India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Banks across India remained closed on May 9 as it fell on the second Saturday of the month, a designated holiday under banking rules. While this affects in-person services at branches, customers can still use digital banking without interruption.
Banks across India were closed on May 9th, the second Saturday of the month, a designated holiday under RBI rules. While physical branch services were unavailable, digital banking including internet banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remained fully operational.
Why Are Banks Closed Today?
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), all banks-both public and private-remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. This rule applies across the country and is in addition to weekly Sunday holidays.
As a result, major banks such as State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank do not operate their physical branches on these days.
How RBI Classifies Bank Holidays
The RBI categorises bank holidays into three main types:
- Negotiable Instruments Act holidays
- Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) holidays
- Banks’ closing of accounts
Second and fourth Saturdays fall under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which impacts activities like cheque clearing and issuing promissory notes.
Bank Holidays in May 2026
Apart from the second Saturday (May 9), banks will also remain closed on:
- All Sundays: May 10, 17, 24, and 31
- Fourth Saturday: May 23
- Regional Holidays:
- May 16 – State Day in Sikkim
- May 26 – Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birthday (Tripura)
- May 27-28 – Bakrid (observed in different states on different days)
Holiday schedules may vary depending on local festivals and state-specific observances.
Bank Timings on Working Days
On regular working days, banks usually operate between:
- Opening time: 10:00 AM
- Customer service closing time: 4:00 PM
Will Online Banking Work?
Yes, online banking services remain fully operational even on bank holidays.
Customers can continue to use:
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking apps
- ATM services
- UPI and fund transfers
- Bill payments and recharges
This means most financial transactions can be completed without visiting a branch.
What This Means for Customers
While branch services like cash deposits, cheque processing, and in-person assistance are unavailable, digital options ensure that banking activities continue smoothly.
Customers are advised to plan branch visits in advance and rely on online services during holidays.
The bank holiday on May 9 is part of the RBI’s standard schedule for second Saturdays. While physical branches remain closed, digital banking ensures uninterrupted access to essential services.
Understanding the holiday calendar can help customers manage their banking needs more efficiently.
