Financial institutions across the country have suspended operations on Thursday, December 25, 2025, to observe Christmas. As one of the major global festivals, Christmas is recognized as a national holiday in India, leading to the closure of all banking branches.
Nationwide Bank Closure for Christmas Celebrations
All public and private sector banks, including major players like State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Central Bank of India, are shut today. This closure is mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, which lists Christmas as a nationwide holiday. Consequently, all customer-facing services at bank branches are unavailable.
The holiday allows bank employees and the wider population to join the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas, a festival marked by widespread joy and festivities in India.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in January 2026
Following the Christmas break, customers should note a series of bank holidays in the first month of the new year. The upcoming closures are based on various state-specific and national observances. Here is the scheduled list of bank holidays for early January 2026:
- 1 January, 2026: Closed for New Year’s Day/Gaan-Ngai.
- 2 January, 2026: Shut for New Year Celebration/Mannam Jayanthi.
- 3 January, 2026: Closed for the Birthday of Hazrat Ali.
- 12 January, 2026: Shut for the Birth Day of Swami Vivekananda.
- 14 January, 2026: Closed for Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu.
- 15 January, 2026: Shut for Uttarayana Punyakala/Pongal/Maghe Sankranti/Makara Sankranti.
- 16 January, 2026: Closed for Thiruvalluvar Day.
- 17 January, 2026: Shut for Uzhavar Thirunal.
- 23 January, 2026: Closed for the Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose/Saraswati Puja.
- 26 January, 2026: Shut for Republic Day.
Planning Your Financial Transactions
With today's closure, customers are advised to plan their essential banking needs accordingly. While physical branches are closed, many digital banking services such as net banking, mobile banking apps, and ATMs are expected to remain operational. However, for services requiring branch intervention, such as cash deposits or document submissions, visits will need to be scheduled for the next working day.
It is always prudent for individuals and businesses to check their local bank's specific holiday schedule, as some closures might be applicable only in certain states or regions. Staying informed about the RBI holiday calendar helps in managing financial activities smoothly around these breaks.
