Manipur, the ‘Jeweled Land’ of Northeast India, is a state celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, classical dance forms, and breathtaking natural beauty. To effectively plan your year in this vibrant state, it is essential to have the complete list of 2026 bank holidays. This detailed guide provides the official Manipur bank holidays for 2026, created for residents, business owners, and tourists. Knowing when banks are closed is crucial for managing financial transactions, scheduling business operations, and immersing yourself in the state’s unique festivals like Yaoshang and Lai Haraoba.
Official Manipur Bank Holiday Schedule for 2026
Here is the official and comprehensive schedule of bank holidays in Manipur for the year 2026. This list is an invaluable resource for planning your financial activities and personal events. It includes all national holidays, significant state-specific festivals, and other important dates when banking services will be unavailable. By being aware of these dates in advance, you can ensure your financial planning is seamless and well-organized, avoiding any potential disruptions throughout the year.
How Bank Holidays are Determined in Manipur
The bank holiday calendar in Manipur is a blend of national and regional observances. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sets the holidays for major national events like Republic Day and Independence Day. The Government of Manipur then supplements this list with holidays for festivals that are integral to the state’s cultural and social fabric. These include important local celebrations. Like the rest of the country, all banks in Manipur are also closed on every Sunday and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, following a uniform banking policy.
Month-Wise List of Bank Holidays in Manipur 2026
For your convenience and ease of planning, below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of the bank holidays in Manipur for 2026. This tabular format provides a clear, at-a-glance view of all non-working days.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 15 | Thursday | Imoinu Iratpa |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| February 5 | Thursday | Lui-Ngai-Ni |
| March 14 | Saturday | Yaoshang (Holi) |
| March 28 | Saturday | Sajibu Nongma Panba (Cheiraoba) |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Bank’s Yearly Closing of Accounts |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| July 20 | Monday | Kang (Rath Yatra) |
| August 1 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| August 13 | Thursday | Patriots’ Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 26 | Monday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali (Deepavali) / Ningol Chakouba |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Categorization of Bank Holidays in Manipur
Understanding the different types of holidays can help in better financial and personal planning.
- National Gazetted Holidays: These are mandatory holidays observed by all banks and government offices throughout India.
- State-Specific Holidays: The Manipur government declares these holidays to celebrate unique regional festivals and commemorate important historical events.
- Regular Weekend Holidays: Following RBI guidelines, banks are non-operational on all Sundays. They also remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
Smart Planning for Manipur’s Bank Holidays
With some foresight, you can manage your finances effectively and avoid any last-minute issues due to bank closures.
- Mark Your Calendar: Start the year by noting all bank holidays on your calendar. This simple act can help you anticipate closures and plan accordingly.
- Utilize Digital Banking: Make the most of 24/7 digital banking services. Mobile banking apps, internet banking, and UPI are always available for fund transfers, bill payments, and checking your balance.
- Plan for Cash Needs: While ATMs are usually functional, they can experience heavy usage during festivals. It’s a good practice to withdraw sufficient cash in advance of a long holiday period.
- Schedule Bank Visits: For tasks that need in-person assistance, like loan applications or document submissions, plan your visit on a working day, avoiding the rush before or after a holiday. This is especially true for planning around major festivals, for which you can refer to the complete list of Manipur bank holidays.
The Cultural Significance of Manipur’s Festivals
Manipur’s holidays are a vibrant reflection of its rich traditions and deep-rooted cultural practices.
- Yaoshang: Considered the premier festival of Manipur, Yaoshang is a five-day celebration that coincides with Holi. It features the traditional ‘Thabal Chongba’ folk dance, community feasts, and sporting events.
- Ningol Chakouba: A unique festival that celebrates the bond between married women (ningol) and their parental families. Married daughters are invited to their parental homes for a grand feast.
- Lui-Ngai-Ni: A major seed-sowing festival celebrated by the Naga tribes of Manipur. It marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated with traditional dances, songs, and community prayers for a bountiful harvest.
By using this comprehensive guide to the 2026 bank holidays in Manipur, you can navigate the year with ease and confidence. This knowledge is essential for effective financial management and also allows you to fully engage with the unique cultural celebrations of the ‘Jeweled Land’. For those looking to explore the region, understanding the local culture through events like the Manipuri classical dance can enrich the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays in Imphal the same as in other districts of Manipur?
Yes, the official bank holiday list is applicable to the entire state of Manipur. All bank branches, whether located in the capital city of Imphal or in other districts like Churachandpur or Ukhrul, will observe the same set of holidays.
Are all Saturdays holidays for banks in Manipur in 2026?
No, not all Saturdays are bank holidays. As per the all-India banking regulations, banks in Manipur will be closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday will be regular working days.
Can I use online banking services during the Yaoshang festival holidays?
Yes, digital banking services such as UPI, internet banking, and mobile banking will remain fully functional 24/7 during the Yaoshang festival holidays. You can perform most transactions online, although services like cheque clearing will only be processed on the next working day.
What is Patriots’ Day, and why is it a bank holiday in Manipur?
Patriots’ Day, observed on August 13th, is a state holiday in Manipur that commemorates the heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. It is a day to pay homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the state, and thus, it is observed as a public holiday.
How will I know if a festival holiday date is changed?
Some festival dates are based on the lunar calendar and can be subject to change. Banks are required to notify their customers of any such revisions. You can look for notices inside the bank branch, on their official website, or through SMS alerts and mobile app notifications.