. For example, banks in Tamil Nadu will observe multiple holidays for Pongal celebrations (January 15-17), while banks in West Bengal will close for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti on January 23.
Important Dates to Remember
The harvest festival season dominates mid-January closures. Makar Sankranti on January 14 affects banks in Gujarat, Odisha, and Assam, while Pongal celebrations from January 15-17 impact banking operations primarily in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions.
New Year’s Day (January 1) sees selective closures in northeastern states, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and other specific regions, but banks in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore will remain open.
Digital Banking Remains Active
Here’s the silver lining: while physical bank branches close during holidays, digital banking services continue operating normally. You can still access online banking, mobile banking apps, UPI transactions, ATM withdrawals, and NEFT/RTGS/IMPS transfers 24/7.
This means urgent financial transactions don’t need to wait for branch reopening. However, for services requiring physical presence—such as cash deposits, account opening, loan documentation, or KYC updates—you’ll need to plan around the holiday schedule.
Planning Your Banking Activities
To avoid inconvenience, check your state-specific holiday list before planning branch visits. The RBI publishes detailed city-wise calendars that account for local festivals and observances.
Consider completing important banking tasks during the first week of January or scheduling them between festival periods to ensure smooth processing. For time-sensitive matters, contact your bank’s customer service to confirm branch availability in your specific location.
Stay updated with the latest banking news and financial updates on our Banking & Finance section and explore more helpful guides in our Personal Finance hub.
For official information, visit the Reserve Bank of India Holiday Calendar or check your bank’s official website for branch-specific notifications.
Smart Banking Tips for January 2026
With 16 potential non-working days in some states, strategic planning becomes essential. Schedule salary processing, loan EMI payments, and business transactions accounting for these closures. Set up auto-debits and standing instructions well in advance to avoid payment delays.
For businesses, ensure adequate working capital availability before extended holiday periods, especially around the Republic Day long weekend. Many companies prefer processing payroll before major holidays to prevent delays in employee salary credits.
FAQs About Bank Holidays January 2026
Are banks closed on January 1, 2026, across all Indian states?
No, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day) is not a nationwide bank holiday. Banks will remain closed only in select states including Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Meghalaya due to regional observances like Gaan-Ngai festival. Banks in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune will operate normally on this day.
Will digital banking work during bank holidays in January 2026?
Yes, all digital banking services remain fully operational during bank holidays. You can perform online banking transactions, UPI payments, ATM withdrawals, NEFT/RTGS/IMPS transfers, and mobile banking operations 24/7 throughout January, including on Sundays, Saturdays, and festival holidays. Only physical branch services like cash deposits, document verification, and in-person consultations will be unavailable on holiday.
