Banks across various states in India observed holidays on January 14 and 15, 2026, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar. On Wednesday, January 14, banks remained closed in states such as Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to commemorate the harvest festivals of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu. Following this, on Thursday, January 15, bank branches were shut in regions including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, celebrating Uttarayana Punyakala, Pongal, Maghe Sankranti, and Makara Sankranti. Notably, banks in Maharashtra were also closed on January 15 due to scheduled municipal corporation elections. This state-specific holiday observance is a standard practice, with the RBI publishing an annual list that includes national holidays, regional festivals, and other designated non-working days. Despite the closure of physical bank branches in the affected areas, customers could still conduct their financial transactions seamlessly through alternative channels. Digital banking facilities, including internet banking, mobile applications, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), remained fully operational throughout these holidays, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential banking services. The original article from Hindustan Times accurately reflected these holiday details, having been published on January 13, 2026, ahead of the actual dates.