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March 2026 is packed with major festivals across India, and as a result, banks will remain closed on several days in different states. With occasions such as Holi, Eid, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti falling in the same month, customers planning branch visits should check the holiday schedule in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Bank holidays in India are scheduled according to guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, which publishes an official calendar under banking regulations. Some holidays apply nationwide, while others are limited to specific states depending on regional festivals or observances.

Nationwide Bank Closures in March

In addition to festival holidays, banks across India follow a standard weekend closure rule. Branches remain shut on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. In March 2026, these dates fall on:

• March 14 – Second Saturday

• March 28 – Fourth Saturday

On these days, all bank branches across the country will remain closed for public transactions.

Holi Holidays in Different States

Holi, one of India’s biggest festivals, will lead to multiple bank holidays in early March. Several states will observe closures on March 3 and March 4, including Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

In Delhi, along with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, banks will remain closed on March 4 for Holi celebrations.

Because festival dates can vary by region and local customs, closures may differ slightly from state to state.

Other Major Festival Bank Holidays

Apart from Holi, multiple religious and regional festivals will also affect banking operations:

• March 19: Banks will remain closed in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Goa, due to Ugadi and Gudi Padwa celebrations.

• March 21: Many states will observe a bank holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Eid).

• March 26–27: Several regions will close banks for Ram Navami festivities.

• March 31: On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, banks will remain shut in multiple states such as Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Regional Holidays in Specific States

Certain holidays are limited to particular states:

• March 17: Banks in Jammu & Kashmir will be closed for Shab-e-Qadr.

• March 20: The same region will observe a holiday for Jumat-ul-Vida.

• March 13: Banks in Mizoram will be shut for Chapchar Kut, a local festival.

• March 19: Some banks in Manipur will remain closed due to a regional celebration.

These localized holidays highlight the importance of checking city- or state-specific bank schedules before visiting a branch.

How Bank Holidays May Affect You

On bank holidays, branch-based services such as:

• Cash deposits or withdrawals at counters

• Cheque clearances

• Demand draft issuance

• Account documentation

may be delayed until the next working day. This is especially important for customers handling time-sensitive transactions, business payments, or financial deadlines.

Digital Banking Will Remain Available

Even when branches are closed, digital banking services continue to operate. Customers can still use:

• ATMs for cash withdrawals

• UPI for instant transfers

• Mobile banking apps

• Internet banking portals

• Balance checks and bill payments

These online facilities ensure that routine financial activities can continue uninterrupted during holidays.

Planning Ahead Is Key

Financial experts advise customers to plan transactions in advance during festival-heavy months like March. Completing important banking tasks early can prevent last-minute delays and ensure smooth financial management.

Final Word

March 2026 will see multiple bank holidays due to a combination of national weekends and regional festivals. Since closure dates vary by state, checking your local holiday list beforehand is essential. With proper planning and use of digital services, customers can easily manage their finances even during this busy festive month.