Bank Closures on Eid ul Adha 2026: SBI, ICICI, HDFC Status

Banks Closed on Eid ul Adha 2026: May 28 Holiday Status

India's largest banks will shut operations on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to mark Eid ul Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially declared this date as a bank holiday across the country, affecting all scheduled commercial banks and cooperative banks.

Eid ul Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslim communities nationwide. Banks observe this day as a public holiday to allow employees and customers to participate in festivities. If you have any banking-related urgent work, it's crucial to plan ahead before the holiday.

Which Major Banks Will Be Closed?

All leading banks operating in India will remain closed on May 28, 2026. This includes:

• State Bank of India (SBI)
• ICICI Bank
• HDFC Bank
• Axis Bank
• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• IndusInd Bank
• Yes Bank
• Federal Bank
• IDBI Bank
• Bank of Baroda
• Union Bank of India
• Punjab National Bank (PNB)
• All other scheduled commercial and cooperative banks

The closure applies uniformly across all branches and offices of these institutions, regardless of location. Even if your local branch typically remains open on other occasions, it will follow the RBI's directive and stay shut on this festival.

RBI's Official Bank Holiday Calendar

The Reserve Bank of India maintains and publishes an official calendar of bank holidays every year. Eid ul Adha is included in this list as a national holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Banks are legally required to comply with RBI's holiday notifications.

The exact date of Eid ul Adha shifts annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar. For 2026, the festival falls on May 28. However, in some years and depending on regional variations, the date may differ slightly across states. To avoid confusion, customers should verify with their respective banks or check the RBI's official circular before planning any banking transactions.

Beyond May 28, multiple other significant festivals and national events may result in bank closures throughout the year. It is advisable to maintain an updated list of bank holiday dates for your convenience.

Planning Your Banking Before the Holiday

What You Should Do Before May 28

To avoid inconvenience, complete all urgent banking requirements at least a day before the holiday. This includes withdrawals, deposits, cheque submissions, loan applications, and fund transfers. If you anticipate needing cash during the holiday period, withdraw sufficient funds on May 27 or earlier.

Digital banking services—such as online money transfers, bill payments, and balance inquiries—will remain operational even on May 28. Most banks' mobile apps and internet banking portals function 24/7, allowing customers to handle routine transactions remotely without visiting physical branches.

Cheque Clearing and Payments

If you plan to deposit cheques, do so before May 28. Cheques deposited after the holiday period will be processed when banks reopen on May 29. Similarly, if you have issued cheques expected to clear around this date, account for the additional delay.

Standing instructions and automated payments set up in advance will process normally. Salary credits and recurring bill payments will typically process as scheduled, though some transactions involving inter-bank clearing may experience slight delays if they fall exactly on or around the holiday.

Alternative Banking Options During the Closure

Digital Banking Services Available

Even though physical branches remain closed, customers can access essential services through:

• Mobile Banking Apps: Transfer funds, check balances, pay bills, and view transaction history
• Internet Banking Portals: Complete most financial transactions online
• ATMs: Withdraw cash and check account information (subject to ATM availability and stock)
• Phone Banking: Call your bank's customer service helpline for assistance
• UPI Platforms: Send and receive money instantly through BHIM, Google Pay, WhatsApp Pay, and similar services

These services function round-the-clock, ensuring you can manage essential banking needs without visiting a branch.

Emergency Services

For genuine emergencies requiring bank intervention, most major banks maintain customer care hotlines even on holidays. Contact your bank's emergency helpline number found on the back of your debit or credit card for immediate assistance.

Mark Your Calendar and Plan Accordingly

May 28, 2026, is now confirmed as a bank holiday across India for Eid ul Adha. Plan your banking transactions strategically to ensure no disruption to your financial activities. Use digital banking channels for non-urgent matters and complete all essential branch-based work before the holiday arrives.

Stay updated with your bank's official announcements and the RBI's circular for any last-minute changes or additional information. Following these guidelines will help you navigate the holiday period smoothly and maintain uninterrupted access to your financial services.