May Bank Holidays 2026: RBI Observes Buddha Purnima and Eid-Ul-Adha Amid City-Wise Closures
Bank Holidays in May 2026: A Guide to Plan Your Work
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its holiday calendar for May 2026, revealing that banks will remain closed for 12 days out of the 31 days in the month. These closures include weekends, festivals, and state-specific holidays, making it essential to check the holiday list before heading to the bank.
Bank Holidays in May 2026
As per RBI guidelines, banks will observe 12 holidays in May, including Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays, along with national, religious, and regional holidays. Both public and private sector banks follow this calendar.
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| Date | Reason for Holiday |
|---|---|
| May 3 | Sunday (Weekend Holiday) |
| May 9 | Second Saturday |
| May 10 | Sunday (Weekend Holiday) |
| May 16 | (No specific reason mentioned) |
| May 17 | Sunday (Weekend Holiday) |
| May 23 | Fourth Saturday |
| May 24 | Sunday (Weekend Holiday) |
| May 26 | (No specific reason mentioned) |
| May 27 | Bakri Id (Eid-ul-Adha) |
| May 28 | Bakri Id (Eid-ul-Adha) |
| May 31 | Sunday (Weekend Holiday) |
| May | Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, and Buddha Purnima (State-wise holiday) |
State-wise Bank Holidays in May
May 1: Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, and Buddha Purnima - Banks will remain closed in most states, except Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Gujarat.
May 9: Banks in West Bengal will remain closed due to Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, along with the second Saturday holiday.
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May 16: Banks in Sikkim will be closed on the occasion of State Day.
May 26: Banks in Tripura will remain closed for Kazi Nazrul Islam's birth anniversary.
May 27: Bakri Id (Eid-ul-Adha) - Banks will remain closed in most states, except for some states that may remain operational.
May 28: Banks will be closed for Bakri Id in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, and Bihar.
Online Banking Services Available
Despite branch closures, services such as internet banking, SMS banking, and WhatsApp banking will continue to function. Customers can carry out tasks like bill payments, mobile recharges, fund transfers, and ticket bookings online. Cash can also be withdrawn from ATMs if required.
Plan Ahead
If you plan to visit any bank, including SBI or HDFC Bank, it is advisable to check the RBI holiday calendar in advance. With multiple holidays in May, planning your banking activities ahead of time can help you avoid inconvenience and save time.
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