Banks to Observe Holiday for Eid al-Adha, RBI Releases City-Wise List

Bakrid Holidays: Banks in Some States Closed on May 27, Others on May 28

Banks in several states across the country are observing a holiday on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in observance of Bakrid or Eid al-Adha. However, the holiday schedule differs across states and union territories, with some states observing the holiday on May 28 due to local moon sighting and government notifications.

The Centre has announced that all Central government administrative offices in Delhi and New Delhi will remain closed on Thursday, May 28, instead of May 27, for Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid). The Ministry of Personnel issued a statement on May 22, stating that Central government administrative offices located at Delhi/New Delhi shall remain closed on 28th May, 2026, on account of Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid).

Bank Holidays Vary Across States

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Bank holidays for Bakrid vary from state to state due to factors such as moon sighting, regional government notifications, and local festival observance schedules. As a result, some states are observing the holiday on May 27, while others will mark it on May 28.

Kerala Announces Two-Day Bakrid Holiday

The Kerala government has declared a two-day public holiday for Bakrid on May 27 and May 28. In an order issued by the General Administration Department on May 24, the state government said that since Eid-ul-Adha would be celebrated in Kerala on May 28, Thursday would also be observed as a holiday.

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Bank Holidays in May 2026

Apart from Bakrid holidays on May 27 and May 28, banks were also closed earlier this month on May 1 for May Day and Buddha Purnima. In addition, banks remained shut on:

• Second Saturday: May 9
• Fourth Saturday: May 23
• All Sundays during the month

Digital Banking Services Available

RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) services continue to operate round the clock, including on holidays. The RBI has maintained 24x7 availability of these digital fund transfer systems since December 14, 2020. ATMs also continue to function during bank holidays, allowing customers to withdraw cash, deposit money and carry out other essential banking transactions even when physical branches remain closed.