Navigating Bank Holidays in January 2026
As the second weekend of January 2026 arrives, many individuals may be wondering whether banks are open today, January 10th. Understanding the operational status of banks, especially on Saturdays, requires a look at the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) guidelines and the specific holidays observed during the month.
Are Banks Open Today, January 10th?
No, banks are closed across the country today, Saturday, January 10th, 2026. This is because it is the second Saturday of the month. According to RBI guidelines, banks in India are typically closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Banks are usually open on the first and third Saturdays unless a specific holiday is designated in the RBI calendar.
Understanding the Saturday Rule
It's a common misconception that banks are closed every Saturday. However, the rule is that banks are open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of a month (if there are five Saturdays). All public and private sector banks observe closures on the second and fourth Saturdays. If a state-specific festival falls on a Saturday, banks may also be closed on that day.
Bank Holidays in January 2026
January 2026 includes several national and regional holidays. Here’s a look at some of the major holidays that may affect bank operations:
- New Year's Day: January 1st (Thursday) was a nationwide holiday.
- Swami Vivekananda Jayanti: January 12th (Monday), banks will be closed in West Bengal.
- Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu: January 14th (Wednesday), holidays in Gujarat, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.
- Pongal/Makar Sankranti: January 15th (Thursday), holidays observed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Sikkim.
- Thiruvalluvar Day & Uzhavar Thirunal: January 16th (Friday) and 17th (Saturday), banks will be closed in Tamil Nadu.
- Republic Day: January 26th (Monday), a national holiday with bank closures across the country.
Planning Ahead
Given the numerous holidays and the second and fourth Saturday closures, it is advisable for bank customers to plan their work in advance. Checking the RBI's annual holiday calendar can help in scheduling bank-related activities.
Digital Banking as an Alternative
Even when banks are closed, essential services like UPI, ATMs, and online banking typically remain operational. These digital channels allow customers to conduct transactions, check balances, and perform other banking activities from anywhere.
Potential Bank Strike
Adding to the holiday closures, there is a potential for further disruption in late January. Bank unions have called for an all-India strike on January 27th (Tuesday). This strike, combined with the fourth Saturday on January 24th, the regular Sunday closure on January 25th, and Republic Day on January 26th, could result in a four-day disruption for bank customers.
Impact of the Strike
The potential strike could affect branch operations, cash services, and cheque clearing. Customers should plan accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Digital banking services are expected to function normally during the strike.
By staying informed about bank holidays and planning ahead, customers can manage their banking needs effectively throughout January 2026.
