Sunita Somvanshi
If you have an in-person bank transaction planned for Friday, September 18, check before you go. Banks are closed in affected locations, and the closure does not apply equally across every state.
September 18 falls as a bank holiday for at least some banking centres in India, with the exact coverage varying by location. RBI-designated holidays operate on a centre-by-centre basis, meaning a branch in one city may be closed while another in a different state remains open. The full verified list of affected banking centres should be checked against the Reserve Bank of India’s official holiday notification or your bank’s website before visiting, as media reports may not reflect every state accurately.
This distinction matters for planning. Branch closures are not the same as a total shutdown of banking services. If your branch is among those closed on Friday, you still have options.
UPI and IMPS work around the clock on bank holidays. Mobile banking and internet banking apps remain available. ATMs generally remain available on bank holidays, though individual machine availability can vary.
NEFT and RTGS operate on a 24-hour, 365-day basis and remain available on bank holidays. Payments through these systems can be processed normally.
For anyone planning to visit a branch specifically for a time-sensitive transaction — fixed deposit renewals, cheque clearance, demand drafts or locker access — the branch closure means these services will not be available at a closed branch on Friday. Reschedule for the next working day if possible, or check whether your bank offers these services through a 24/7 channel.
Karmactive’s full September 2026 bank holiday guide covers which digital services continue working when branches close and lists all the affected dates for the month.
Are banks closed on September 18, 2026?
Bank branches in designated locations are closed. The holiday applies to selected banking centres rather than the entire country. UPI, IMPS, mobile banking and ATMs continue to work. NEFT and RTGS remain available on bank holidays. Check the RBI holiday list or your bank’s app to confirm whether your specific branch is affected.
Plan for the next working day available at your branch if your transaction requires an in-person visit on Friday.
