As the first weekend of the new year begins, bank customers across India are searching for a clear answer to one simple question—are banks open today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, or not? With different rules for Saturdays and additional state-level holidays, confusion around bank working days is common, especially at the start of the month.
The short answer is yes, banks are open today in most states, as January 3 falls on the first Saturday of the month, which is typically a working day. However, there is an important exception. Banks in Uttar Pradesh are closed today due to the observance of Hazrat Ali’s Birthday, which is a notified state bank holiday.
This mixed status has led to a surge in online searches related to Saturday bank holidays, RBI rules, and city-wise bank availability. Here is a detailed explanation to help customers avoid inconvenience.
Why Are Banks Closed in Uttar Pradesh Today?
The bank closure in Uttar Pradesh is due to the observance of Hazrat Ali’s Birthday, which is listed as a state-declared bank holiday. While the day is not marked as a national holiday, certain states choose to include it in their official holiday calendars based on regional practices.
This year, the occasion falls on a Saturday that would otherwise have been a working day. Because of this, bank branches in Uttar Pradesh remain closed, even though banks are open in many other states.
This situation once again highlights a key aspect of India’s banking system—bank holidays are not the same across the country. A day that is a regular working day in one state can still be a holiday in another.
How Saturday Banking Works in India
The Reserve Bank of India( RBI) follows a easily defined pattern when it comes to bank operations on Saturdays.
Under current rules
Banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month( if a fifth Saturday occurs).
Banks remain unrestricted on the alternate and fourth Saturdays.
piecemeal from these fixed weekend rules, banks may also remain shut due to
National leaves
State- position carnivals
Regional or artistic observances
Special leaves declared by state governments
Because of these variations, guests are advised to checkstate-wise bank vacation lists before planning a visit to their branch.
Bank Holidays in January 2026: State-Wise Overview
The month of January usually brings a series of bank holidays across India due to a mix of national celebrations, regional festivals, and cultural observances. Because these holidays differ from one state to another, bank customers are advised to stay informed before planning branch visits. Below is an overview of the key bank holidays in January 2026, as notified by individual states.
January 2 (Friday): New Year and Mannam Jayanti
Banks remain closed in Mizoram and KeralaJanuary 3 (Saturday): Hazrat Ali’s Birthday
Bank branches closed across Uttar PradeshJanuary 12 (Monday): Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
Observed as a bank holiday in West BengalJanuary 14 (Wednesday): Makar Sankranti / Magh Bihu
Banks closed in Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, and Arunachal PradeshJanuary 15 (Thursday): Uttarayan Punyakal, Pongal, and Maghe Sankranti
Bank holiday in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and TelanganaJanuary 16 (Friday): Thiruvalluvar Day
Banks closed in Tamil NaduJanuary 17 (Saturday): Uzhavar Thirunal
Observed as a bank holiday in Tamil NaduJanuary 23 (Friday): Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, Saraswati Puja,
Veer Surendra Sai Jayanti, and Basant Panchami
Banks closed in Tripura, Odisha, and West BengalJanuary 26 (Monday): Republic Day
Banks closed across India
Will Online and Digital Banking Work Today?
Yes. Even when physical bank branches remain shut due to holidays, online and digital banking services continue to function without interruption.
Customers can still access:
UPI-based payment services
Mobile and internet banking platforms
ATM cash withdrawal facilities
IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS fund transfers (as per banking hours)
Online bill payments and recharge services
However, facilities that require a physical visit to the bank—such as cheque submission, locker access, or over-the-counter cash transactions—will not be available in states observing a bank holiday.
Important Tips for Bank Customers
To avoid last-minute inconvenience, customers are encouraged to follow a few simple precautions:
Check state-specific bank holiday notifications in advance
Keep in mind that second and fourth Saturdays are non-working days for banks nationwide
Schedule urgent banking tasks on confirmed working days
Maintain sufficient cash during extended holiday periods
Rely on digital platforms for routine financial transactions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes both monthly and annual holiday lists, which serve as the most reliable reference for customers.
Why Awareness of Bank Holidays Matters
Bank holidays can influence a wide range of financial activities, such as:
Salary disbursements
EMI debits and loan repayments
Cheque clearance timelines
Business and commercial transactions
Government-related financial work
For salaried individuals, small business owners, and traders, knowing when banks are operational helps prevent delays, missed deadlines, and avoidable penalties.
Final Summary
To conclude, banks are operating normally in most states today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, as it is the first Saturday of the month. However, bank branches in Uttar Pradesh remain closed due to the observance of Hazrat Ali’s Birthday.
Customers are advised to stay alert to local holiday announcements, particularly on Saturdays, as banking schedules can vary from state to state. With round-the-clock digital banking services available, most essential financial needs can still be managed smoothly, even on bank holidays.