Karnataka Bank Holidays 2026: Full List of Dates, Festivals & Long Weekends

The State of Karnataka, known for its vibrant blend of traditional festivals and modern observances, follows a comprehensive calendar for its bank holidays. These holidays are declared under the authority of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and are categorized into national, state-specific, and financial year-end closures.

For the year 2026, the list of holidays will include nationally observed days, major regional festivals unique to Karnataka, and the standard monthly second and fourth Saturday closures.

List of Karnataka Bank Holidays in 2026

The following table provides the confirmed and projected list of bank holidays in Karnataka for the year 2026. Please note that while national and major state holidays are typically confirmed well in advance, some dates for festivals are dependent on the lunar calendar and may be subject to minor revisions by the state government closer to the time.

Note on Fixed Closures: In addition to the list above, all banks in Karnataka will observe a compulsory holiday on all Sundays and the Second and Fourth Saturdays of every month.

Significance of Key Karnataka Bank Holidays in 2026

The banking holiday calendar in Karnataka reflects the state’s deep cultural roots and its commitment to national integration. Many regional holidays are specific to the unique traditions and history of the state.

Cultural and State-Specific Holidays

• Ugadi (March 19/20): This is arguably the most significant festival in Karnataka, marking the New Year according to the Chandramana (Lunar) calendar. Banks close to allow people to celebrate with special pujas and the customary consumption of 'Bevu Bella' (neem leaves and jaggery), symbolizing life's mixture of bitterness and sweetness.
• Basava Jayanthi (April 20): This day honors the birthday of Basavanna, the 12th-century philosopher, social reformer, and founder of the Lingayat tradition. It is a major state holiday reflecting the deep reverence for social justice and philosophy in Karnataka.
• Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vratha (September 15): A regional observance of Ganesh Chaturthi (or the main Ganesh festival) celebrated with great fervor, particularly in North Karnataka, marking the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
• Dasara/Vijayadashami (October 20): While celebrated across India, Dasara in Karnataka, particularly the Mysuru Dasara, is world-renowned. The day of Ayudha Pooja (worshipping tools and weapons) followed by Vijayadashami is a major closure, marking the victory of good over evil.
• Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1): The official Formation Day of Karnataka. This is a mandatory state holiday where the entire state celebrates its language, culture, and unity with vibrant processions and flag-hoisting ceremonies.
• Kanakadasa Jayanthi (November 27): A holiday dedicated to the great philosopher, poet, and musician, Kanakadasa. It honors his significant contributions to Kannada literature and Carnatic music.

National and Religious Holidays

• Makara Sankranti (January 14): A major harvest festival celebrated with 'Ellu Bella' (sesame and jaggery) symbolizing goodwill and prosperity.
• Republic Day (January 26) & Independence Day (August 15): These are mandatory national holidays observed by all banks across the country.
• Maha Shivaratri (February 15): The 'Great Night of Shiva,' a solemn festival observed with fasting and night-long worship.
• Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2): The birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is a national holiday.
• Deepavali (November 8 & 9): The festival of lights is a multi-day celebration in Karnataka, with banks typically closed for Naraka Chaturdashi and Balipadyami.

The Role of Financial Closures

The bank holidays also include one non-festival day:

• Annual Bank Closing (April 1): Banks are closed for the annual closing of accounts. While this is not a public holiday for all sectors, it is a crucial operational closure for all commercial and cooperative banks to complete year-end accounting processes. Note that customer transactions and services are suspended on this day.

Planning Your Financial Transactions

For residents and businesses in Karnataka, understanding the 2026 bank holiday schedule is crucial for managing finances effectively.

1. Utilize Digital Banking: On all bank holidays, including the Second and Fourth Saturdays, digital banking services like NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, and net banking remain fully operational 24/7.
2. ATM Services: All Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) are unaffected by branch closures.
3. Cheque Clearances: Cheque clearance and settlement processes are generally paused on bank holidays and resume on the next working day. Plan deposits accordingly to avoid delays.

By keeping this comprehensive calendar handy, you can ensure that the celebrations of Karnataka’s rich cultural year do not interfere with your necessary financial planning.