Bank Holidays in Karnataka 2016

Bank Holidays in Karnataka include national holidays, state-specific public holidays, festivals and other holidays announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Karnataka government. Banks remain closed on these days, although digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATMs generally continue to be available. Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi are among the major cities where these holidays are observed. As the bank holiday calendar may change every year, customers are advised to check the dates in advance before visiting a bank branch. This can help them plan deposits, withdrawals, cheque-related services and other banking activities.

List of Bank Holidays in Karnataka 2016

2016

Karnataka

Date	Day	Holiday
January 09	Saturday	Second Saturday
January 15	Friday	Makar Sankranti
January 23	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
January 26	Tuesday	Republic Day
February 13	Saturday	Second Saturday
February 27	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
March 07	Monday	Maha Shivratri
March 12	Saturday	Second Saturday
March 25	Friday	Good Friday
March 26	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
April 01	Friday	Annual Closing of Bank Account Day
April 08	Friday	Ugadi
April 09	Saturday	Second Saturday
April 14	Thursday	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Birthday
April 19	Tuesday	Mahaveer Jayanti
April 23	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
May 01	Sunday	Labor Day
May 09	Monday	Sri Basaveshwar Jayanti
May 14	Saturday	Second Saturday
May 28	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
June 11	Saturday	Second Saturday
June 25	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
July 06	Wednesday	Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id)
July 09	Saturday	Second Saturday
July 23	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
August 13	Saturday	Second Saturday
August 15	Monday	Independence Day
August 27	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
September 05	Monday	Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata
September 10	Saturday	Second Saturday
September 12	Monday	Id-ul-Adha (Bakrid)
September 24	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
September 30	Friday	Mahalaya Amavasye
October 02	Sunday	Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
October 08	Saturday	Second Saturday
October 10	Monday	Maha Navami
October 11	Tuesday	Dussehra
October 12	Wednesday	Moharrum
October 15	Saturday	Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti
October 22	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
October 29	Saturday	Narak Chaturdashi
October 31	Monday	Diwali
November 01	Tuesday	Kannada Rajyothsava
November 12	Saturday	Second Saturday
November 17	Thursday	Kanakdasa Jayanti
November 26	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
December 10	Saturday	Second Saturday
December 12	Monday	Id Milad
December 24	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
December 25	Sunday	Christmas

Bank Holidays in Karnataka

Karnataka is situated in the south western region of India. The state has been spread over an area of 191,791 square km.The southern state is located in the Deccan Plateau and it witnesses the convergence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats into the Nilgiri Hills. The beautiful state covers nearly 750 km from North to South and about 400 km from East to West. The coastline of Karnataka stretches for about 320 km. It was originally known as the state of Mysore andits name changed in 1973. The capital of the state is Bengaluru, which has emerged as the IT hub of India. Kannada is the popular local language that is spoken in the state. Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Mangalore, Belgaum are major cities of Karnataka.

Regional bank holidays in Karnataka

For every state in India, there will be a few regional bank holidays. As we everyone know India is a country with a lot of religions and these regional holidays will be decided to depend upon the religious population ratio.
The following are the main regional and bank holidays in Karnataka:

Makar Sankranti
Chandrama Ugadi
Basava Jayanti
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Mahalaya
Kannada Rajyothsava

Makar Sankranti - Makara Sankranti is a south Indian festival which is celebrated in south Indian states on this festival there will be a bank holiday in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Not in every state, this festival is called by different names and Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka this festival is called Sankranti. In Tamilnadu and Kerala, it is called Pongal. For this festival, few educational institutions give holidays for three days.

Fairs in Karnataka

Mahamastakabhisheka is one of the most popular and important fares conducted once in every 12 years in Karnataka.

