If you’re planning a bank visit in May, it’s important to check the holiday schedule first.
In India, banks follow a fixed pattern—working on the first and third Saturdays, while remaining closed on the second and fourth Saturdays.
All Sundays are also holidays.
Apart from these regular closures, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases a monthly holiday calendar.
This list highlights region-specific holidays, meaning bank closures can vary depending on the city and local festivals.
May Begins with a Nationwide Bank Holiday
The month of May starts with a holiday on May 1 (Friday). Banks across the country will remain closed on this day.
This closure is due to multiple occasions like Maharashtra Day, Labour Day, Buddha Purnima, and the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Because of these combined observances, banks in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and many others will not operate.
Other Important Bank Holidays in May
Apart from May 1, there are several regional holidays to keep in mind.
May 9: Banks in Kolkata will remain closed for Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday.
May 16: Banks in Gangtok will be closed for State Day.
May 26: Banks in Agartala will shut for Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birthday.
These holidays apply only to specific regions, so banking services may still be available in other parts of the country.
Bakrid Holidays May Affect Banking Services
One of the major holidays in May is Bakrid, which will lead to bank closures in many cities.
May 27: Banks in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and several others will remain closed.
May 28: In some regions, the Bakrid holiday will be observed a day later. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, and Patna will see bank closures on this date instead.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Trouble
With multiple holidays lined up, it’s a good idea to plan your banking work in advance.
While online banking services will remain available, branch visits may not be possible on these dates.
Checking the holiday list beforehand can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
