Muharram bank holiday 2026: Will banks remain closed on June 26?

If you have bank-related work pending, you may want to finish it soon. Muharram could lead to a long weekend for bank customers in several parts of India.

In Short

• Banks are likely to remain closed on June 26 for Muharram
• Many customers could face a three-day banking break
• Online banking, UPI and ATM services will continue to work

If you have an important bank visit planned this week, it may be worth checking the calendar first. Banks in several states are expected to remain closed on Friday, June 26, on account of Muharram, according to the Reserve Bank of India's holiday schedule.

The holiday becomes even more important because it is followed by the fourth Saturday on June 27 and Sunday on June 28, potentially creating a three-day banking break in many parts of the country.

While digital banking services will continue as usual, branch-based services could be affected.

WILL BANKS BE CLOSED ON JUNE 26?

Yes, banks are scheduled to remain closed in several states and union territories for Muharram on Friday, June 26.

The holiday is listed in the RBI's bank holiday calendar and is observed in many parts of the country, although the exact applicability may vary by state.

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is one of the most important observances in the Islamic calendar.

The day of Ashura, observed during Muharram, holds particular religious importance.

WHY THIS WEEKEND COULD BE LONGER THAN USUAL

For many customers, the Muharram holiday may effectively merge into a longer banking break.

Here's how the schedule looks:

• June 26 (Friday): Muharram holiday
• June 27 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday bank holiday
• June 28 (Sunday): Weekly bank holiday

As a result, banks in several regions could remain shut for three consecutive days. Customers with cheque clearances, branch visits or other in-person banking requirements may want to plan ahead.

WHICH STATES ARE EXPECTED TO OBSERVE THE HOLIDAY?

According to RBI's city-wise holiday schedule, Muharram-related bank closures are expected across several states and union territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and others. Holiday observance can vary by location, so customers should check with their local branch for confirmation.

WILL ONLINE BANKING SERVICES WORK?

Yes. Even when bank branches remain closed, digital banking services continue to function.

Customers can still access:

• UPI services
• Mobile banking apps
• Net banking
• ATM withdrawals
• Online fund transfers

Only branch-based services such as account updates, document submissions and certain cash transactions may be unavailable during the holiday period.

Bank holidays often go unnoticed until customers need to visit a branch. This week's Muharram holiday is one of those occasions where timing matters, especially because it is followed by the fourth Saturday and Sunday.

For anyone with urgent banking work, completing it before Friday could help avoid unnecessary delays.

- Ends