The Mahamastakabhishekam will be conducted to the Bahubali Gommateshwara Statue which is located in Shravanabelagola. It marks an important Jain festival. It is one of an integral part of the ancient and composite Jain tradition which started way back in 981 A.D The last anointing took place during February 2018 and it was the 88th in the series and the second one of the 21st century. Many Jain ascetics will attend the event. The previous event which was held between February 17 – 25, 2018, took place under the leadership of His Holiness Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola.

Bahubali who was born as the son of Rishbhanatha was the first of the 24 Tirthankaras who are worshipped by the Jain Community. He is worshipped for living a simple life with exceptional qualities which he displayed during all his stages of his life (beginning from conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and salvation). The giant statue whose length is 58.8 feet is the most magnificent sculptural art. The statue stands upright in the posture of meditation which is known as kayotsarga. The statue is situated in Vindyagiri Hills. 21 types of Abhishekams will be performed to the idol. The rituals will be held as per the Digambar Jain traditions. The celebration involves smearing the idol with contents of 1008 pots carried by the devotees.

Bank Holidays Karnataka

Karnataka, the state best known for its rich culture and capital city, Bangalore for silicon city of India is blessed with colourful life and people. The state is home to some of its Heritage destinations and its national and wildlife parks spread across the state. The hill stations in the state are also tourist attractions.

The state is home to country’s some of the biggest cities, emerging cities such as Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, and Mangalore.

The industries in the state and the big corporate offices makes it one of the biggest contributor to the economy and GST collection of the country. Karnataka is also home to some of the biggest tourist destinations in the Country.

Karnataka in the year has more than 40 bank holidays including public holidays. The public holidays in Karnataka is a blend of cultural diversity and the heritage of the state. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals in the state. This festival is celebrated in devotion to Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Various other festivals are also celebrated with the same enthusiasm and devotion as the Ganesh Chaturthi. Festivals such as Kannada Rajyothsava, Christmas, Deepavali, Id-E-Milad, and several others. Karnataka is home to various cultures, religions, and languages.

Most of Hindu festivals are celebrated during the daytime, but Shivaratri is all about keeping a night-long vigil as it’s believed that Lord Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance. In this Public Holiday people can visit the Hampi a place where the special attraction of the celebration was the insertion of the golden mask of Lord Shiva, studded with diamond, rubies and other precious stones, on the Shivalinga, being worshipped as Sri Virupakasha.

Special pujas were performed at various Shiva temples elsewhere in the district too. Hundreds of devotees visited temples and offered pujas. Night-long musical concerts are also organized at Sirguppa, Tekkalakota, Bellary and other parts of the Karnataka State.

Festival Holidays in Karnataka

UGADI: For the people in Karnataka state, Ugadi symbolizes the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu calendar. It is a Bank Holiday in Karnataka.

A lot of preparations are carried out to celebrate the festival. The arrangements begin a few days in advance.

People clean and wash their houses for the occasion. New clothes are bought to be worn on that day. To celebrate the spirit of Ugadi, several other items purchased and kept ready by the people. They make preparations for the particular cuisines to be cooked on the day.

Good Friday: Good Friday is national wide holiday. Karnataka government has announced Good Friday as a public Holiday and it usually falls in the month of April.

Mahavir Jayanthi: Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by followers of Jainism to honor the birth and life of Lord Mahavira, a prominent religious figure to Jains. It is always celebrated mostly in March or April. People in Karnataka celebrate the teachings of Mahavira on Mahavir Jayanthi.

Other Festivals in Karnataka

Vinayaka Chaturthi - Vinayaka Chaturthi is a big festival in the south Indian and some north Indian states. On this day there is no bank holiday in some north Indian states. Almost all the states in India have a bank holiday on this day.

Mahalaya - Mahalaya is a Bengali festival. This a bank holiday in Karnataka and Bengal states. This is the first day of 16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar. when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, especially through donating food.

Kannada Rajyothsava - Kannada Rajyothsava is Karnataka formation day. On this, there is a bank holiday in Karnataka. Excluding Karnataka, it is not a bank holiday in any other state.

Top 5 holiday getaways from Bangalore?

