Planning your finances and personal time for the year 2026 requires being aware of the bank holiday calendar. For residents of Chhattisgarh, the ‘Rice Bowl of India’, the holiday list is a blend of national observances, vibrant local festivals, and important state-specific dates. On these designated holidays, all public and private sector banks across the state will remain closed. This complete 2026 bank holiday calendar for Chhattisgarh will help you manage your banking needs and plan your activities well in advance.
Quick Answer
The 2026 bank holiday calendar for Chhattisgarh includes national holidays like Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). Key state-specific holidays include Hareli, Pola, and Teeja. Banks also remain closed on all Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month throughout the year.
Understanding Chhattisgarh’s Bank Holidays
Bank holidays in Chhattisgarh are declared by the state government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. They are typically divided into three categories:
- National Holidays: Three holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti) are observed nationwide.
- State-Specific Gazetted Holidays: These are holidays celebrating regional festivals and events that hold cultural significance in Chhattisgarh. Festivals like Hareli, celebrating the monsoon greenery, are unique to the state.
- Standard Bank Closures: All banks throughout India are closed on every Sunday, as well as the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
This guide focuses on the gazetted holidays when all banking transactions at branches come to a halt. Note that festival dates based on the lunar calendar are tentative and may be subject to change.
Chhattisgarh Bank Holiday List for 2026
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the bank holidays scheduled for Chhattisgarh in 2026.
January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| 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 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 |
*The date is subject to change based on 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 |
| July 31 | Friday | Hareli Festival |
August 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 29 | Saturday | Pola Festival |
September 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| September 18 | Friday | Teeja Festival |
October 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 23 | Friday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) |
November 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| November 1 | Sunday | Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava (Statehood Day) |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November 25 | Wednesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
December 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Spotlight on Chhattisgarh’s Unique Festivals
Chhattisgarh has a rich tribal culture, and its festivals are deeply connected to nature and agriculture.
- Hareli Festival: Celebrated in the month of Shravan (July/August), Hareli marks the beginning of the farming season. Farmers worship their equipment and cattle, and children play with ‘gedi’ (bamboo stilts). It is a festival celebrating greenery and the monsoon.
- Pola Festival: This festival is dedicated to bullocks and acknowledges their importance in agriculture. Bullocks are decorated, worshipped, and given a day of rest. Bullock races are a major attraction.
- Teeja Festival: Similar to Hartalika Teej in other states, Teeja is a festival where married women fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands.
The state’s unique culture is also reflected in its name. For those interested, exploring how Indian states got their names can offer fascinating insights. Similarly, comparing holiday lists, such as the schedule for Bihar, highlights the diverse cultural tapestry of India.
Digital Banking on Holidays
While bank branches will be closed, digital banking channels will remain active 24/7. You can use UPI, mobile banking, net banking, and ATMs for most of your transaction needs. Plan ahead for activities that require a branch visit, such as applying for a loan or submitting specific documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hareli festival in Chhattisgarh?
Hareli is a significant agricultural festival in Chhattisgarh celebrated during the monsoon season. Farmers worship their farm tools and cattle to pray for a good harvest. It is a gazetted holiday in the state, and banks remain closed on this day.
Are banks in Chhattisgarh closed on all Saturdays?
No. As per RBI regulations followed nationwide, banks in Chhattisgarh are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday are regular working days for all banks.
What is Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava?
Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava is the state’s foundation day, celebrated on November 1st. It commemorates the day in 2000 when Chhattisgarh was officially formed as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh. It is observed as a public holiday.
Will cheque clearing happen on a bank holiday?
No, cheque clearing services, including the processing of deposited cheques, are not operational on bank holidays. The process will resume on the next working day. It is important to account for this delay when making payments by cheque.
Where can I find the official 2026 holiday list for Chhattisgarh?
The official gazetted holiday list for 2026 will be published by the Government of Chhattisgarh’s General Administration Department towards the end of 2025. You can find the confirmed list on the state government’s official website.