Planning a bank visit next week? You may want to check the calendar first. Several banks across India, including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, will observe closures on select days between May 25 and May 31, 2026.
Key bank holidays next week
According to the holiday schedule issued by the Reserve Bank of India, banks will remain closed on the following dates:
May 27 (Wednesday): Bakrid / Eid al-Adha
May 31 (Sunday)
While Sundays are standard weekly holidays, Bakrid is a gazetted holiday observed across many states. However, closures may vary depending on local notifications.
Also Read | RBI clears record Rs 2.86 lakh crore payout to Centre — biggest-ever surplus transfer
Why bank holidays vary across states
Bank holidays in India are not always uniform. Apart from national holidays, state-specific festivals and observances play a role in determining closures. This means a bank branch in one state may remain open while another in a different region is shut on the same day.
As per RBI guidelines, all banks remain closed on notified public holidays, along with the second and fourth Saturdays of each month and all Sundays. Unless a regional or public holiday is declared, banks typically operate on the first, third and fifth Saturdays.
Holiday pattern in May 2026
This month has already seen multiple closures. Banks were shut on May 1 for May Day and Buddha Purnima. In addition, May 9 and May 23 marked the second and fourth Saturdays, respectively, when branches remained closed. Sundays also contributed to the total holiday count for the month.
Also Read | Filing ITR this year? Know about your AIS and check carefully to avoid tax notices
Online banking remains unaffected
Even when physical branches are closed, digital banking services continue to function. Customers can carry out transactions through mobile apps, internet banking platforms, and UPI without interruption.
Services such as fund transfers via NEFT and RTGS, bill payments, and account management remain accessible. Debit cards, credit cards, and ATM services also continue to work, although occasional maintenance outages may occur, with prior notification from banks.
For time-sensitive tasks that require branch visits, it is advisable to plan ahead and confirm with your local bank branch to avoid inconvenience during the holiday period.
