For residents of Bihar, staying informed about the bank holiday schedule for 2026 is essential for effective financial planning. Bank holidays in Bihar encompass a unique blend of national holidays and significant regional festivals like Chhath Puja, which holds immense importance in the state. On these specific days, all public and private sector banks remain closed. This official list will help you manage your banking activities, plan your transactions, and make the most of the festive season without any last-minute hassles.
Quick Answer
The 2026 bank holiday schedule for Bihar includes national holidays such as Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). The most important state-specific holidays are for Chhath Puja in November and Bihar Diwas in March. Banks will also be closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Types of Bank Holidays in Bihar
Bank holidays in Bihar are determined under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and are generally categorized into three types:
- Gazetted Holidays: These are mandatory holidays observed by all banks across the state. This list includes major national and state festivals.
- Restricted Holidays: These are optional holidays, and bank employees may choose a limited number of holidays from this list. Bank services are generally available on these days.
- Regular Closures: All banks in Bihar, like the rest of India, are non-operational on all Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.
This article focuses on the gazetted holidays when all banking services are halted.
Official Bank Holiday Calendar for Bihar in 2026
Here is a detailed, month-by-month schedule of the expected bank holidays for Bihar in 2026. Please note that dates for festivals dependent on the lunar calendar are tentative and subject to change.
January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 15 | Thursday | Makar Sankranti |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
February 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| February 26 | Thursday | Maha Shivaratri |
March 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| March 6 | Friday | Holi |
| March 22 | Sunday | Bihar Diwas |
| March 28 | Saturday | Ram Navami |
April 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Annual Closing of Bank Accounts |
| April 2 | Thursday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| April 21* | Tuesday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
*Dates for Islamic festivals are subject to the sighting of the moon.
May 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| May 4 | Monday | Buddha Purnima |
June 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| June 28* | Sunday | Bakrid / Eid al-Adha |
July 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| July 27* | Monday | Muharram |
August 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 16 | Sunday | Janmashtami |
October 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 23 | Friday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) |
November 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November 15 | Sunday | Chhath Puja (Sandhya Arghya) |
| November 16 | Monday | Chhath Puja (Usha Arghya) |
| November 25 | Wednesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
December 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Key Festivals and Their Importance in Bihar
Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Bihar. It is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. The festival spans four days and involves rigorous rituals, including holy bathing and fasting. The main celebrations, Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and Usha Arghya (morning offerings), are major public and bank holidays in the state.
Bihar Diwas
Bihar Diwas (Bihar Day) is celebrated on March 22nd to commemorate the day when the state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal Presidency by the British in 1912. It is a day to celebrate the state’s culture and heritage, and it is a public holiday. Learning about this day provides context, much like understanding how Indian states got their names deepens one’s knowledge of the country’s formation.
Digital Banking: Your 24/7 Solution
Even when physical bank branches are closed, modern banking continues uninterrupted. On bank holidays, you can rely on the following services:
- ATMs: For cash withdrawals and deposits.
- Net Banking and Mobile Banking: To check balances, transfer funds (IMPS, NEFT, RTGS), and pay bills.
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface): For instant payments and money transfers.
It is always wise to plan your financial activities around this holiday schedule. For a comparative perspective, you can also view the bank holiday list for the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chhath Puja a bank holiday in Bihar?
Yes, Chhath Puja is the most significant festival in Bihar, and banks are closed for at least two days during the main rituals. It is a major gazetted holiday in the state, reflecting its immense cultural and religious importance to the people of Bihar.
Are banks open on the first and third Saturdays in Bihar?
Yes. Following the nationwide banking rule set by the RBI, banks in Bihar are open and fully functional on the first, third, and any fifth Saturday of a month. They are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays.
What is Bihar Diwas?
Bihar Diwas, or Bihar Day, is celebrated on March 22nd. It marks the formation of the state of Bihar in 1912, when it was separated from the Bengal Presidency. It is a public holiday in the state to celebrate its unique identity and heritage.
Can I deposit a cheque on a bank holiday?
While you might be able to drop a cheque in a dropbox at a bank branch or ATM, the cheque will not be processed until the next working day. Cheque clearing services are not operational on bank holidays.
Are the bank holiday dates for 2026 confirmed?
This list is based on the anticipated schedule. The final official list is released by the state government and the RBI towards the end of the preceding year. Dates for festivals like Eid are subject to change based on the sighting of the moon.