Upcoming Bank Holidays in India: What You Need to Know

In May 2026, banks across India will observe closures on May 23 and 24. The Reserve Bank of India has outlined a total of nine holidays for the month, including weekends and specific public holidays. Customers are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly. Despite branch closures, digital banking services will remain available, allowing users to conduct transactions online. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the holiday schedule and the options available for banking during these closures.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2026, 14:37 IST

Important Bank Holiday Notice

Attention! Both private and public banks in India will observe closures for two days next week, specifically from May 18 to May 24, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a total of nine holidays for this month, affecting major banks such as the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. These holidays encompass weekends and specific monthly closures. While most weekdays will see normal operations, customers should plan their visits to bank branches accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

The following days will see banking operations halted in the upcoming week:

May 23 (Saturday): This day is the fourth Saturday of the month, which is a mandatory nationwide bank holiday. All bank branches will be closed for regular services.

May 24 (Sunday): In line with RBI regulations, Sunday is designated as a weekly holiday, meaning banks will not conduct physical transactions anywhere in the country.

These closures adhere to the established banking calendar, which stipulates that banks are closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

RBI Holiday Structure and Monthly Overview

The RBI's holiday framework includes national, regional, and weekly closures. In addition to Sundays and specific Saturdays, banks may also close for certain public and regional holidays, depending on the state. Earlier in May 2026, banks were closed on May 1 for May Day/Buddha Purnima, and another closure is anticipated on May 27 for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha. Additional weekend closures occur on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

The RBI framework ensures consistent closure on gazetted holidays while permitting state-specific variations based on local festivals and observances.

Even when physical branches are closed, customers can still access digital banking services without interruption. Platforms such as UPI, mobile banking apps, NEFT, RTGS, debit and credit cards, and ATMs will remain functional throughout the holiday period. Customers can also initiate services like fund transfers, cheque requests, account maintenance, and locker applications through online or automated channels. However, users may occasionally face brief interruptions due to scheduled maintenance updates, which are typically communicated in advance.