There is widespread confusion among bank customers on January 15 as multiple events are being observed across the country, including Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and municipal elections in Maharashtra. Many people are unsure whether banks are open or closed today. The clear answer is: banks are closed today in several states, but not across the entire country.

It is important to understand that bank holidays in India are often region-specific, depending on local festivals, elections, or state government notifications. Only a few holidays apply nationwide, while many are limited to particular states.

On Thursday, January 15, banks are closed in the following states due to festivals and elections:

• Maharashtra (Municipal elections)

• Karnataka

• Tamil Nadu

• Sikkim

• Telangana

• Andhra Pradesh

The holiday is being observed on account of Uttarayan Punyakaal, Pongal, Magh Sankranti, and Makar Sankranti, along with local administrative requirements in Maharashtra.

In states not listed above, banks are functioning normally unless there is a separate local holiday notification.

Customers should note that only physical bank branches remain closed on such holidays. Essential digital banking services continue to operate without interruption. These include:

• UPI transactions

• Net banking and mobile banking apps

• Online fund transfers (IMPS/NEFT)

In addition, ATMs remain operational, allowing customers to withdraw cash. However, due to consecutive holidays in some regions, there is a possibility of temporary cash shortages in a few ATMs, especially in high-demand areas.

Customers in Tamil Nadu should plan their banking activities carefully, as the state may witness four consecutive days of bank holidays due to festivals and the weekend.

Here is how the holiday sequence looks:

• January 15 (Thursday): Pongal

• January 16 (Friday): Thiruvalluvar Day / Kanuma (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh)

• January 17 (Saturday): Uzhavar Thirunal (Tamil Nadu)

• January 18 (Sunday): Weekly holiday

This extended break means that physical banking services in Tamil Nadu could remain unavailable for four straight days.

Not all bank holidays are observed nationwide. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notifies bank holidays based on:

• State-specific festivals

• Elections and local civic requirements

• Cultural observances

• National holidays

As a result, customers may see banks open in one state and closed in another on the same day.

Here is a quick look at upcoming bank holidays later this month:

• January 16: Thiruvalluvar Day / Kanuma – Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

• January 17: Uzhavar Thirunal – Tamil Nadu

• January 18: Sunday – Nationwide

• January 23: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti / Saraswati Puja / Basant Panchami / Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti – Tripura, Odisha, West Bengal

• January 24: Fourth Saturday – Nationwide

• January 25: Sunday – Nationwide

• January 26: Republic Day – Nationwide

If you have urgent banking work that requires visiting a branch, it is advisable to check your state-specific holiday list before stepping out. For most routine transactions, digital banking options are sufficient and remain available even on holidays.

With festivals, elections, and weekends clustering together in some regions, planning ahead can help avoid inconvenience.

On January 15, banks are closed in several states due to Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and local elections, but services are not suspended nationwide. While bank branches remain shut in affected regions, online banking, UPI, and ATMs continue to function.

Customers, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, should stay alert to consecutive holidays and manage their financial tasks accordingly to avoid last-minute issues.