Bank branches across India will remain closed on Saturday, August 8, 2026, as it is the second Saturday of the month which is a scheduled bank holiday, according to bank holiday calendars. The closure applies to both public and private sector banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) follows a banking schedule under which commercial banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. In addition, banks in Gangtok are also observing a holiday on account of Tendong Lho Rum Faat, creating regional variations in holiday observance. As per Live Mint, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month in addition to other bank holidays, with the fifth Saturday of a month with five Saturdays being a working day for banks.
While over the counter branch services will not be available, customers can continue to use mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and digital payment services such as UPI. Services that require physical branch intervention will resume once the bank branches are reopened on Monday, August 10, 2026. The nationwide weekend closures in August include August 9 (Sunday - Weekly holiday), August 15 (Saturday - Independence Day), August 16 (Sunday - Weekly holiday), August 22 (Saturday - Fourth Saturday), August 23 (Sunday - Weekly holiday), and August 30 (Sunday - Weekly holiday). Digital banking services operate continuously throughout holidays, with RTGS, NEFT, UPI and internet banking services available 24/7, enabling users to transfer funds, pay bills and shop online at any hour of the day. As per Live Mint, even though in-branch services are unavailable during national or regional bank holidays, customers can continue using online or mobile banking services unless specifically notified of technical issues.
From August 10 to August 16, banks will remain closed on three days in different parts of India, as per the RBI holiday calendar. Banks are expected to remain open and operate normally on August 10 (Monday), August 11 (Tuesday), August 12 (Wednesday) and August 14 (Friday) across most parts of the country. However, customers are advised to complete any branch-related work in advance if they are located in Imphal or have banking transactions planned around the Independence Day holiday on August 15. The RBI categorises bank holidays into three main types: 1) Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act–These affect cheque clearing and branch-based banking services at the national or state level. 2) RTGS Holidays–Days when Real Time Gross Settlement transactions are not processed through bank branches. 3) Bank Closing of Accounts–Typically observed on April 1 for annual account closing. The next RBI-specified bank holiday will fall on August 22, 2026, which is a fourth Saturday, and banks may also be shut in Manipur on August 13 on the occasion of Patriot's Day.
Physical bank branches have restrictions during holidays, while digital channels enable users to access all services without interruptions. Bank branches will not process RTGS transactions that customers initiate at the branch during holidays or during the second and fourth Saturdays when the branch remains closed. The bank only processes transactions that customers submit through its online digital platforms during these specific times. Digital transactions reach completion in less than one minute or within thirty minutes in most situations, with mobile banking and internet banking payments processing without any delays during holidays. As per Live Mint, fund transfer requests can also be made using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms, demand draft request forms and chequebook forms during holidays. Credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards can be obtained through card services, and services such as account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions, and applying for a locker are also available during holidays.
