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Customers planning to visit bank branches on May 16, 2026, are being advised to check local holiday schedules before leaving home. Although banks generally remain open across India on the third Saturday of every month, banking services will remain closed in one state today due to a special regional holiday.

According to the holiday calendar issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks in Sikkim will remain closed on May 16 because of the state’s Statehood Day celebrations.

However, banks in most other states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan are operating normally today.

Why Banks Are Closed in Sikkim Today

Sikkim celebrates its Statehood Day every year on May 16.

On this day in 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India after the end of the monarchy system and the establishment of democratic governance.

This year holds special significance because Sikkim is celebrating its 50th Statehood Day anniversary. Due to the occasion, the state government has declared an official public holiday, leading to the closure of all bank branches across the state.

Digital Banking Services Will Continue

Even though physical bank branches are closed in Sikkim, customers can continue using digital banking services without interruption.

Services expected to remain available include:

• UPI payments
• Mobile banking
• Internet banking
• ATM withdrawals
• Online fund transfers

Customers are being encouraged to use digital banking platforms for urgent transactions during holidays.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in May 2026

Apart from May 16, banks across India will remain closed on several other occasions during May 2026.

Nationwide Sunday Holidays

Banks will remain closed across the country on all Sundays:

• May 3
• May 10
• May 17
• May 24
• May 31

Fourth Saturday Holiday

Banks will also remain shut nationwide on May 23 due to the fourth Saturday holiday.

Additional Regional Bank Holidays Later This Month

Several regional and festival-related holidays are also scheduled during the final week of May.

May 26 – Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti

Banks may remain closed in selected states due to the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam.

May 27 and 28 – Eid-ul-Adha Holidays

Banking operations may be affected in multiple states due to Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Holiday schedules may vary depending on local government notifications and RBI’s state-wise holiday calendar.

RBI State-Wise Bank Holiday Highlights for May 2026

According to RBI’s holiday list:

• Gangtok banks are closed on May 16 for Statehood Day
• Kolkata banks may remain closed on May 9 and May 27
• Chennai banks may remain closed on May 28
• Mumbai and Bengaluru may observe holidays later in the month depending on regional observances

Customers are advised to verify local branch operations before visiting banks, especially during festival periods and regional holidays.

Important Holiday Reasons in May 2026

Major reasons for bank holidays this month include:

• Maharashtra Day
• Buddha Purnima
• Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
• Statehood Day
• Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti
• Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)

Holiday schedules vary from state to state depending on local festivals and official observances.

Customers Advised to Plan Banking Work in Advance

Banking experts advise customers to complete important branch-related work in advance during holiday-heavy periods to avoid inconvenience.

People requiring services such as:

• Cash deposits
• Cheque clearance
• Document verification
• Demand drafts
• Loan processing

should preferably check holiday calendars beforehand and avoid last-minute branch visits.

As digital banking continues expanding rapidly across India, many basic banking tasks can now be completed online even during official bank holidays.

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