Are Banks Closed Today, August 28? Check Your State Before You Visit

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Aug 28, 2026 1,400 Views

Bank branches are closed in select states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala on Friday, August 28, 2026, due to regional festival observances. While physical branch visits are affected, online banking, ATMs, and UPI services continue to operate without disruption.

NEW DELHI — Physical banking operations are affected in several parts of India on Friday, August 28, 2026, as financial institutions observe regional holidays for Raksha Bandhan, Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi, Ayyankali Jayanti, and Pang-Lhabsol.

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, the closures are strictly state-specific. While public and private sector bank branches remain closed in regions celebrating the festivities, normal banking channels, including ATMs, unified payments interface (UPI), net banking, and mobile applications, remain fully functional for consumers.

State-Wise Branch Closures and Regional Festivities

The regional holiday schedule leads to physical branch closures across multiple jurisdictions. In accordance with official notifications, states observing Raksha Bandhan and concurrent regional occasions on August 28 include Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and Kerala.

In Kerala, branches are closed for Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi and Ayyankali Jayanti, while Sikkim observes a regional closure for the Buddhist festival Pang-Lhabsol. Commercial banking institutions such as the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank remain non-operational for counter services within these designated zones.

According to official RBI holiday notifications, state administration circulars, and banking updates:

Northern & Central States: Branches shut in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh due to Raksha Bandhan.
Western & Northern Hubs: Closures effective across Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.
Southern Region: Kerala observes closures in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram for Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi and Ayyankali Jayanti.
Eastern Region: Sikkim observes a state holiday for Pang-Lhabsol.

Official Sources Section

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Official Holiday Calendar: National and regional bank holiday notifications, state-specific closure schedules, and financial year calendars.
State Bank of India (SBI) Portal: Branch operational status and digital banking availability notices.

Quote Section

"According to official Reserve Bank of India holiday schedules, bank branches in specific states remain closed for counter transactions on August 28 due to regional festivals, while digital and automated payment channels continue uninterrupted."

Why It Matters

For consumers, retail investors, and commercial businesses planning physical branch visits, verifying regional holiday schedules prevents unnecessary travel. While over-the-counter services like cash deposits, physical check clearances, and loan processing are delayed in affected states, the uninterrupted availability of digital infrastructure ensures that essential financial transfers proceed without disruption.

Key Facts at a Glance

Date of Effect: Friday, August 28, 2026.
Primary Occasions: Raksha Bandhan, Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi, Ayyankali Jayanti, and Pang-Lhabsol.
Affected States: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and Kerala.
Digital Services: UPI, ATM, mobile, and net banking remain fully operational.

FAQ Section

Are all banks across India closed today, August 28?

No, bank closures are strictly state-specific based on the RBI holiday calendar; branches operate normally in states not observing the regional festivals.

Are digital banking services like UPI and ATM withdrawals active?

Yes, online banking, UPI, NEFT, RTGS, and ATM networks remain fully functional.

Which festivals are prompting bank closures today?

Closures are attributed to Raksha Bandhan, Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi, Ayyankali Jayanti, and Pang-Lhabsol in select states.

Where can citizens check the official RBI bank holiday schedule?

Complete state-wise holiday lists are published directly through the Reserve Bank of India Official Portal.