Bank Holiday on March 31 2026? RBI Orders Banks to Stay Open, Here’s Why

The Reserve Bank of India has directed all agency banks to remain open on March 31, 2026, despite the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti being a bank holiday in several states.

In a statement dated February 3, 2026, the RBI said: “The Government of India has made a request to keep all branches of the banks dealing with government receipts and payments open for transactions on March 31, 2026 (Tuesday-public holiday) so as to account for all the government transactions relating to receipts and payments in the Financial Year 2025-26 itself. Accordingly, agency banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2026 (Tuesday).”

Was March 31 a Bank Holiday Across India?

Banks were scheduled to remain closed in many states on account of Mahavir Jayanti. However, following the RBI directive, agency banks handling government transactions remained operational on Tuesday.

State-Wise Bank Holiday List

Banks were originally expected to be closed in the following states:

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Tamil Nadu
• Rajasthan
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal
• New Delhi
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Jharkhand

Why Banks Remained Open

March 31 marks the end of the financial year. All government-related receipts, payments, and settlements must be completed before the close of the fiscal year 2025-26.

As a result, agency banks were instructed to prioritise government transactions on this day.

What Are Agency Banks?

As per the RBI, agency banks are appointed under Section 45 of the RBI Act to carry out government transactions. These include all public sector banks and select private sector banks. Only designated branches handle such operations.

Digital Banking Services

Online and mobile banking services such as fund transfers and tax payments are expected to remain available. Customers are advised to check with their respective banks for specific services and timings.