Banks Closed Today: Why September 12 Is a Nationwide Holiday

NEW DELHI — Commercial bank branches nationwide, including major institutions like the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, remain closed today, Saturday, September 12, 2026. Under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday guidelines, all scheduled and non-scheduled banks observe a mandatory holiday on every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

In addition to the regular weekend closure, specific regional observances are in effect across select states. For instance, branches in Assam are closed to mark the Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva, while several western and southern states face extended multi-day banking closures running directly into the upcoming weekly holiday and Monday's Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

Regional Holiday Schedules and Extended Closures

Because today marks the second Saturday of the month—followed immediately by Sunday, September 13, and upcoming festival closures on Monday, September 14—banking customers in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, and Goa face consecutive days of physical branch closures. In Gujarat, localized union schedules have further impacted public sector bank operations.

While physical branch counters are closed, digital banking channels remain fully operational. Customers can access funds, execute transfers, and manage accounts via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile banking applications, internet banking portals, and automated teller machines (ATMs) without interruption.

According to Reserve Bank of India circulars, official holiday matrices, and banking association disclosures:

• National Closure: All public and private bank branches are closed today due to the second Saturday rule.

• Regional Observance: Assam observes a localized holiday for the Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva.

• Extended Break: States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Goa begin a multi-day weekend and festival closure sequence.

• Digital Availability: Online transactions, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, and ATM services remain accessible.

Official Sources Section

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Holiday Matrix: Official statewide bank holiday schedules, statutory closure notifications, and calendar listings.

• State Bank of India (SBI) Corporate Portal: Customer service advisories, digital banking channel availability, and branch operation notices.

Quote Section

"According to Reserve Bank of India guidelines, all scheduled and non-scheduled commercial banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, alongside regular Sunday weekly holidays."

Why It Matters

For retail customers and business owners, recognizing scheduled second-Saturday closures prevents unnecessary trips to local bank branches. While physical cash deposits, loan processing, and physical document submissions must wait until normal banking hours resume, digital and mobile platforms ensure that urgent financial transactions can still be completed seamlessly.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026.

• Reason: Second Saturday bank holiday across India.

• Affected Banks: All public, private, foreign, and cooperative bank branches.

• Alternative Access: UPI, mobile banking, and ATMs remain fully functional.

FAQ Session

Are banks open today, Saturday, September 12, 2026? No. Bank branches across India are closed today because it is the second Saturday of the month.

Are major private and public banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI closed? Yes. All scheduled commercial banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and PNB, follow the RBI second-Saturday holiday rule.

Can I still use net banking and UPI during the holiday? Yes. Digital banking services such as UPI, mobile apps, internet banking, and ATMs remain fully operational 24/7.

When will regular physical branch banking resume? Physical branches will reopen on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in states observing a multi-day closure for Ganesh Chaturthi, while normal operations resume Monday, September 14, in unaffected regions.

Source: Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, The Economic Times Wealth Desk, Times of India Business Bureau