Bank Holiday Alert: Banks to Remain Closed in Select States on April 16 — Check RBI Holiday Details
Bank customers across India are advised to plan their visits carefully, as bank branches will remain closed in certain regions on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The holiday has been announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) due to regional festivities.
This comes right after multiple states observed bank holidays on April 15, making it a two-day disruption in some parts of the country. If you have important banking tasks like cheque deposits, cash withdrawals, or demand draft services, it’s essential to check your local holiday schedule in advance.
Banks to Remain Closed in Assam on April 16
On April 16 (Thursday), bank branches will remain shut in the state of Assam due to the celebration of Bohag Bihu, a major regional festival.
However, in most other states—including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh—banks will remain open and operate as usual.
What is Bohag Bihu and Why It Matters
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is one of the most significant festivals in Assam. Celebrated in April, it marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the harvest season.
The festival is deeply rooted in agriculture and symbolizes prosperity, new beginnings, and seasonal change. People celebrate with traditional attire, vibrant Bihu dances, folk music, and community feasts. Given its cultural importance, banks and government offices remain closed in Assam on this day.
Bank Holidays on April 15: Multiple States Affected
Before April 16, banks were already closed in several states on Wednesday, April 15, due to various regional celebrations such as Bengali New Year (Poila Boishakh), Bohag Bihu, Vishu, and Himachal Day.
States where banks remained closed on April 15 include:
- Tripura
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Himachal Pradesh
In the rest of the country, banking services continued normally.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in April 2026
The holiday schedule doesn’t end here. According to RBI’s official calendar, banks will observe additional closures in the coming days:
- April 20 (Monday): Banks will remain closed in Karnataka on account of Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya.
- April 21 (Tuesday): Bank branches in Tripura will be closed due to Garia Puja.
RBI Holiday List: Why Bank Closures Differ by State
The RBI releases a detailed holiday calendar every year, taking into account national events, regional festivals, and state-specific observances. This is why bank holidays may vary from one state to another.
Some of the key reasons for bank holidays in April include:
- Annual account closing (April 1)
- Religious observances like Good Friday
- Regional festivals such as Bihu, Vishu, and Baisakhi
- State-specific events and elections
What Should Customers Do?
Even though physical bank branches may be closed in certain areas, customers can still access digital banking services. Online banking, mobile apps, ATMs, and UPI services will continue to function without interruption.
To avoid inconvenience:
- Check your state-wise holiday list before visiting a branch
- Complete urgent transactions in advance
- Use digital platforms for routine banking needs
Final Takeaway
With consecutive holidays in some regions, especially in the Northeast, banking services may remain unavailable at branches for two days. While most states will operate normally on April 16, residents of Assam should plan accordingly due to the Bohag Bihu holiday.
Staying updated with the RBI holiday calendar can help you avoid last-minute hassles and ensure smooth financial planning.
