As India prepares to celebrate a series of major harvest festivals such as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu, many customers are seeking clarity on whether banks will remain open on January 14 and 15, 2026. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, banks in several states will remain closed on these dates, though the closures will vary by region.

The mid-January holidays are linked to harvest festivals that mark the transition from winter to a new agricultural season across much of the country. Since banking holidays in India are declared on a state-wise basis under the Negotiable Instruments Act, not all bank branches will be closed nationwide on these days. Customers are therefore advised to check the holiday status in their respective states and cities before planning branch visits.

Bank Holidays on January 14, 2026

On January 14, banks will remain closed in select eastern and northeastern states to mark Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu. These festivals are deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and are celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in Assam and parts of eastern India.

As per the RBI calendar, bank branches will be closed on January 14 in the following states and cities:

• Ahmedabad
• Belapur
• Bengaluru
• Bhubaneswar
• Gangtok
• Guwahati
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Vijayawada

In these regions, customers will not be able to access over-the-counter banking services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances and document processing at branches. However, digital banking services including UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and ATM services are expected to remain operational.

Bank Holidays on January 15, 2026

January 15 will see a wider set of bank closures across several major states and metropolitan cities. The day coincides with celebrations of Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana Punyakala and Makara Sankranti in parts of southern and western India, and Maghe Sankranti in some northern regions. Additionally, banks in Maharashtra will observe a holiday due to municipal corporation elections.

Banks will remain closed on January 15 in the following key cities and states:

• Ahmedabad
• Belapur
• Bengaluru
• Bhubaneswar
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Vijayawada

This includes major metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, which may affect a large number of customers. As with January 14, only physical branch operations will be suspended in these areas, while online and electronic banking channels will continue to function.

Why Banks Close for Harvest Festivals

Harvest festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and Bihu are celebrated across India to mark the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. These festivals are closely associated with agriculture, gratitude to nature and the start of a new farming cycle.

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, certain regional festivals and observances are notified as bank holidays by the RBI, based on recommendations from state governments. This means that bank holidays can differ significantly from one state to another, even on the same date.

For instance, while Pongal is a major festival in Tamil Nadu and leads to multiple consecutive holidays there, Makar Sankranti is observed across many states but may result in bank closures only in specific regions depending on local customs and government notifications.

January 2026: Full List of RBI-Notified Bank Holidays

The RBI has listed a total of 10 bank holidays in January 2026, apart from the regular weekly holidays on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Below is an overview of the key holidays and their significance:

• January 1: New Year’s Day and Gaan Ngai. Gaan Ngai is a post-harvest festival celebrated primarily in Manipur and Nagaland.
• January 2: New Year celebration and Mannam Jayanthi, observed in Kerala to mark the birth anniversary of social reformer Mannathu Padmanabhan.
• January 3: Birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali, observed by the Islamic community in several states.
• January 12: Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, observed mainly in West Bengal and some eastern states.
• January 14: Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, leading to bank closures in select eastern, northeastern and western regions.
• January 15: Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti and Makara Sankranti; banks in several major states and cities remain closed. Maharashtra also observes a holiday due to municipal elections.
• January 16: Thiruvalluvar Day in Tamil Nadu; Kanuma in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, celebrating cattle and their role in agriculture.
• January 17: Uzhavar Thirunal in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to honouring farmers.
• January 23: Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, along with Saraswati Puja, Basanta Panchami, Vir Surendrasai Jayanti and Shree Panchami in parts of eastern India.
• January 26: Republic Day, a nationwide bank holiday.

What Banking Services Will Remain Available

Even on bank holidays, customers can continue to access most essential services through digital channels. ATMs are expected to function normally, subject to cash availability, and online services such as fund transfers, bill payments, mobile banking apps and UPI transactions will remain accessible.

However, services that require physical verification or branch-level approval, such as opening new accounts, updating KYC documents, locker access and cheque clearing, may be delayed until branches reopen.

What Customers Should Keep in Mind

With back-to-back regional holidays in mid-January, customers are advised to plan their banking needs in advance, especially if they live in states observing closures on both January 14 and 15. Businesses and individuals who rely on branch-based transactions should complete time-sensitive work ahead of these dates to avoid inconvenience.

Since bank holidays vary by state, it is always advisable to cross-check with the RBI holiday calendar or confirm with the local bank branch. This becomes particularly important during festival seasons, when multiple regional holidays may fall close together.

In summary, banks will remain closed in four states on January 14 and in eight states, including major metropolitan areas, on January 15, 2026, due to harvest festivals and local observances. While physical branches may be shut, digital banking will ensure continuity of most services, helping customers manage their financial needs during the festive period.