Uttarakhand, revered as ‘Devbhumi’ or the ‘Land of the Gods’, is a northern Indian state known for its Himalayan peaks, sacred rivers, and important pilgrimage sites. To effectively plan your year in this spiritually significant state, having the complete list of 2026 bank holidays is essential. This guide provides the official Uttarakhand bank holidays for 2026, tailored for residents, business owners, and pilgrims. Knowing these dates is crucial for managing finances, scheduling work, and participating in the state’s unique festivals and religious observances.
Official Uttarakhand Bank Holiday Schedule for 2026
Here is the definitive and official list of bank holidays for Uttarakhand in 2026. This comprehensive schedule is your essential tool for planning all financial matters, from personal banking to business transactions. It includes all national holidays, significant state festivals, and other dates when banks will be non-operational. Being informed about these holidays ensures you can manage your banking needs without any last-minute surprises, allowing for a smooth and well-planned year in this beautiful state.
Framework of Bank Holidays in Uttarakhand
The bank holiday calendar in Uttarakhand is structured based on directives from both the central and state governments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates holidays for national events like Republic Day and Independence Day. The Government of Uttarakhand supplements this with holidays for festivals that are culturally and religiously significant to the state, such as Harela and Ganga Dussehra. Furthermore, all banks in Uttarakhand follow the nationwide standard of being closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Month-Wise List of Bank Holidays in Uttarakhand 2026
To facilitate easy planning, here is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of bank holidays in Uttarakhand for the year 2026. This tabular format gives you a clear, at-a-glance view of the non-working days, helping you organize your schedule effectively.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| February 26 | Thursday | Maha Shivaratri |
| March 14 | Saturday | Holi |
| April 2 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 7 | Thursday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 25 | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| June 27 | Saturday | Harela Mela |
| August 1 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| August 12 | Wednesday | Janmashtami |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 26 | Monday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) |
| October 30 | Friday | Milad-un-Nabi |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Types of Bank Holidays Observed in Uttarakhand
Understanding the classification of holidays in Uttarakhand can provide better clarity for your planning process.
- National Holidays: These are mandatory gazetted holidays observed by all banking institutions across India.
- State Government Holidays: These holidays are specific to Uttarakhand and are declared to celebrate regional festivals, cultural events, and important religious observances.
- Weekend Holidays: All Sundays are bank holidays. Additionally, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday are working days.
Smart Financial Planning Around Uttarakhand’s Holidays
With some advance planning, you can easily manage your financial tasks and avoid any inconvenience caused by bank closures.
- Mark Your Calendar: Begin the year by marking all the bank holidays on your calendar. This proactive step helps you anticipate closures well in advance.
- Go Digital: Utilize the full potential of digital banking. Mobile banking, internet banking, and UPI services are available 24/7 for fund transfers, bill payments, and account management.
- ATM Preparedness: ATMs are functional during holidays but can experience high withdrawal volumes, especially in tourist areas. It’s prudent to withdraw adequate cash beforehand.
- Schedule Bank Visits: For tasks that require you to be physically present at the bank, plan them for working days, steering clear of the days immediately before or after a long holiday period. You can find the full holiday schedule in the complete list of 2026 bank holidays in Uttarakhand.
The Cultural Heartbeat of Uttarakhand’s Festivals
Uttarakhand’s holidays are a true reflection of its deep connection with nature, agriculture, and spirituality.
- Harela: A unique folk festival of the Kumaon region, Harela marks the onset of the monsoon and the sowing season. It is celebrated to wish for a good harvest and prosperity, and involves the germination of seeds in baskets.
- Maha Shivaratri: This festival holds special significance in Uttarakhand, with many important Shiva temples like Kedarnath and those in Rishikesh and Haridwar. It is celebrated with night-long prayers, fasting, and religious fervor.
- Diwali: Known as ‘Badi Diwali’, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The lighting of diyas and celebrations are a beautiful sight against the backdrop of the mountains.
This complete guide to the 2026 bank holidays in Uttarakhand is your essential companion for a well-organized year. It not only aids in effective financial planning but also helps you connect with the vibrant cultural and spiritual celebrations of the ‘Land of the Gods’. If you’re planning a scenic drive, knowing the driving distance from Dehradun to Mussoorie can be very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bank holiday list the same for Dehradun, Haridwar, and Nainital?
Yes, the official bank holiday list is applicable to the entire state of Uttarakhand. All bank branches, whether in the capital Dehradun, pilgrimage towns like Haridwar, or hill stations like Nainital, will observe the same set of holidays.
Are all Saturdays non-working for banks in Uttarakhand in 2026?
No, not all Saturdays are holidays. As per the all-India banking regulations, banks in Uttarakhand will be closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday will function as normal working days.
Can I visit the Char Dham Yatra sites during bank holidays?
Yes, pilgrimage sites and temples remain open for devotees during bank holidays. In fact, these times often see a higher influx of pilgrims. Bank holidays do not affect the operational hours of temples and other tourist attractions.
Will online banking services work during a major festival like Holi?
Absolutely. All digital banking services, including UPI, NEFT, IMPS, and mobile banking, will be available 24/7 during the Holi festival. You can conduct your financial transactions online without any interruption, though bank-branch-related services will be unavailable.
How can I get updates if a festival holiday date changes?
While the list is prepared in advance, dates for some Hindu festivals based on the ‘tithi’ (lunar day) can sometimes be adjusted. Banks usually notify customers of any such changes via notices in branches or on their official websites. It’s always a good practice to confirm closer to the date.