Banking operations across India will see a partial closure today, Friday, January 2, 2026, as the nation observes New Year Celebrations, also recognized as Mannam Jayanthi in certain regions. The holiday is declared in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) official 2026 holiday calendar.
City-Wise Operational Status for January 2
While most banks across the country will function normally, branches in three specific cities will remain shut. According to the RBI's directive under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the closures are localized. The cities where banks are closed today are:
- Aizawl
- Kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram
In all other major metropolitan and state capitals, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, bank branches will be open for regular business. This pattern of selective holidays is part of the central bank's framework to accommodate regional festivals alongside national closures.
Essential Banking Services Remain Uninterrupted
It is crucial for customers to note that the physical closure of branches in the aforementioned cities does not mean a complete halt to financial services. The RBI ensures that critical digital and self-service banking channels remain fully operational.
Customers can continue to access a wide range of services without visiting a branch. These include conducting fund transfers via NEFT and RTGS (subject to their operational timelines), checking account balances, paying utility bills, and requesting services like cheque books or demand drafts through net banking portals and mobile banking applications.
Furthermore, ATM networks across the country, including in the cities with a holiday, will be active for cash withdrawals and other card-based transactions. The public is advised to leverage these digital platforms to manage their finances seamlessly during the branch holiday.
Planning Ahead for January Bank Holidays
The RBI's 2026 calendar designates a total of 10 days in January as bank holidays, which include regional festivals, national observances, and the mandatory weekly offs on the second and fourth Saturdays along with all Sundays. This January 2 holiday is one of the first of the new year.
Account holders, especially those relying on in-branch services like cash deposits or document submissions, are encouraged to check the comprehensive RBI holiday list in advance. Proactive planning helps avoid inconvenience and ensures that time-sensitive banking work is completed ahead of scheduled closures.
For residents of Aizawl, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, today serves as a reminder of the robust digital banking infrastructure in place, allowing financial management to continue unabated despite the festive break for bank staff.
