The new year 2026 has begun with a series of bank holidays, and customers planning important banking work should take note. After multiple bank closures on January 1 due to New Year celebrations, banks will remain shut once again on Friday, January 2, 2026, in several parts of the country. The holiday has been announced as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official holiday calendar.
With many people planning financial tasks, branch visits, and documentation work at the beginning of the year, checking the bank holiday list in advance becomes essential. January 2026 does not only include weekly holidays such as Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays, but also several region-specific closures due to festivals, anniversaries, and cultural events.
Banks will remain closed on January 2 due to New Year celebrations and Mannam Jayanti. As per the RBI holiday schedule, bank branches in Aizawl, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram will not operate on this day.
Mannam Jayanti holds special significance, particularly in Kerala, as it marks the birth anniversary of social reformer and respected leader Mannathu Padmanabhan. The day is observed to honor his contributions to social reform and community upliftment. Due to its cultural importance, banks in select cities observe a holiday on this occasion.
If you are planning to complete branch-related work such as cash deposits, cheque clearance, account updates, or document verification, it is advisable to plan ahead. While physical branches may remain closed, digital banking services will continue to function normally.
Services such as:
UPI transactions
Internet banking
Mobile banking apps
ATM withdrawals and deposits
will remain available even on bank holidays. However, services that require in-person assistance at bank branches should be completed before the holiday to avoid inconvenience.
Here is a simplified overview of major bank holidays in January 2026 as per the RBI calendar:
January 1 (Thursday): New Year and regional celebrations
January 2 (Friday): New Year celebrations and Mannam Jayanti (select cities)
January 3 (Saturday): Birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali (Lucknow)
January 4 (Sunday): Weekly holiday (all banks closed)
January 10 (Saturday): Second Saturday (all banks closed)
January 11 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
January 12 (Monday): Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (Kolkata)
January 14 (Wednesday): Makar Sankranti / Magh Bihu (select cities)
January 15 (Thursday): Pongal / Uttarayan Punyakal / Makar Sankranti (select cities)
January 16 (Friday): Thiruvalluvar Day (Chennai)
January 17 (Saturday): Uzhavar Thirunal (Chennai)
January 18 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
January 23 (Friday): Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti / Basant Panchami / Saraswati Puja (select cities)
January 24 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday (all banks closed)
January 25 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
January 26 (Monday): Republic Day (banks closed in most cities)
It is important to note that RBI bank holidays are city-specific, not nationwide (except for national holidays and weekends). This means banks may remain open in one city while being closed in another on the same date. Customers should always confirm the holiday status of their local branch before planning a visit.
With multiple holidays lined up in January, customers are encouraged to rely on digital platforms for routine transactions. Online banking has significantly reduced dependence on physical branches, making it easier to manage finances even during extended holiday periods.
As the new year begins, reviewing the January 2026 bank holiday list can help you avoid last-minute hassles. Complete urgent banking tasks in advance, especially those requiring branch visits. While RBI ensures uninterrupted digital services, proactive planning will ensure a smooth start to the year without financial delays.
Staying informed about bank holidays is the simplest way to manage your time and finances efficiently in 2026.
