The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sorts bank holidays into three categories: Negotiable Instruments Act holidays, RTGS holidays, and Accounts Closing Days. Public holidays are determined on a state by state basis according to the local celebrations. India is set to have a total of 15 bank holidays in January 2026 which will largely consist of national and state holidays along with two weekend days. However, online banking, UPI, and NEFT will continue to operate.
Key Bank Holidays (Festivals/Occasions) – January 2026:
- Jan 1: New Year’s Day / Gan-ngai (some states)
- Jan 2: New Year Celebration / Mannam Jayanti
- Jan 12: Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
- Jan 14: Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu
- Jan 15: Uttarayana Punyakal / Pongal / Maghe Sankranti
- Jan 16: Thiruvalluvar Day (Tamil Nadu)
- Jan 17: Ujjavar Thirunal
- Jan 23: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti / Saraswati Puja / Basanta Panchami
- Jan 26: Republic Day (National Holiday – All States)
Weekend Holidays:
- Jan 4 (Sunday)
- Jan 10 (Second Saturday)
- Jan 11 (Sunday)
- Jan 18 (Sunday)
- Jan 24 (Fourth Saturday)
- Jan 25 (Sunday)
When holidays are peculiar to the state, it is a really good idea to inquire about holidays by calling up the nearest branch of one of the banks or by visiting the RBI website. So, plan your financial activities beforehand and hence, prevent the delays in cheque clearance, loan repayments or any other transactions.
