Bank Holiday: RBI Cancels Mahavir Jayanti Holiday, Banks to Remain Open

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Bank Holiday: The Reserve Bank of India has decided to cancel the holiday for Mahavir Jayanti. Typically, banks are closed on this day in most states, but this year is different. Mahavir Jayanti is on March 31st, and the RBI has called off the holiday. So, banks will be open nationwide on March 31st.

Why was the holiday cancelled?

The government aims to ensure that all financial transactions for the year 2025–26 are wrapped up on time. Since March 31st is the final day of the financial year, they’ve asked banks involved in government operations to stay open. As a result, the RBI has instructed all agency banks to keep their branches that deal with government business open on March 31st, 2026.

In which states was the holiday earlier?

According to the RBI’s holiday calendar, the states where banks were supposed to be closed on March 31, 2026, for Mahavir Jayanti included Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. Now, banks will also be open in these states.

What are the benefits to ordinary customers?

– Tax Payment
– Government fees
– Pension and subsidy work.
– Transactions related to government accounts.

With banks open on the last day of the financial year, there won’t be any delays in these matters, making it easier to handle any pending tasks.

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival in Jainism, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. It celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism. This day is recognized as a public holiday in many states.

February 2026 Bank Holidays

18 February: Sikkim (Losar festival)

February 19: Maharashtra (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary)

February 20: Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (Statehood Day)

Advice for customers

Banks will be open on March 31, 2026, but it’s still best to confirm with your branch before making any important transactions. Digital banking services will remain operational as usual.

 

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