RBI Calendar Confirms 9 May Holiday For Banks - Customers Turn to Digital Services For Transactions

If you were planning to visit your bank today, you may need to reschedule. The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar confirms that 9 May 2026 is a non-working day for banks nationwide due to the second Saturday closure. In West Bengal, the day also coincides with Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, adding a regional observance.

RBI Calendar For May 2026

The RBI mandates that banks remain closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. For May 2026, this includes closures on 9 May and 23 May. Alongside these, several state-specific holidays are observed, making the month particularly packed with staggered closures. 

Regional Holiday Impact

In West Bengal, 9 May marks the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a state holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. This means that in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal, banks remain closed not only for the second Saturday but also for the cultural observance. Customers in other states may find banks closed only for the Saturday rule. 

What Services Remain Available

While physical branches of SBI, HDFC, PNB, ICICI, Axis Bank, and other institutions are closed today, customers can continue to access:

• ATMs for cash withdrawals and deposits
• UPI transactions for instant transfers
• Mobile banking apps for payments and account management
• Internet banking portals for fund transfers, bill payments, and service requests

These digital services remain unaffected by branch closures, ensuring continuity of essential financial transactions. 

Key Highlights

• 9 May 2026 is a second Saturday bank holiday nationwide
• Banks in West Bengal additionally closed for Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
• SBI, HDFC, PNB, ICICI, Axis Bank branches remain shut today
• Digital banking services (UPI, net banking, mobile apps) remain fully operational
• Next nationwide closure: 23 May 2026 (fourth Saturday)

Sources: The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Mint