Bank customers should mark their calendars for next week. Several holidays will lead to bank closures across India from January 19 to 25, 2026. This period includes important festivals and a convenient long weekend.
Key Holidays and Long Weekend
The Reserve Bank of India has released its official holiday schedule for January 2026. Next week features notable closures on Friday, January 23rd. Banks in specific states will shut down for multiple observances.
Detailed Schedule for January 19-25
Here is the day-by-day breakdown of bank holidays for the upcoming week:
- January 23 (Friday): Banks will remain closed in West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura. This closure honors the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami), Vir Surendrasai Jayanti, and Basanta Panchami.
- January 24 (Saturday): This is the second Saturday of the month, a scheduled bank holiday nationwide.
- January 25 (Sunday): Banks observe their weekly Sunday holiday as usual.
This sequence creates a long weekend from Friday to Sunday, offering a break for many.
Understanding the Full January 2026 Calendar
January 2026 contains a total of 16 bank holidays when including weekends. The RBI mandates that all banks, including public sector giants like the State Bank of India and private banks, close on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as every Sunday of the month.
It is crucial to remember that holiday observances can vary by state. Regional and local festivals may affect schedules differently. Customers are advised to confirm with their local bank branch for the most accurate and specific holiday list. This proactive step helps in planning financial activities and preparing for any emergencies.
What You Can Do During Bank Holidays
Even when physical bank branches are closed, many banking services remain accessible. You can continue to use online banking platforms and mobile banking apps without interruption, barring any technical maintenance notifications. For immediate cash needs, ATMs will operate normally. Digital payment methods like UPI and banking apps will function as usual.
These holiday closures are formalized by the RBI under the Negotiable Instruments Act. This law governs instruments like cheques and promissory notes. Consequently, transactions involving these physical instruments are not processed on the listed holidays.
Planning ahead for these dates ensures smooth financial management during the festive period and the extended weekend.