There are few long weekends this year where a public holiday in Bangalore came on Friday or Monday and made that weekend a long weekend. On most of the long weekends, many individuals will be searching for top holiday getaways in Bangalore.

Here is a list of top 5 holiday getaways in Bangalore on a bank holiday in Karnaktaka.

1) BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
2) Coorg
3) Ooty
4) Chikmagalur
5) Kotagiri

1) BRT Wildlife Sanctuary- Biligiri ranganathaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The sanctuary is home for the eco-systems that is belonging to both the mountain ranges. This will be a best long weekend plan during public holidays in Banglore.

2) Coorg - Coorg is also called as kodagu. Coorg is situated on the slopes of western ghats. This city is around 350 kms away from banglore. There are many places on the way to coorg one can visit. This is also a very good long weekend plan during government holidays in Banglore.

3) Ooty- Ooty is also called as blue mountains in southren India. Ooty is around 280 kms away from banaglore and this famous hill station is also the junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, three southern states of India. A great place during bank holidays in Bangalore.

4) Chikmagalur - Chikmagalur which is 250kms away from banglore is also one best long weekend spot to visit during public holidays in banglore. The mountains in Chikkamagaluru are the part of the Western Ghats and also it is the source of rivers like Tunga and Bhadra which is called as Tungabhadra.

5) Kotagiri - Kotagiri which is nearly 300 kms away from is also a worth place to visit during Bank holidays in Banglaore because of its largely unexplored terrain and soothing weather throughout the year.

Spend time with kids during a bank holiday in Karnataka?

Spending time with kids is very important, and on a bank holiday in Karnataka, one can spend a lot of time with children.

There are many options to spend time like you can fix something together. If there is something to be set at home such as changing the car tyre of your car, dealing with some pipe leakage or anything it is important to do it with kids because they will learn how to use all those tools and also you can speak and share ideas while doing some mechanical work.

Long walks with children also work a lot. During a bank holiday in Karnataka do not miss to drop your kid to friend's house or some music class or anywhere and prefer to go by walk as by doing that you will be spending more time with your child.

Play the games which your kids play. Actually, in that way you can communicate more with your kid and also can help them to learn how to focus and to be patient and much more. Do not go for an indoor game. Always prefer to play some outdoor game such as football, volleyball, Cricket, etc. This will help you spend time with your kids as well as to do some excise on a bank holiday in Karnataka.

What all transactions one can do and cannot do on a bank Holiday in Karnataka?

Every year there will be some bank holidays in Karnataka and additional to that there will be few bundhs and strikes due to which banks will are closed. So on those days, one can do few other types of transactions as well. Here is few transaction type which works on bank holidays as well.

Money Transfer - There are three methods of transferring money on the day when banks are open or closed.

Though one cannot do NEFT (National Electronic Fund Transfer) or RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement). It is possible to transfer money through three different methods on a bank holiday in Karnataka.

1)IMPS(Immediate Payment Service)
2) UPI (Unified Payment Interface)
3) Fund transfer through ATM.

1)IMPS, (Immediate Payment Service) - By Using IMPS, one can send money 24/7. This service will not be closed on any kind of bank holiday in Karnataka. There are few charges for this service. It is better you check the charges before doing the transaction.

2) UPI (Unified Payment Interface) - Like IMPS UPI is also provided 24/7 service and this service will not be closed on any bank holiday in Karnataka. Even for UPI payment, there are few charges. But the charges or low when compared to IMPS.

3) Fund transfer through ATM- One can transfer money through ATM Machine 24/7 by using the card to card method. But the problem in this method is one cannot send money to other bank accounts. To transfer money through the card to card method sender and receiver should from the same bank.

Not only money transfer one can avail various banking services using ATM Machine. Though that day is a bank holiday in Karnataka or not.

How to pay bills during public holidays in Karnataka?

No need to worry about paying a bill during a public holiday in Karnataka. In this new era of the internet almost every bill can be paid online. Either it can be electricity bill or a credit card bill. Almost all the bills can be paid online.

