In India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, staying ahead with your planning is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. A crucial element for effective scheduling is the complete list of 2026 bank holidays. Whether you’re managing a business in Lucknow, studying in Prayagraj, or working in the industrial hubs of Noida and Kanpur, knowing when banks are closed is fundamental. This guide provides a comprehensive and official list of bank holidays in Uttar Pradesh for 2026, enabling you to plan your finances, leaves, and festival celebrations with precision and confidence.
Quick Answer
The 2026 bank holiday list for Uttar Pradesh includes national holidays and major regional festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, and Diwali, along with specific holidays like Ram Navami and Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. This official schedule is essential for residents and businesses across UP for planning financial transactions, vacations, and festive activities throughout the year.
Understanding Bank Holidays in Uttar Pradesh (UP)
The bank holiday calendar in Uttar Pradesh is a rich mosaic of national events, major Hindu and Muslim festivals, and the birthdays of significant historical and religious figures. The list is officially declared by the Uttar Pradesh state government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Given the state’s vast cultural and religious diversity, the calendar is comprehensive. Major festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are key holidays. Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharram are also major holidays. Furthermore, the state observes holidays for Ram Navami, marking Lord Rama’s birth in Ayodhya, and Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth in Mathura. This schedule is the bedrock of financial and personal planning for millions across the state.
Official List of Bank Holidays in Uttar Pradesh for 2026
To assist you in planning your year, here is the detailed and anticipated list of bank holidays for Uttar Pradesh in 2026. Please remember that the dates for some festivals are dependent on the lunar calendar and should be confirmed with official government notifications.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 6 | Friday | Maha Shivaratri |
| March 21 | Saturday | Holika Dahan |
| March 22 | Sunday | Holi |
| April 2 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| April 6 | Monday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 7 | Thursday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 25 | Monday | Id-ul-Fitr |
| August 1 | Saturday | Bakrid / Id-ul-Adha |
| August 3 | Monday | Raksha Bandhan |
| August 12 | Wednesday | Janmashtami |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 30 | Sunday | Muharram |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 24 | Saturday | Mahanavami / Dussehra |
| October 30 | Friday | Id-e-Milad (Barawafat) |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November 15 | Sunday | Govardhan Puja |
| November 16 | Monday | Bhai Duj |
| November 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti / Kartik Purnima |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Benefits of Planning Around UP’s Bank Holiday Calendar
A proactive approach to the holiday schedule can significantly streamline your activities:
- Efficient Financial Management: Plan your banking needs, such as cash withdrawals for festivals or depositing cheques, well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes and disruptions.
- Strategic Vacation Planning: The 2026 calendar offers numerous long weekends. This is an excellent opportunity to visit historical sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra or the holy city of Varanasi. For travel planning, knowing the driving distance between Lucknow and Kanpur can be useful.
- Smooth Business Operations: Businesses in UP’s diverse economy can manage payroll, vendor payments, and supply chain logistics more effectively by accounting for non-banking days.
- Stress-Free Festival Celebrations: Knowing the dates for Holi, Diwali, and Eid helps families budget for expenses and plan gatherings without financial worries.
- Timely Government Work: Many government-related financial transactions require banking services. Planning around holidays ensures your work is not delayed. For those working in the state, understanding the minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh is also key to financial planning.
Why are Ram Navami and Janmashtami major holidays in UP?
Uttar Pradesh is the heartland of Hindu mythology and religion. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, and Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, are both located in UP. Therefore, Ram Navami and Janmashtami are not just festivals but massive cultural events celebrated with deep devotion across the state. Declaring them as bank holidays allows for statewide participation in the religious ceremonies and festivities.
Leveraging Long Weekends in Uttar Pradesh for 2026
The year 2026 is ripe with opportunities for long weekends in UP. Republic Day, Mahavir Jayanti, Eid-ul-Fitr, Raksha Bandhan, and Guru Nanak Jayanti all fall on a Monday. Good Friday, Gandhi Jayanti, and Christmas are on Fridays. These provide ample three-day breaks for travel and relaxation. With just one day of leave, holidays falling on Thursdays, like Ram Navami, can be converted into extended four-day holidays, perfect for exploring the state’s rich heritage.
Are bank holidays in Lucknow the same as in Noida?
Yes. The bank holiday list sanctioned by the Uttar Pradesh government is applicable to all districts and cities within the state’s jurisdiction. This means that banks in the capital city, Lucknow, will have the same holiday schedule as banks in the commercial hub of Noida or the historical city of Agra. This uniformity is crucial for consistent economic activity across the state.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth year, be mindful of these common slip-ups:
- Forgetting Bank-Specific Holidays: Banks are closed for the public on April 1st for their annual closing of accounts. No public dealings are possible on this day.
- Underestimating Festival Crowds: Major festivals like Holi and Diwali see a surge in market activity and travel. Plan your finances and travel bookings well in advance.
- Ignoring Processing Times for Online Transactions: While UPI and IMPS are instant, NEFT and RTGS transactions initiated on a holiday will only be processed on the next working day.
- Last-Minute ATM Visits: ATMs, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, can run out of cash during long holiday periods. It’s best to withdraw cash a day or two before.
- Relying on Unofficial Calendars: Always refer to the official list from the state government or RBI. Unverified sources might have errors, especially with dates of lunar festivals.
Conclusion
The 2026 bank holiday calendar for Uttar Pradesh is an indispensable guide for every resident. It’s the key to balancing your professional commitments with personal and cultural life. By using this list to plan ahead, you can manage your finances efficiently, celebrate festivals with joy, and enjoy rejuvenating breaks. Keep this guide bookmarked to navigate 2026 with ease and make it a year of success and celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kartik Purnima and why is it a holiday in UP?
Kartik Purnima is a major Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon of the Kartik month. In Uttar Pradesh, it is marked by the ‘Dev Deepawali’ festival in Varanasi, where millions of earthen lamps are lit on the ghats of the Ganga. It is also the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, making it a significant holiday.
Are private and public sector banks in UP closed on the same days?
Yes, the holiday list under the Negotiable Instruments Act is mandatory for all banks operating in Uttar Pradesh, including public sector banks (like SBI, PNB), private sector banks (like HDFC, ICICI), foreign banks, and cooperative banks.
Can I deposit a cheque during a bank holiday?
You can deposit a cheque through a cheque deposit machine or drop-box at a bank branch or ATM, if available. However, the cheque will only be processed and sent for clearing on the next bank working day.
Is Holika Dahan a bank holiday?
Holika Dahan, the evening before Holi, is often a gazetted holiday or a restricted holiday in Uttar Pradesh, leading to bank closures. It marks the beginning of the Holi festivities. It’s best to check the official notification for confirmation.
How do bank holidays in UP differ from those in Delhi?
While many major festivals like Diwali and Holi overlap, UP may have specific holidays like Ram Navami with more prominence. Delhi’s holiday list is determined by the NCT government. If you operate in both regions, you must consult both the Uttar Pradesh bank holiday list and Delhi’s official schedule.