Ever walked to your bank branch, only to find the shutters down and a tiny notice taped to the door? January is one of those months when that happens a lot. Bank holidays in January 2026 are spread across national events, regional festivals, and fixed weekends, and if you don’t plan ahead, even a simple cheque deposit can turn into a headache.
Here’s the good news. Once you know how these holidays work, managing your banking in January becomes much easier.
Why Bank Holidays Differ From State to State
Here’s the thing many people miss. Bank holidays in India are not the same everywhere.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) declares holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, but many of them are linked to local festivals and state-specific events. That’s why a bank may be open in Delhi but closed in Chennai on the same day.
National holidays apply everywhere. Regional festivals don’t.
The upside? Even when branches are closed, UPI, net banking, mobile apps, and ATMs usually keep working, so daily transactions don’t come to a complete stop.
Major Bank Holidays in January 2026
Let’s look at the important dates you should mark on your calendar. These are the most widely observed bank holidays in January 2026:
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
Observed in several states including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. - 14 to 17 January – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu
Different states observe different days during this period. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, and a few others see multiple closures. - 23 January – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
Observed in select states such as West Bengal and Odisha. - 26 January – Republic Day
A nationwide bank holiday across India.
Republic Day often creates a long weekend, especially when it falls close to a Saturday or Sunday.
Weekends That Add to the Break
Apart from festivals, banks follow a fixed weekend rule:
- All Sundays
- Second Saturday – 10 January 2026
- Fourth Saturday – 24 January 2026
When these weekends line up with regional festivals, some states may see three to four consecutive days without branch services. That’s when delays usually happen.
How to Avoid Banking Hassles in January
If there’s one lesson January teaches every year, it’s this: plan early.
- Finish cash deposits, withdrawals, and document work before long holiday stretches.
- Don’t submit cheques right before multiple holidays, as clearing can get delayed.
- Use UPI, IMPS, and net banking for urgent transfers. These services usually remain available even on holidays.
I’ve learned this the hard way. A little planning saves a lot of follow-up visits.
Always Check Local Holiday Notices
One final tip. While RBI issues the master list, state governments and local authorities can make small changes.
Before planning a branch visit, check your bank’s website or call your local branch. It takes two minutes and can save hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks closed across India on all January 2026 holidays?
No. Only national holidays like Republic Day apply everywhere. Festival-related holidays depend on the state, so banks may remain open in some regions and closed in others.
Do online banking and UPI work during bank holidays?
Yes. Most digital services, including UPI, mobile banking, and internet banking, continue to function. However, cheque clearing and branch-related services may be delayed.
How many bank holidays are there in January 2026?
Depending on the state, there can be up to 8–10 bank holidays in January 2026, excluding Sundays and second and fourth Saturdays.