Banks across India will remain closed in several cities on Thursday, May 28, 2026, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakrid. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the list of holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which includes the festival as a public holiday in many states.
Why Are Banks Closed on Bakrid?
Eid-ul-Zuha is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and charity. As per the RBI holiday calendar, banks are closed in regions where the festival is observed as a public holiday.
City-Wise Bank Holiday List for Bakrid 2026
The following cities will observe a bank holiday on May 28, 2026, for Bakrid:
- Agra
- Ahmedabad
- Aligarh
- Allahabad
- Amravati
- Aurangabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Dehradun
- Delhi
- Goa
- Gurugram
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Imphal
- Indore
- Jaipur
- Jammu
- Jodhpur
- Kanpur
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Ludhiana
- Madurai
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Nashik
- Patna
- Pune
- Raipur
- Ranchi
- Shimla
- Srinagar
- Surat
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Udaipur
- Vadodara
- Varanasi
- Vijayawada
Banks in other cities not mentioned above will remain open as usual on May 28. However, customers are advised to check with their local branch for any last-minute changes.
What Services Will Be Affected?
On the bank holiday, all branches and most banking services will remain closed. However, digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, and ATMs will continue to function as normal. Customers can perform transactions like fund transfers, bill payments, and balance inquiries online without any interruption.
Important Points to Note
- The holiday is applicable only to banks that are covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
- Some states may have additional holidays depending on local government declarations.
- Government offices and other financial institutions may also remain closed in certain regions.
- Customers should plan their banking activities in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
List of Bank Holidays in May 2026
Apart from Bakrid, there are several other bank holidays in May 2026. The RBI releases a consolidated list of holidays for each month. Some of the notable holidays in May include May 1 (Maharashtra Day, Gujarat Day, etc.), May 9 (Birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), and May 16 (Buddha Purnima). The full list can be accessed on the RBI website.
How to Check Bank Holiday Status
Customers can check the holiday status of their bank by visiting the official website of the RBI or their respective bank. Many banks also send notifications via SMS or email regarding holidays. Additionally, the holiday calendar is usually available on the bank's mobile app.
In conclusion, if you are in any of the cities listed above, plan your banking activities accordingly. For those in other cities, banks will function normally. Enjoy the festival with family and friends while managing your finances efficiently.
