Bank Holiday Alert: Banks to Remain Closed on May 26 in Several Cities; Check RBI’s Full Holiday List
Customers planning important banking work next week should take note of a key update from the Reserve Bank of India. According to the RBI’s official holiday calendar, banks will remain closed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in several major cities across India due to the birth anniversary of renowned poet and freedom-era revolutionary Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The holiday comes immediately after the weekend break, creating a long-weekend-like situation in many regions. Because of this, customers are being advised to complete important banking tasks in advance to avoid delays or inconvenience.
Why Will Banks Remain Closed on May 26?
The RBI has declared a regional bank holiday on May 26 to mark the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of the most celebrated literary and cultural figures in Indian history.
Known for his revolutionary poetry, music, and writings, Kazi Nazrul Islam is widely respected in several eastern and northeastern states. As a result, banks in selected RBI-notified regions will remain shut for the occasion.
However, this is not a nationwide holiday. Banking operations will continue normally in cities not included in the RBI holiday list.
Cities Where Banks Will Remain Closed
Bank branches in several major cities across different parts of the country are expected to remain closed on Tuesday, May 26.
Northern India
- New Delhi
- Lucknow
- Jammu
- Shimla
Eastern and Northeastern India
- Kolkata
- Agartala
- Guwahati
- Aizawl
- Imphal
- Kohima
- Shillong
- Ranchi
Western and Central India
- Ahmedabad
- Raipur
Southern India
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Vijayawada
Customers living in these cities may face temporary disruption in branch-based banking services.
Banks to Stay Open in These Cities
The RBI holiday notification also clarifies that banking operations will continue as usual in several other cities.
For example, bank branches are expected to remain open in:
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
Since some holidays vary according to local state calendars, customers are advised to verify details with their home branch before visiting.
Long Weekend-Like Banking Schedule
The last week of May is creating an unusual banking schedule because of multiple holidays falling close together.
Here’s how the week looks:
- May 23 – Fourth Saturday (Bank Holiday)
- May 24 – Sunday (Weekly Holiday)
- May 25 – Banks Open
- May 26 – Regional Holiday in Selected Cities
This means banks in many locations will effectively remain closed for three out of four days, potentially increasing branch rush and processing delays.
Digital Banking Services Will Continue Normally
Even though physical bank branches may remain shut, customers can continue using digital banking services without interruption.
The following services will remain fully operational:
UPI and Mobile Payments
Apps such as:
- Google Pay
- PhonePe
- Paytm
will continue functioning normally for money transfers and bill payments.
ATM Services
Cash withdrawal and deposit services through ATMs are expected to remain available 24x7.
Online Fund Transfers
Digital transfer systems including:
- IMPS
- NEFT
- RTGS
will also continue working without disruption.
Customers Advised to Plan Ahead
With multiple holidays clustered together, banking experts are advising customers to avoid last-minute branch visits next week.
People who need to:
- Deposit or withdraw large amounts
- Complete cheque-related work
- Submit banking documents
- Visit loan or locker departments
should preferably finish their tasks before the holiday period begins.
The temporary closure may also increase footfall in banks immediately before and after the holiday, especially in metropolitan and regional cities covered under the RBI notification.
