January is one of the most important months for bank holidays in India because it includes national holidays, regional festivals, and weekly offs. If you are planning banking work, money transfers, cheque clearance, or branch visits, knowing the bank holidays in January 2026 in advance can save you time and avoid last-minute trouble.
In this guide, you will find a clear explanation of January 2026 bank holidays, why banks remain closed on certain days, and how banking services work during holidays.
⭐ Who Decides Bank Holidays in India?
Bank holidays in India are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act and are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Some holidays are observed across the country, while others are state-specific depending on local festivals and events.
⭐ Bank Holidays in January 2026 – State-wise List
Note: All Sundays and second & fourth Saturdays are bank holidays across India.
The table below covers festival and special holidays only.
📅 January 2026 Bank Holidays (State-wise)
| Date | Occasion | States Where Banks Are Closed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | New Year’s Day | Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh |
| 11 January 2026 | Missionary Day | Mizoram |
| 14 January 2026 | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha |
| 15 January 2026 | Pongal / Magh Bihu | Tamil Nadu, Assam |
| 16 January 2026 | Thiruvalluvar Day | Tamil Nadu |
| 17 January 2026 | Uzhavar Thirunal | Tamil Nadu |
| 23 January 2026 | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | West Bengal, Tripura |
| 26 January 2026 | Republic Day | All States (All India Holiday) |
⭐ Weekly Bank Holidays in January 2026 (All India)
These holidays apply in every state:
| Day | Bank Status |
|---|---|
| All Sundays | Closed |
| Second Saturday | Closed |
| Fourth Saturday | Closed |
Banks usually remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays unless a state-specific holiday is declared.
⭐ Will Online Banking Work on Bank Holidays?
Yes. Even when bank branches are closed, the following services continue to work:
- UPI payments
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking apps
- ATM withdrawals
- Debit and credit card transactions
However, these services are not available on bank holidays:
- Cheque clearing
- Demand draft issuance
- Passbook updates
- Branch-based customer services
⭐ Why Bank Holidays Differ by State
India has diverse cultures and festivals, which is why holidays vary by state. For example:
- Tamil Nadu observes multiple Pongal holidays
- Assam observes Magh Bihu
- West Bengal observes Netaji Jayanti
- Mizoram observes Missionary Day
This is why it is important to check the holiday list for your specific state.
⭐ Tips to Plan Banking Work in January 2026
- Complete cheque and DD work before holidays
- Withdraw cash in advance
- Schedule branch visits on working days only
- Keep track of state-specific holidays
- Use UPI and digital banking during holidays
Conclusion
The bank holidays in January 2026 include Republic Day, regional festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti, and regular weekly offs. Since state-wise holidays differ, customers should always verify local bank holidays before planning branch visits. While digital banking services remain active, physical banking services are unavailable on holidays. For more easy-to-understand and regularly updated information on bank holidays and government-related topics, visit Sarkari Bakery.