There are multiple ways by using which you can pay bills online. Here are few:

If you want to pay electricity bill. Though it is a public holiday in Karnataka or not.

You can pay it online on bescom.org. All you need to do is to visit the BESCOM website enter your Customer Identification Number. It will show up your bill. By using your credit card, debit card or net banking you can pay the bill. There are few charges which you may be charged as you are paying the bill online.

There is one more option to pay the bill that is by using a mobile wallet. By using mobile wallet such as Paytm you can pay the bill. This service can also be used anytime. Whether it is a government holiday in Karnataka or not. The process is very simple and similar to bescom payment service. There will be an option where you have to select to pay electricity bill to enter your consumer number. It will show up on the bill. To pay the bill here, you need to have cash in your mobile. If you have sufficient cash, you can pay through that cash or you need to pay using your debit or credit card.

Bank Holidays that are peculiar to Karnataka

There are many bank holidays that are very peculiar to Karnataka. Among these include the Karnataka Rajyotsava, which is a bank holiday on November 1 of every year, which is the only bank holiday in the state. If there are other holidays there could be standard holidays. For example, Christmas is not only a bank holiday in Karnataka but, also everywhere in India. In any case, when you are taking a look at the bank holidays in Karnataka, you should look for holidays that are clubbed together. This will ensure that you can make the best of the public holidays that come either on a Friday or a Monday.

However, what is most important is to check that the banks are not closed on the holidays, as you would not be able to do your pending work like your bank work. So, it is extremely important to complete your work on time ahead of the bank holidays in Karnataka. So, just finish it and ensure it does not con-incide with the holidays.

Best Money Transfer Apps to use during a bank holidays in Karnataka?

After demonetization, many apps were launched by which we can transfer money and also make payments. These apps will help you during a bank holiday in Karnataka. By using these apps, you will not need to withdraw cash for doing transactions and payments every time. Of all the apps which were launched here is a list of few apps which are best.

Of all the apps the best app and advised app is State Bank Buddy. State Bank Buddy is app launched by a State Bank of India. State Bank of India is public sector Bank, and it is advised to go for apps and services provided by public sector banks if available. State Bank Buddy is providing so many services that there will be no better app to go for than Buddy app.

This first and the best part of Buddy app is you can use Buddy app in nearly thirteen languages. Though you are SBI customer or not, you can use the app. If you are not an SBI customer all you need to do is add money to the Buddy wallet and do transaction whereas if you are an SBI customer, you can directly link your Buddy app to your SBI account and directly use the money in your account to make payments. This option works even if it is a Bank Holiday in Karnataka.

FAQs ON BANK HOLIDAYS IN KARNATAKA

Why are banks closed on Second and Fourth Saturdays in Karnataka?

Since September 2015, the Reserve Bank of India has mandated that all banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month nationwide, including Karnataka. This gives bank staff a fixed weekly rest cycle and time for internal audits and system maintenance.

Are all banks in Karnataka closed on the same holidays?

Yes. Public sector, private sector, and cooperative banks in Karnataka all follow the same RBI-notified holiday calendar for national holidays and Saturday closures. Some cooperative banks may occasionally follow additional local notifications.

Can I withdraw cash or use UPI during a bank holiday in Karnataka?

Yes. Digital banking services such as UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATMs continue to work as usual during bank holidays in Karnataka. Only physical branch services like passbook updates, cheque deposits, and locker access are paused.

Does cheque clearing work on a bank holiday in Karnataka?

No. Cheque clearing through clearing houses is paused on bank holidays and typically resumes and settles on the next working day.

Are there bank holidays observed only in Karnataka?

Yes. Alongside national holidays and RBI-mandated Saturdays, Karnataka observes certain state-specific holidays, such as its formation day or regional festivals that are not observed as bank holidays in other states.

Are stock markets also closed on bank holidays in Karnataka?

