Bank holidays in March 2026 start today, March 01, with a nationwide Sunday closure. As the RBI bank holiday list adds festival breaks for Holi, Ugadi, Eid, and Ram Navami, we should plan cash needs, cheque deposits, and payroll cycles now. Digital channels stay active, but branch-only services pause on notified days. This guide covers today’s status, key state-wise themes, and practical scheduling tips so you can avoid delays and keep payments on track through March.

March 1 update: Are banks open today?

March 01, 2026 is a Sunday, so public sector and private bank branches are closed nationwide. If you are asking “is bank open today” or searching “today bank open,” the answer is no for branches. ATMs and digital channels remain available. For urgent needs, shift to UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS and postpone branch-only tasks to the next working day.

UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, mobile and net banking work 24×7, including today. Cash counters, demand drafts, lockers, passbook updates, and in-person KYC pause. Cheques dropped today will typically enter clearing on the next working day. ATMs function, though refills can vary by location. Plan for these limits as bank holidays in March 2026 begin with today’s weekly off.

Use UPI or IMPS for instant transfers and bill payments. Schedule NEFT or RTGS for high-value moves if beneficiary activation is complete. If you need cash, try nearby ATMs or cash-acceptor machines for deposits. Reschedule branch visits to a working day. If payroll is due next week, queue payments today digitally to avoid cut-offs and month-end crowding.

State-wise RBI view for March

RBI’s state-wise notifications show staggered closures for Holi (early March), Ugadi (mid to late March), Eid-ul-Fitr (around March 20–21, subject to moon sighting), and Ram Navami (late March). Not all states close on the same dates. Review the compiled overview here: source. For smooth planning, slot branch visits around these windows and keep digital backups ready during bank holidays in March 2026.

Banks are shut on all Sundays this month: March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Second and fourth Saturdays are uniform holidays across India on March 14 and March 28, 2026. Other Saturdays, March 7 and March 21, are working days. Align cash withdrawals, locker access, and cheque submissions with these dates to avoid mid-month and month-end pileups.

Closures can differ by state and even by city, notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Always verify your location’s schedule via RBI notices or your bank’s website. A useful snapshot for consumers appears here: source. When unsure, call your branch to confirm opening hours during bank holidays in March 2026.

Impact on payments, payroll, and investing

Cheques deposited on a holiday or after cut-off usually move to the next working day’s clearing. NACH/ECS debits and mandates may post on the subsequent business day if the scheduled date is a holiday. UPI and IMPS are real time; NEFT and RTGS are available 24×7. Plan salary credits and vendor payouts to land before clustered off-days in bank holidays in March 2026.

MSMEs and startups should queue salaries, GST/TDS e-payments, and vendor transfers one to two days before holiday clusters. Ensure funding accounts have buffers before cut-offs. March 31, 2026 falls on a Tuesday and is year-end, so expect heavier traffic near month-end. Advance your banking tasks to keep invoicing, reconciliations, and settlements steady.

Stock exchanges may announce trading holidays for Holi or other festivals. Check NSE/BSE circulars for exact dates. Mutual fund SIPs registered via NACH may execute on the next business day if the debit date is a holiday. For lump-sum investments, prefer UPI or net banking and allow for scheme cut-off times around bank holidays in March 2026.

Quick planner and tips

Expect heavier branch footfall around the Holi week, the third week near Eid-ul-Fitr, and late March due to Ram Navami and fiscal year-end tasks. ATMs can see higher demand during these periods. Withdraw or deposit early, and line up digital alternatives so your plans are not disrupted by bank holidays in March 2026.

Carry an ID, account details, and required forms. Reach early, take a token, and budget extra time. For routine tasks, try mobile or net banking first. If depositing cheques, ask for the cut-off time. For lockers, pre-book a slot. Keep a small cash buffer to handle short, predictable gaps.

International remittances initiated on a local bank holiday may post to Indian accounts on the next business day. Forex counters at branches could be shut, though online conversion tools work. Use 24×7 channels, confirm beneficiary activation, and watch time zones. If sending for payroll or tuition, add at least one business day of cushion.

Final Thoughts

Bank holidays in March 2026 begin with today’s Sunday closure and continue with festival-led, state-specific breaks plus the second and fourth Saturdays. Our best move is to separate branch-only tasks from digital transactions, then schedule each with buffers around known off-days. Businesses should queue payrolls and tax payments early, maintain working capital in funding accounts, and confirm cut-offs with their banks. Households can rely on UPI or IMPS for everyday needs and avoid last-minute cheque deposits. For location-specific dates, review RBI notices and your bank’s updates, then lock in a simple plan for cash, cheques, and time-sensitive payments.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.