February’s exit ushers in a holiday-heavy March 2026 for India’s banking sector. RBI guidelines list 18 non-working days, blending national weekends, selective Saturdays, and diverse cultural celebrations. Whether it’s a loan approval or deposit, verify closures to keep your plans on track.
Calendar rundown: Nationwide Sunday on March 1. State holiday for Holika Dahan in UP on March 2 (Monday). Holi’s grand scale on March 3 (Tuesday) blanks out banks in Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab, and more—up to 15 states—with lingering offs in spots on March 4.
Routine breaks: Sundays March 8, 15, 22, 29; second Saturday March 14; fourth Saturday March 28. Unique ones include Mizoram’s Chapchar Kut (March 13), Shab-e-Qadr in Jammu/Srinagar (March 17), Gudi Padwa/Ugadi/Navratri across 11 states (March 19), nationwide Eid-ul-Fitr (March 20), Ramadan Eid/Sarhul (March 21), Shri Ram Navami (March 26), possible Dashami (March 27), and Shri Mahavir Jayanti in 15 states (March 31).
Branches may shutter, but modern conveniences like internet banking, mobile wallets, and ATM networks ensure seamless access to funds and services.
BSE and NSE will see 12 trading holidays: the three big festival days plus weekend halts. Financial planners and traders, use this comprehensive guide to navigate the month without hitches.