As India gears up to celebrate a series of winter harvest festivals, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a list of bank holidays for the upcoming week. Financial institutions across several states will observe closures for occasions including Pongal, Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu.
Understanding the Regional Holiday Pattern
It is crucial for customers to note that not all banks nationwide will be shut for seven consecutive days. The majority of the holidays are regional in nature, impacting operations only in specific states. However, the cumulative number of non-working days, including the regular weekend, adds up to seven. Tamil Nadu, in particular, is set for an extended break, with four consecutive bank holidays due to the Pongal festivities and associated celebrations.
Tamil Nadu's Four-Day Banking Break
The state of Tamil Nadu will witness a significant pause in banking services from January 15th to 18th. The detailed schedule is as follows:
15 January (Wednesday): Banks will remain closed for Thai Pongal, the primary day of the harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. The celebrations commence on January 14th.
16 January (Thursday): A holiday will be observed for Thiruvalluvar Day, honouring the revered Tamil poet-saint and author of the Thirukkural.
17 January (Friday): Banks will be shut for Uzhavar Thirunal, a day dedicated to honouring the farming community and the state's agricultural heritage.
18 January (Saturday): This marks the regular weekly Sunday holiday for banks across India.
State-Wise Bank Holiday Schedule
The holiday impact varies significantly from state to state. Here is a breakdown of the closures planned for the week:
- 12 January (Sunday): Banks in West Bengal will be closed for Swami Vivekananda's birthday.
- 14 January (Tuesday): Banking operations will halt in Gujarat, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam for Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu.
- 15 January (Wednesday): A holiday for Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, and Makara Sankranti will affect banks in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Sikkim.
- 16 & 17 January (Thursday & Friday): Exclusive holidays for Thiruvalluvar Day and Uzhavar Thirunal will keep banks closed in Tamil Nadu.
- 18 January (Saturday): The weekly off for all banks nationwide.
Looking at the broader picture for January 2026, the RBI calendar lists a total of 16 bank holidays. Four of these have already passed, leaving several more scattered throughout the month. Account holders and businesses are advised to plan their cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, and other time-sensitive financial activities accordingly to avoid inconvenience during this festive period.
