Bank Holidays 2026: Are Banks Open or Closed on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025?

As 2025 draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2026, many people are asking Bank Holidays, specifically whether banks in India will be open or closed on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. Understanding the bank holiday schedule is essential if you plan to visit a branch, complete financial transactions, or manage your money around the transition to the new year.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases an official holiday calendar each year that tells you which dates banks will close across various states and territories, and this year’s schedule includes some regional closures around New Year’s Eve as well as the upcoming holidays in 2026.

What Are Bank Holidays and Why Do They Matter

Bank Holidays are specific days when banks officially close their branch operations due to national or regional observances, festivals, or scheduled non-working days like weekends. On these days, services such as over-the-counter cash withdrawals, cheque clearance, demand drafts, and branch visits are unavailable. However, digital banking options like UPI payments, mobile banking, net banking, and ATM access continue to function even on a bank holiday.

While weekend closures (like Sundays and designated Saturdays) are consistent nationwide, festival and observance-based bank holidays change each year. As we approach the end of 2025 and the start of 2026, one of the key questions for customers is whether December 31, 2025, will be listed as a bank holiday across India or only in certain areas.

Are Banks Open on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025?

For Bank Holidays on New Year’s Eve in India, the answer is not uniform across the country. According to the RBI holiday calendar:

• Banks will remain closed in select regions such as Manipur (Imphal) and Mizoram (Aizawl) on December 31, 2025. These closures are linked to a combination of the New Year’s Eve observance and the regional festival Imoinu Iratpa in parts of the Northeast.
• In most other states and union territories, banks will remain open as usual on December 31, 2025. This includes major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and many others where no official bank holiday is scheduled for this date.

This means that bank operations will continue normally in most parts of India, and customers can access physical branch services during standard banking hours. However, if you are in a region where the holiday is observed, plan your transactions ahead of time to avoid inconvenience.

Why Some Banks Are Closed on December 31

The reason for bank closures in places like Manipur and Mizoram on New Year’s Eve is tied to official regional observances. The festival Imoinu Iratpa is celebrated by communities in the Northeast and has been included in the RBI bank holiday list, resulting in branch closures in those areas on December 31.

At the same time, some banks may also follow state government directives on holidays, meaning that branches in those regions might close even if national holidays do not apply there.

Even on days when branches are closed due to Bank Holidays, you can still use digital services for most regular transactions. This includes money transfers, bill payments, balance checks, and other services via UPI, mobile apps, and online banking platforms. ATMs are also available 24/7 for cash withdrawals and other automated services.

New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026 Bank Holiday

While banks are open in many places on December 31, they may close on January 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day in certain states, depending on local observances and RBI notifications. Some states will list January 1 as a Bank Holiday because of New Year celebrations, and this may lead to additional closures beyond those on December 31. Planning ahead is key so that you don’t face disruptions in your banking needs.

For example, in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Shillong, and others, banks are expected to observe a holiday on January 1, 2026. In regions where January 1 is not listed as a bank holiday, branch operations may continue as usual. Always check the local RBI bank holiday calendar to be sure.

What Services Are Still Available on Bank Holidays

Although branches may close due to Bank Holidays, especially in areas observing regional festivals or New Year’s Eve closures, digital and self-service banking remains accessible across the country. This includes:

• Mobile and net banking for transfers and balance check
• UPI payment services for bills and peer-to-peer payments
• ATM services for cash withdrawals and other withdrawals
• Online requests for banking products such as chequebooks or electronic documents

These digital channels help customers manage their finances even when physical branches observe a bank holiday.

Planning Your Banking Around Year End

If you rely on in-branch services, it is wise to complete tasks such as cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, or important paperwork ahead of the potential bank holiday period. Since regional bank holiday observances vary, checking with your local branch or the official RBI holiday list can save you time and avoid last-minute hassles around the end of the year.

Additionally, digital banking tools can be your backup when branches are closed so that you can continue routine transactions without interruption. This becomes especially useful during year-end festivities or when preparing for the stock market, managing finances, or checking AI stocks and other investments that might require linked bank services like fund transfers between accounts.

Bank Holidays in Context: What to Expect in 2026

Looking ahead into 2026, the RBI holiday list includes several major Bank Holidays such as Republic Day (January 26), Makar Sankranti in January, and other regional observances throughout the year. These holidays impact branch operations but never affect essential digital services. Planning ahead for these closures ensures your financial activities flow smoothly throughout the year.

Conclusion

Bank Holidays on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025) in India are not nationwide closures, but they are observed in certain states such as Manipur and Mizoram. In most other regions, banks will remain open and operate normally. Customers should always check the official RBI holiday calendar and plan branch visits ahead of time. For routine transactions, online and mobile banking services will continue to be available even on official bank holidays.

Understanding when banks are open or closed will help you manage your finances better and avoid surprises during holiday periods, especially at year’s end.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.