Banks to Remain Closed on April 15: RBI Announces Holiday for Regional New Year Celebrations
Banking services across several parts of India will continue to face disruptions this week as multiple regional festivals lead to consecutive holidays. After widespread closures on Tuesday, April 14, banks in several states will again remain shut on Wednesday, April 15, following the holiday schedule issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
This extended break is primarily due to various regional New Year festivals and cultural observances celebrated across different states. Customers planning to visit bank branches for services such as cheque clearance, cash deposits, or draft processing are advised to check the holiday status in their respective states beforehand.
Why Banks Are Closed on April 15
According to the official holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India, banks will remain closed on April 15 in select states due to local festivals marking the traditional New Year.
States where bank branches will not operate on Wednesday include:
- Tripura
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Himachal Pradesh
The closures are linked to prominent regional festivals such as:
- Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) in West Bengal
- Bohag Bihu in Assam
- Vishu in Kerala
These festivals signify the beginning of the new year according to regional calendars and are deeply rooted in cultural traditions. People celebrate with rituals, new attire, festive meals, and community gatherings, which is why public institutions, including banks, remain closed.
Widespread Bank Shutdown on April 14
The closures follow a nationwide holiday observed on Tuesday, April 14, when banks remained shut in most states due to a combination of festivals and observances, including:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti
- Baisakhi
- Tamil New Year
- Bohag Bihu
- Cheiraoba
- Biju Festival
Due to the overlap of multiple festivals across regions, banking operations were significantly impacted in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, बिहार, Karnataka, Assam, Gujarat, and others.
More Bank Holidays Ahead in April 2026
The holiday streak doesn’t end here. Several more bank holidays are scheduled later in April, which could affect banking services:
- April 16 – Bohag Bihu (observed in Assam and nearby regions)
- April 20 – Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya (notably in Karnataka)
- April 21 – Garia Puja (Tripura)
These holidays are region-specific, meaning banks may remain operational in some states while closed in others.
RBI Holiday Calendar: What Customers Should Know
The Reserve Bank of India categorizes bank holidays into three types:
- National Holidays
- State-Specific Holidays
- Operational Holidays (such as annual account closing)
April includes a mix of all three categories, leading to multiple non-working days for banks across India.
Digital Banking Remains Unaffected
While physical bank branches may be closed, customers can continue to access essential banking services through digital platforms. Services such as:
- Online fund transfers (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)
- Mobile banking apps
- ATM withdrawals
- Internet banking
remain fully operational during these holidays.
Plan Your Banking Activities in Advance
With back-to-back holidays impacting bank operations in several regions, customers are strongly encouraged to plan their banking tasks accordingly. Delays in processing transactions or clearing cheques may occur due to the closures.
Before visiting a bank branch, it is advisable to confirm whether banks are open in your state to avoid inconvenience.
Bottom Line:
Banks will remain closed in multiple states on April 15 due to regional New Year celebrations, following widespread closures on April 14. While digital banking services continue uninterrupted, customers should plan offline banking activities carefully to avoid delays.
