Banking services in different parts of India are expected to be affected this week, as bank branches are expected to remain closed on four different days from March 26th to 29th, 2026.
As per the holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), bank branches are expected to be closed due to a mix of festival holidays as well as weekend offs. However, customers can still use digital banking facilities without any issues.
March 26 holiday: Ram Navami observed in several states
Banks will remain closed on March 26 in a number of states, which include Gujarat, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ram.
March 27–29: More closures due to festival and weekend
The holiday streak continues over the next few days:
March 27 (Friday): Banks will remain closed in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh due to Ram Navami (observed locally in some regions).
March 28 (Saturday): Banks across India will remain closed due to the fourth Saturday, which is a regular monthly holiday.
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March 29 (Sunday): All banks will remain closed nationwide as it is a weekly Sunday holiday.
Another holiday on March 31
Apart from this week, the banking institutions will also remain closed on March 31, 2026, in a number of states on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
States where the holiday will be observed: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
Digital services to remain available
Even though physical branches will remain closed, essential banking services will continue to function. Customers can access:
Internet banking
Mobile banking apps
ATM services for cash withdrawal
Online transfers through UPI, NEFT, and RTGS
Balance checks and bill payments
The RBI guidelines ensure that digital banking services remain operational during holidays, allowing routine transactions to go through without interruption.
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How bank holidays are decided
Bank holidays in India are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act. They are announced by the Reserve Bank of India. In addition to national holidays, regional celebrations are also responsible for bank holidays.
Banks are usually shut on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and on all Sundays. They remain shut on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays. With a string of bank holidays lined up, it is advisable for customers to do their bank-related work well in advance.
