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Several parts of India are observing a holiday today, Friday, January 23, 2026, on the occasion of Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, and Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti. Due to these events, banks, schools, and colleges are closed in select states, while normal operations continue in others. Citizens are advised to check local holiday schedules before planning any official or academic work.

Banks Closed in Select Cities Today

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, bank branches are closed today in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata. Customers in these cities will not be able to access branch-based banking services such as cash deposits or withdrawals, cheque clearance, passbook updates, or document-related work.

However, there is no need to worry as digital banking services remain fully operational. Customers can continue to use:

• Internet banking

• Mobile banking apps

• UPI payments

• ATM services

Only in-branch and cheque-clearing services are affected for the day.

Banks Open in Most Other States

Apart from the cities mentioned above, banks across most parts of the country are functioning normally today. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and several other states have no bank holiday on January 23.

Customers in these regions can visit bank branches during regular working hours to complete their banking tasks without disruption.

Regular Bank Timings

• Public sector banks like SBI, Bank of India, and PNB usually operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

• Private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank generally remain open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Timings may vary slightly depending on the branch and location.

Schools and Colleges Closed on Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami, which marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, is widely celebrated across India. Due to this, many educational institutions are observing a holiday today.

• Uttar Pradesh has declared an official holiday for government schools, and many private schools are also closed.

• Bihar is observing a holiday in schools and colleges due to Saraswati Puja celebrations.

• Several private schools in West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana are also closed, especially in regions where Saraswati Puja is celebrated on a large scale.

In these states, students are participating in religious rituals, cultural programs, and community celebrations instead of regular classes.

January 2026 Bank Holidays to Note

Here are some key upcoming bank holidays this month:

• January 23: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, Saraswati Puja, Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti, Basant Panchami (select cities)

• January 26: Republic Day – banks closed across India

Citizens are encouraged to plan their financial activities accordingly to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Why Today Is a Holiday

January 23 holds multiple cultural and historical significances:

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti honors one of India’s most respected freedom fighters.

• Saraswati Puja celebrates knowledge, wisdom, and learning.

• Basant Panchami marks the seasonal transition to spring.

• Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti commemorates the legendary freedom fighter from Odisha.

Due to the overlap of these important observances, several states have declared holidays for banks and educational institutions.

Final Advice for Citizens

If you live in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, or Kolkata, avoid visiting bank branches today and rely on digital banking services instead. Students should confirm with their schools or colleges regarding local holiday announcements, especially in private institutions where rules may differ.

With multiple celebrations taking place across the country, today brings a mix of cultural pride and festive spirit—while also calling for a bit of planning when it comes to official work.