Overview: Bank holidays in India around New Year
As the year ends and a new one begins, many customers want to know whether bank branches will be open on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. In India, bank holidays are not set uniformly across the country. While some dates are nationally observed, others are state-specific. The official calendar is shaped by the Banking Regulation Act, rules issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and notifications from state governments. In short: whether a branch is open often depends on the bank’s location, the day of the week, and local holiday declarations.
December 31, 2025: Is it a bank holiday everywhere?
December 31 is not a nationwide bank holiday in India. Most banks operate on December 31, 2025 as it is typically considered a working day for many states. However, several states may announce a public or bank holiday at year’s end, particularly in regions where year-end accounting or regional festivities influence banking schedules. Consumers should check with their specific bank and local government notices. If a state government designates December 31 as a bank holiday, branches in that state will remain closed, and ATMs may be affected in terms of cash replenishment and service availability.
How to verify December 31 status
- Consult the RBI bank holiday calendar published by your bank or on RBI’s official site.
- Check alerts from your bank’s mobile app or customer care channels.
- Look for state government notifications that declare holidays in the banking sector.
January 1, 2026: New Year holiday patterns
January 1 is widely observed as a public holiday across India, and many banks close for New Year’s Day. However, the level of closure can vary by state. In some states, New Year’s Day is treated as a general public holiday for all sectors, including banking. In others, banks may remain open if New Year’s Day does not coincide with a statewide bank holiday. Since January 1, 2026 falls on a Thursday, you are more likely to encounter closures in states that treat January 1 as a banking holiday. If a bank is closed on January 1 in a particular state, branches will typically resume normal operations on the next working day, unless another holiday is declared.
Practical tips for customers
- Plan financial transactions ahead of time if you rely on branch services like cash deposits, large withdrawals, or check clearing.
- Use digital banking services for routine transfers, balance inquiries, and payments when branches are closed.
- If you must visit a branch, verify the local holiday from your bank’s official channels to avoid wasted trips.
State-by-state considerations
India’s banking holidays are typically state-specific for many holidays beyond major nationwide events like Republic Day. For example, some southern, western, or eastern states may observe full bank holidays around year-end or New Year, while others keep branches open. The most reliable approach is to check:
- RBI holiday calendar and your bank’s notices
- State government holiday advisories
- Local branch guidance for the exact dates you need
Bottom line
While January 1, 2026 is commonly observed as a holiday in many parts of India, December 31, 2025 is less uniform across states. To avoid surprises, confirm with your bank about December 31 and January 1 in your specific city or state. Digital banking remains a reliable alternative for essential transactions during state holidays.
