As India steps into 2026, January brings a series of harvest festivals that directly impact bank operations across several states. Among them, Lohri marks the beginning of a cluster of mid-January holidays, raising questions for customers about bank closures and service availability.
Since bank holidays in India depend on state-wise notifications issued under RBI guidelines, Lohri does not trigger a nationwide shutdown—but it does affect banking in select regions.
Here is a clear, state-wise explainer on the Lohri bank holiday, along with how it fits into the broader January 2026 holiday calendar.
Is Lohri a Bank Holiday in India?
Lohri is not a pan-India bank holiday. Banks close only in states where Lohri is officially recognised as a public or regional holiday. In the rest of the country, banks continue normal operations.
Lohri Bank Holiday on January 13: State-Wise Status
On January 13, 2026, banks will remain closed in states where Lohri holds cultural and administrative importance:
- Punjab – Banks closed for Lohri
- Haryana – Banks closed
- Himachal Pradesh – Banks closed
- Chandigarh – Banks closed
In Delhi, Lohri is widely celebrated, but banks usually remain open, unless a local notification declares otherwise. In most other states, January 13 is a working day for banks.
Why January 2026 Has Multiple Bank Holidays
January is heavy on harvest festivals, which leads to region-specific bank closures. Immediately after Lohri, several states observe holidays for Makar Sankranti and Pongal, creating extended breaks in physical banking services.
Bank Holidays After Lohri: What Comes Next
Makar Sankranti – January 14
Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names across India and results in bank holidays in many states, including:
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Assam (Magh Bihu)
Pongal Holidays in Tamil Nadu
Banks in Tamil Nadu observe multiple holidays during Pongal:
- January 14 – Thai Pongal
- January 15 – Thiruvalluvar Day
- January 16 – Uzhavar Thirunal
This leads to an extended closure window for bank branches in the state.
Weekly Offs and National Holiday in January 2026
Apart from festival-related holidays, banks across India remain closed on:
- All Sundays
- Second Saturday – January 10
- Fourth Saturday – January 24
- Republic Day – January 26 (nationwide bank holiday)
Will Online Banking Work During Lohri Holiday?
Yes. Even when bank branches remain closed for Lohri:
- UPI transactions
- Mobile and net banking
- ATM services
- Debit and credit card usage
will continue without interruption. However, branch-dependent services like cheque clearing, cash deposits, loan paperwork, and account services resume on the next working day.
What Bank Customers Should Do
Customers in Lohri-observing states should plan branch visits, especially with multiple holidays falling between January 13 and January 17 in some regions. Staying updated on local bank notices can help avoid last-minute inconvenience.
