How to learn about today is a bank holiday in India
The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday in India is to check the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar on the RBI website, or to call your own bank directly. India observes three types of bank holidays — national holidays, state-specific holidays, and bank holidays that apply only to certain regions. A day that is a bank holiday in Mumbai may not be a bank holiday in Chennai, so your bank's branch location matters.
If you need to do banking today, call your branch before you go. Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website and at branch entrances. You can also text or use your bank's mobile app to check if a specific branch is open.
The RBI publishes the full holiday calendar for the coming year in advance, usually by October or November of the previous year. This calendar lists national holidays (like Independence Day and Republic Day), state holidays (which vary by state), and restricted holidays (days when banks may be closed in certain regions only).
Key Takeaways
- Bank holidays in India vary by state and by bank branch, so a day off in one state may be a working day in another.
- The RBI publishes a full holiday calendar each year on its official website, listing national, state, and restricted holidays.
- Calling your specific bank branch is the most reliable way to confirm whether it is open today, since some branches may close for local festivals or events not on the national calendar.
- Most banks close on national holidays like Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), plus major religious festivals observed across India.
- Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are non-working days for most banks, though some branches may have limited Saturday hours.
National holidays when all banks close
Certain days are bank holidays across India, regardless of which state or branch you use. These include Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Banks also close on major religious festivals that are observed nationally, such as Holi, Diwali, and Eid, though the exact dates of these festivals change each year because they follow lunar or Islamic calendars.
The RBI also designates certain days as restricted holidays, meaning banks in specific states or regions must close, but banks in other parts of India remain open. For example, a state festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu may be a restricted holiday only in Tamil Nadu branches, while banks in Delhi continue normal operations.
State-specific bank holidays
Each Indian state has its own set of holidays in addition to national holidays. These often mark state-level festivals, anniversaries, or cultural events. For instance, Maharashtra observes Maharashtra Day (May 1), while Karnataka observes Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1). Banks in those states close on those dates, but banks in other states do not.
Because India has 28 states and 8 union territories, each with different cultural calendars, the holiday schedule can be complex. The RBI publishes state-by-state breakdowns in its annual holiday calendar. If you bank in more than one state or travel frequently, check the calendar for each state where you have accounts.
Where to find the official RBI holiday calendar
The Reserve Bank of India publishes the official bank holiday calendar on its website at rbi.org.in. Look for the "Holidays" or "Bank Holidays" section, usually under "About RBI" or "Monetary Policy." The calendar is typically released in October or November for the following year and lists all national, state, and restricted holidays.
You can also find holiday information on your individual bank's website. Most major banks — HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI, and others — post their branch-specific holiday schedules online and update them as changes occur. Some banks also send holiday notifications through their mobile apps or SMS alerts if you have opted in.
What to do if you need banking on a holiday
If today is a bank holiday and you need to complete a transaction, use your bank's online platform or mobile app. Most banks allow you to transfer money, pay bills, check balances, and deposit checks through digital channels even when branches are closed. ATMs remain open on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance.
If you need to speak to someone or handle a transaction that requires a teller, wait until the next business day. Some banks offer limited customer service on certain holidays through dedicated phone lines or email support, though response times may be slower. Check your bank's website or call the customer service number to see what services are available today.
How weekends and second Saturdays affect banking
Most banks in India close on Saturdays and Sundays. However, some banks open on the first and third Saturday of each month for limited hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second Saturday of each month is a non-working day for all banks. Check your bank's website or ask at your branch to confirm their Saturday schedule, as it varies by bank and sometimes by branch.
If today is a Saturday, Sunday, or second Saturday, your branch is almost certainly closed. Plan your banking for a weekday when the branch is fully staffed and all services are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which holidays apply to my bank branch?
Call your branch directly or check your bank's website for the branch-specific holiday schedule. The RBI calendar shows national and state holidays, but your bank may have additional closures for local events or festivals. Your branch location determines which state holidays apply to you.
Do all banks close on the same days?
All banks close on national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day. However, state-specific and restricted holidays vary by location. A bank in Delhi may be open on a day when a bank in Mumbai is closed, depending on state festivals and regional observances.
Can I do banking online on a bank holiday?
Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs operate on bank holidays. You can transfer money, pay bills, check balances, and perform most routine transactions through digital channels. Teller services and in-person transactions are not available when the branch is closed.
Where can I find the holiday calendar for next year?
The RBI publishes the next year's holiday calendar on rbi.org.in, usually by October or November. Your bank's website also posts the calendar for its branches. You can download the PDF or view it online to plan ahead for closures.
What if today is a holiday but I need to deposit a check?
Most banks allow mobile check deposits through their app on any day, including holidays. If your bank offers this service, you can photograph the check and submit it through the app. The funds will be credited to your account according to the bank's processing timeline, which may extend the deposit time by one or two business days.