SBI Bank Holiday 2026: With the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram, many people across India are wondering whether banks will remain open on June 16, 2026 (Tuesday). Customers with important banking work scheduled for tomorrow are searching for clarity on whether they need to reschedule their visits or can continue with their plans as usual.

If you are also confused about the bank holiday schedule, here is everything you need to know about bank operations, Muharram holidays, and RBI's official banking calendar.

Banks Will Remain Open on June 16

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday schedule, all public sector and private sector banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), will remain open on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Regular banking activities such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearance, account services, loan-related work, and customer support will continue without interruption. Customers can visit their respective bank branches during normal working hours.

Although the holy month of Muharram begins around this time, RBI has not declared June 16 as an official banking holiday across the country.

Why Is There Confusion About Muharram?

The confusion largely stems from the fact that Muharram is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar. However, banks are generally not closed on the first day of Muharram.

Instead, the major public holiday is observed on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. This day is widely observed in many parts of India and often results in a bank holiday.

Therefore, while the month begins on June 16, the actual banking holiday associated with Muharram will fall later in the month.

When Is the Muharram Bank Holiday in 2026?

The major Muharram-related bank holiday is expected on June 26, 2026 (Friday).

On this day, banks in several states are likely to remain closed for Ashura observances. However, banking holidays related to Muharram are state-specific, meaning the closure may vary depending on the location.

States Where Banks Are Expected to Remain Closed on June 26

Banks are likely to remain closed in several major states, including:

• Delhi

• Uttar Pradesh

• Bihar

• Maharashtra

• Madhya Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• West Bengal

• Jharkhand

• Jammu & Kashmir

• Telangana

• Karnataka

• Tamil Nadu

• Tripura

Customers in these regions should complete important branch-related work before the holiday period begins.

States Where Banks May Remain Open

Some northeastern states are expected to maintain normal banking operations, including:

• Assam

• Meghalaya

• Arunachal Pradesh

Additionally, banking holidays may differ in certain states depending on local government notifications.

Possible Holiday Variation in Andhra Pradesh

Reports indicate that Andhra Pradesh may observe the Muharram holiday on June 25, 2026 (Thursday) instead of June 26. Customers in the state are advised to verify the local holiday schedule with their respective bank branches.

Long Weekend Ahead for Bank Customers and Employees

For states observing the Muharram holiday on June 26, a three-day long weekend is expected.

Holiday Schedule Date Day Occasion

June 26, 2026	Friday	Muharram (Ashura)
June 27, 2026	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
June 28, 2026	Sunday	Weekly Holiday

As a result, many bank branches will remain closed for three consecutive days in several parts of the country.

Digital Banking Services Will Continue

Even during bank holidays, customers can continue using various digital banking services without interruption.

Available services include:

• UPI payments

• ATM cash withdrawals

• Mobile banking

• Internet banking

• Online fund transfers

• Utility bill payments

• Credit card payments

• Digital wallet transactions

These services operate round the clock and are not affected by branch closures.

Plan Your Banking Work in Advance

If you have important banking tasks such as document verification, loan processing, locker access, cheque deposits, or branch-specific services, it is advisable to complete them before the holiday period begins.

Customers should also keep in mind that cheque clearances and certain manual banking services may experience delays during extended holiday periods.

Final Takeaway

There is good news for customers planning to visit banks on June 16, 2026. Despite the beginning of Muharram, banks across India, including SBI branches, will remain open and function normally. The primary Muharram-related holiday is expected on June 26, which may create a long weekend in many states.

To avoid inconvenience, customers should check local holiday notifications and plan important banking transactions accordingly.