India Bank Closures Extend Up to 6 Days from March 30

Millions of bank customers across India face an extended period of branch closures starting March 30, 2026, as the country observes Mahavir Jayanti and other holidays through early April, according to the Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar. Physical banking operations will halt in various regions for up to six days, potentially delaying in-person transactions, though digital services remain fully operational nationwide.

Mahavir Jayanti, marking the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, prompted varied closures reflecting India's regional observances. On March 30, banks in Karnataka, including major institutions such as State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank, shut their doors after the state government shifted the holiday from March 31 to accommodate the festival. In contrast, branches in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and other areas remained open that day.

The following day, March 31, saw widespread closures for Mahavir Janmakalyanak, another name for the festival, affecting banks in cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur,...