Bank holiday on Hazrat Ali: Where are banks closed on January 3? Check list
As 2026 begins, Indian banks will observe numerous national and state-specific holidays, impacting branch operations. Customers should consult the bank holiday calendar to avoid disruptions for in-branch transactions, though digital services remain accessible. Key closures include January 3rd for Hazrat Ali's birthday in Uttar Pradesh and January 26th for Republic Day nationwide.
As 2026 gets underway, it’s advisable to check the bank holiday calendar before planning a visit to the branch. Missing a holiday can quickly turn a bank visit into a wasted trip, particularly in the early days of the year when people are getting back to work and managing their finances.
Banks in India observe a mix of national and state-specific holidays, which means branch closures can differ from one state to another.
Are banks closed on January 3?
On Saturday, January 3, banks in Uttar Pradesh are closed to observe the birthday of Hazrat Ali. Usually banks are shut only on second and fourth Saturdays of the month according to the RBI calendar.
More holidays in January 2026:
January 12: Banks in West Bengal will be closed to mark the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.January 14: Banking services will be suspended in Gujarat, Odisha, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on account of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu.January 15: Banks in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will remain shut in observance of Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti and Makara Sankranti.January 16: Banks in Tamil Nadu will be closed for Thiruvalluvar Day, followed by another closure in the state on January 17, 2026, due to Uzhavar Thirunal.
January 23: Banks in Tripura, Odisha and West Bengal will remain shut in observance of the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami), Vir Surendrasai Jayanti and Basanta Panchami.January 26: Banks will remain closed nationwide on the occasion of Republic Day.Being aware of bank holidays in advance can help customers plan essential financial transactions and avoid last-minute disruptions.
However, a bank holiday does not mean that no banking activity is available. Even when branches are closed, customers can continue to access online banking services, ATMs, mobile banking apps and UPI for fund transfers, bill payments and other routine transactions. However, services that require a physical visit to the branch, such as large cash deposits, cheque clearances and the issuance of demand drafts, will not be available. To avoid inconvenience, account holders are advised to plan such activities ahead of time and rely on digital banking options during bank closures.