If you had plans to visit a bank quickly today assuming it would be closed for Mahavir Jayanti, you might need to reconsider. Although it is a bank holiday in several states, not all bank branches are closed.
WHY SOME BANKS OPERATE DESPITE THE HOLIDAY
In a notification dated February 12, 2026, the RBI mentioned that the Indian Government instructed banks handling government transactions to remain open on March 31, 2026. This directive ensures that all receipts and payments are accounted for within the FY 2025–26.
Only specific branches within these agency banks that manage government business operations are operational. Many times, regular customer services may be restricted or unavailable.
Most public sector banks and a few private banks belong to this group. They are compensated by the RBI for overseeing such tasks.
WHAT CUSTOMERS NEED TO CONSIDER
If you plan to visit a bank today for personal matters, it is advisable to confirm beforehand whether your branch is open and what services are being offered. For many individuals, digital banking remains the most convenient choice. Online features like fund transfers, bill payments, and tax transactions are expected to function smoothly.
WHY MARCH 31 HOLDS SIGNIFICANCE
March 31 marks the end of the financial year. It is crucial for all government accounts to be settled before the fiscal year concludes.
This exception is made to ensure that even on a holiday, certain bank branches remain open to guarantee the completion of the government’s financial records promptly.