Bank customers across several Indian states need to plan their financial visits carefully next week. According to the official holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks will remain closed for a total of six days from 22 to 28 December in various regions, combining festive observances with the regular weekend closures.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Schedule for the Week
The upcoming week presents a patchwork of closures, as bank holidays in India are determined by a mix of national, regional, and religious events. The pattern of holidays varies significantly from one state to another.
On Monday, 22 December, banking operations in Gangtok will come to a halt. This closure is in observance of Losoong or Namsoong, which marks the Sikkimese New Year and celebrates the conclusion of the harvest season.
Come Wednesday, 24 December, the festive spirit of Christmas will begin impacting banking services. Branches in the northeastern cities of Aizawl, Kohima, and Shillong will be closed for Christmas Eve.
Thursday, 25 December is a nationwide bank holiday for Christmas Day. This day, celebrated by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, will see banks shut across the country.
The holiday extends to Friday, 26 December in Aizawl, Kohima, and Shillong for continued Christmas celebrations. This means banks in these states will effectively be closed for four consecutive days, including the intervening weekend.
Weekend Closures and Additional Holiday
Saturday, 27 December is the fourth Saturday of the month, leading to a pan-India bank closure as per standard RBI rules. Additionally, the RBI has specifically notified a holiday for Kohima on this date, also on account of Christmas.
Finally, Sunday, 28 December will see all banks across the nation closed, as is the norm for every Sunday.
It is important to remember that banks across India are routinely closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to all Sundays.
Banking Services Available During Holidays
While physical branches will be shut, the Reserve Bank of India ensures that several essential banking services remain accessible to customers. The digital banking infrastructure continues to operate without interruption.
Customers can rely on online and mobile banking platforms for a wide range of financial transactions. Services for fund transfers via NEFT and RTGS systems remain functional, as do facilities for managing cheque books and demand drafts.
Other services that remain available include applying for or managing credit and debit cards, submitting account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions for recurring payments, and applying for bank lockers.
Understanding RBI's Holiday Calendar
The Reserve Bank of India coordinates the annual bank holiday calendar to accommodate the diverse cultural and religious fabric of the country. These closures are declared to mark significant national, regional, and religious observances.
Looking ahead, the central bank has already declared a total of 15 bank holidays for the month of December 2025, as per its official state-wise holiday calendar for the fiscal year 2025-26. Customers are advised to stay updated with these announcements to manage their banking needs efficiently.
