On 18 February 2026, banks across India remain open except in Sikkim, where a holiday is observed for Losar. Public and private sector banks including SBI, HDFC Bank, PNB, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank are closed in Sikkim, while services continue normally in other states.
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official holiday calendar confirms that 18 February 2026 is a bank holiday only in Sikkim, marking the celebration of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. While branches in Sikkim remain closed, banks across the rest of India are operating as usual.
Customers in Sikkim are advised to use digital banking services for transactions, as physical branches will remain shut. This closure applies to both public and private sector banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank.
Key Highlights
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Holiday in Sikkim: Observed for Losar (Tibetan New Year).
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Banks Closed: SBI, HDFC Bank, PNB, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and others in Sikkim.
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Banks Open Elsewhere: All other states and union territories have normal banking operations.
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RBI Calendar: Holidays are determined by the Reserve Bank of India and vary state-wise.
Upcoming Holidays:
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19 February – Maharashtra observes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
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20 February – Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day.
This state-specific holiday system highlights the importance of checking the RBI holiday calendar before planning in-person banking transactions.
Sources: Mint, Economic Times, RBI Holiday Calendar