From commercial banks, cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRB) and Small Finance Banks (SMB) to Local Area Banks (LAB) — all these banks follow a schedule of national and government holidays set by the RBI. However, regional holidays differ from state to state. Let’s look at the upcoming holidays this month
Bank holiday in May
As per the RBI schedule, banks were closed for 8 days in the month of May. Banks were closed on Friday, May 1, 2026, for May Day/Buddha Purnima, and on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha. Apart from these holidays, banks were closed on the second Saturday (May 9) and the fourth Saturday (May 23). And all Sundays.
Bank Holidays in May 2026:
May 1 (Friday): May Day / Buddha Purnima
May 9 (Saturday): Second Saturday
May 23 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday
May 27 (Wednesday): Bakrid / Eid al-Adha
Apart from that, some states will observe local holidays. So it is advised to check the state-wise calender
What about RTGS and NEFT holidays in 2026?
RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) systems are maintained by India’s apex monetary institution, which remain operational 24/7. This facility, which enables cash transfers between banks, has been available on all days since 14 December 2020.
Will online banking be accessible on bank holiday?
Yes, online banking services will remain accessible even on a bank holiday. Digital services remain operational throughout the year, including on bank holidays. This implies that customers can carry out banking activities without interruption, even when banks are closed.
Customers can perform multiple tasks through online banking service, including UPI transactions, money transfers, net banking services, applying for loans online and requesting a chequebook among others.
