India Bank Holiday Watch, January 18: Sunday Closed; Jan 23 and 26 Ahead
India’s bank holiday today falls on Sunday, January 18, 2026, so branches are closed nationwide. Most branches operated on Saturday, January 17, except in Tamil Nadu for Uzhavar Thirunal. The next closures are January 23 in select states and Republic Day on January 26 across India. Digital channels stay available, so plan payments, cheque deposits, and settlements with these dates in mind. Check the RBI holiday calendar to confirm local variations within the January 2026 bank holidays before you visit a branch.
Status for January 18 and what stays available
Banks are shut due to the bank holiday today, as January 18 is a Sunday. No over-the-counter cash services, draft issuance, locker visits, or branch-based account updates will be available. If you have time-bound tasks, use digital options or plan for the next working day. For corporate banking needs, relationship managers may be reachable by phone, but branch execution will move to the next business day.
Digital channels remain active on the bank holiday today. UPI, IMPS, mobile banking, and card payments continue round the clock. NEFT and RTGS are available online, though postings can reflect in the next batch. You can add beneficiaries, transfer funds, pay bills, and block or replace cards online. Keep your registered phone handy for OTPs and alerts to confirm successful transactions.
Cheque clearing and physical instrument processing do not run on Sundays. Items lodged on Saturday will move on Monday, January 19, 2026, subject to local schedules. Customer care helplines and chat support may function, but branch-level service resumes next business day. If a dispute or failed transaction occurs on the bank holiday today, raise a ticket online and follow up at the branch on Monday.
Dates to watch: January 23 and January 26
Friday, January 23 has state-specific holidays. Investors should verify their city’s status using the RBI holiday calendar and their bank’s local notice. If your state observes a holiday, branch work will pause. This matters for cheques, DDs, and locker access. See the calendar explainer for January in Economic Times source.
Monday, January 26 is Republic Day, a national holiday. All branches across India will remain closed. Plan cash needs, cheque deposits, and in-person KYC before the long break. Digital channels will run, but branch-dependent settlements will shift to the next working day. If you have payroll, vendor payouts, or loan closures due, schedule them before the holiday to avoid settlement gaps.
Tamil Nadu observed Uzhavar Thirunal on Saturday, January 17, so branches were shut in the state while most others were open. Normal operations resume Monday, January 19, ahead of January 23 and 26 closures. For Pongal-linked details and state lists, see Times of India coverage source.
Investor and SME checklist for the week
Map out dues around the bank holiday today, January 23, and January 26. Schedule SIP top-ups, EMI transfers, salaries, and vendor payments a day earlier. For broker funding, use UPI or IMPS for faster credit. Confirm cut-off times with your bank. Keep confirmations and UTR numbers ready in case you need to track a transaction after the holiday.
Deposit cheques early so they clear before January 26. Branch-based ECS or mandate updates can slip during clustered holidays. Some NACH batches may reflect later if a receiving branch is closed. If you expect an IPO refund or dividend credit, allow an extra day on either side of holidays. Record cheque numbers and keep stamped counterfoils or e-slips for follow-up.
ATMs work, but high-demand areas can see low cash late in the day. Withdraw a small buffer before the weekend, especially if your area has the state holiday on January 23. Avoid large last-minute cash deposits, as credit can move to the next working day. Use secure ATMs, cover the keypad, and review SMS alerts to confirm withdrawals instantly.
Final Thoughts
The bank holiday today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, closes branches across India, but digital banking stays on. Watch the next two dates closely: state-specific closures on Friday, January 23, and the nationwide Republic Day holiday on Monday, January 26. To avoid delays, advance your cheque deposits, schedule online transfers a day early, and keep proof of payments. Investors and SMEs should plan payrolls, vendor payouts, and broker funding before the break. Keep a small cash buffer, verify local notices with the RBI holiday calendar, and use 24×7 channels for urgent needs.
FAQs
Are banks open on Sunday, January 18, 2026?
No. It is a bank holiday today because January 18 is a Sunday. Branches are closed nationwide. Digital services like UPI, IMPS, mobile banking, and cards stay active. Cheque clearing and other branch-based services move to the next business day, Monday, January 19, 2026.
Will UPI, NEFT, and RTGS work during holidays?
Yes. UPI, IMPS, and card payments run 24×7. You can also use NEFT and RTGS online. Some postings may reflect in the next batch or on the next working day if a receiving branch is closed. Keep transaction IDs and alerts for quick tracking.
How do holidays on January 23 and January 26 affect cheques?
If your city has a holiday on January 23, in-person processing pauses. Republic Day on January 26 is a nationwide closure. Cheques lodged near these dates can settle on the next working day. Deposit early and keep stamped slips or e-receipts for follow-up.
Where can I confirm state-wise bank holidays for January 2026?
Check the RBI holiday calendar and your bank’s local notifications. State lists can vary by city, so verify on your bank’s website or at the branch a day in advance. This helps plan visits, cheque deposits, and cash needs during January 2026 bank holidays.
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.
