Bank Holiday Today: Are Your Banks Closed on January 15 for Sankranti & BMC Elections?

Bank holiday today: Are banks closed on January 15 for Sankranti & BMC elections?

If you’re scrambling to make a last-minute deposit, cash a check, or visit your local branch this Thursday, you might be in for a surprise. That’s right—there’s a bank holiday today, January 15, 2026, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation across India. The closures are a fascinating mix of vibrant regional festivals and a significant democratic event.

So, are your banks closed? The answer depends entirely on where you live. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening and how you can navigate your financial needs without a hitch.

Table of Contents

Why Is There a Bank Holiday Today?

Today’s bank holiday is a unique convergence of culture and civic duty. On one hand, we have the joyous celebration of Makar Sankranti (also known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Uttarayana in Gujarat), a major harvest festival marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn. On the other, a critical democratic process is underway in Maharashtra with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) designates bank holidays based on a combination of national, state-specific, and local events. This means a festival that’s a major holiday in one state might be just another working day in another .

State-by-State Guide to the January 15 Bank Holiday

Here’s a clear breakdown of where banks are officially closed today:

  • Maharashtra: Banks are closed for two major reasons: the BMC elections and the observance of Makar Sankranti. The state government has declared a public holiday to facilitate voting . So, whether you’re in Mumbai, Pune, or Nagpur, don’t plan on visiting your branch.
  • Tamil Nadu: This is the first day of the four-day Pongal festival, one of the state’s most important celebrations. All banks will be shut .
  • Karnataka: Banks are closed to observe Sankranti.
  • Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Sankranti is a major festival here, warranting a full bank holiday.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Banks in many cities across UP are closed for Makar Sankranti.
  • Sikkim: The state also observes a holiday for the festival.

Remember, even within a state, there can be minor variations, so it’s always wise to check with your specific branch if you’re unsure.

What About Digital Banking?

Just because your physical branch is closed doesn’t mean your banking has to stop. This is where the beauty of modern finance shines.

All digital banking channels remain fully operational during a bank holiday today. You can still:

  • Transfer funds via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS (though note that settlement for some may happen on the next working day).
  • Pay bills through your bank’s mobile app or net banking portal.
  • Check your account balance and transaction history.
  • Use ATMs for cash withdrawals (subject to your daily limit).

For any urgent issues that require human assistance, your bank’s customer care helpline should still be available, though you might experience longer wait times.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in January 2026

January is packed with holidays! After today, here’s what’s coming up on the RBI calendar :

  • January 16: Thiruvalluvar Day (Tamil Nadu)
  • January 17: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (observed in various states)
  • January 24: Fourth Saturday (a regular monthly closure)
  • January 26: Republic Day (a nationwide bank holiday)

If you have important banking tasks, it’s a good idea to plan them for a weekday between these dates to avoid any inconvenience. You can find the complete [INTERNAL_LINK:RBI bank holiday calendar] on the official website.

Summary: Plan Ahead for Your Financial Needs

In summary, yes, there is a bank holiday today, January 15, 2026, but only in specific states celebrating Sankranti/Pongal or holding the BMC elections. If you’re in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, or Sikkim, your local branch is almost certainly closed. For everyone else, it’s business as usual at your bank.

The key takeaway? Always double-check your local bank’s status before heading out, and leverage the power of digital banking to keep your finances on track, no matter the holiday.

Sources

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