No. Stock market trading holidays (NSE/BSE) follow a separate calendar set by SEBI and the exchanges, and do not always match bank holiday dates, including the Second and Fourth Saturday closures.

Are post offices also closed on bank holidays in Karnataka?

Not always. Post offices in Karnataka follow the Department of Posts holiday calendar, issued circle-wise under the Central Government list, while banks follow the RBI's state-wise notification. Both usually coincide on national holidays, but they can differ on state-specific festivals and regional occasions. Post offices also remain open on the Second and Fourth Saturdays, when banks are closed.

What is the difference between RBI bank holidays and Karnataka-specific bank holidays?

RBI holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and the Saturday closures apply to banks across India, while Karnataka-specific holidays are observed only by banks operating within that state.

Latest Updates

October 2, 2026 Bank Holiday: Know Why Banks Are Closed

October 2, 2026, falls on a Friday. Karnataka observes the day as a Gandhi Jayanti Karnataka bank holiday. Banks will stay closed across the state. The holiday marks a key date in India’s civic calendar.

Many offices also run limited services. Cash handling and cheque clearing pause for the day.Gandhi Jayanti honours Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. He led India’s freedom struggle with non-violence. The Gandhi Jayanti bank holiday reflects respect for his ideals.

Schools hold simple talks and prayers. The day also reminds citizens of truth, peace, and unity in public life. Public events stay calm; flags fly half-mast.

1 October 2026

Bank Strike Deferred: Banks to Remain Open as Usual from September 28–30, 2026

The nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28–30, 2026, has been deferred following late-night discussions between the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). As a result, public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate normally during these three days, allowing customers to complete their banking transactions ahead of the September 30 half-yearly closing without disruption.

28 September 2026

Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday 2026: Bank Holiday Details for September 26, 2026

September 26, 2026 falls on a Saturday in Karnataka. It is marked as the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday. Many bank branches stay closed that day. Only online services and ATMs may work.

This Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday affects branch work. Deposits, cheques, and drafts may wait till Monday.The Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday is a monthly break. It supports banking staff and system checks.

The rule also helps keep services safe. In Karnataka, this day is noted in calendars. It can affect market payments and office banking needs. Families may plan budgets around the closure.

23 September 2026

Ganesh Chaturthi Bank Closure on Monday, September 14, 2026

On September 14, 2026, Monday, Karnataka observes Ganesh Chaturthi. It marks Lord Ganesha’s birth, loved for wisdom. Homes and streets host idols, lights, and prayers. Families share sweets like modak and laddu.

The day brings joy, faith, and unity across towns. Many fast till evening and visit temples in Karnataka.Banks and offices may work on limited hours. This is a Ganesh Chaturthi Karnataka bank holiday.

It affects cheque clearing and branch visits. Cash needs often rise on the day. The Ganesh Chaturthi bank holiday also guides online transfers timing. Some services stay open for essentials.

ATM access remains normal.

12 September 2026

September 12, 2026 Bank Holiday: Know Why Banks Are Closed

On Saturday, 12 September 2026, Karnataka has a bank holiday. It is the Second Saturday Bank Holiday, a fixed break. Many branches stay shut. ATMs and banking services usually run.

The day supports staff rest. It allows routine checks. This helps keep service smooth statewide when banks reopen on Monday.Note the Second Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday status. This Second Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday helps plan cash needs.

It can reduce counter crowding on weekdays. Government offices may follow different rules. Travel and shopping continue normally. It is a scheduled closure, not a festival, for local services.

12 September 2026

Eid e Milad 2026: Bank Holiday Details for August 26, 2026

Karnataka marks Eid e Milad on August 26, 2026. The day falls on a Wednesday in the state. It is listed as an Eid e Milad Karnataka bank holiday. Many bank branches and offices may stay shut.

People plan work and travel around the closure as services pause for worship.Eid e Milad honours the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. It is a calm and holy time. Families attend prayers and share food with neighbours.

Some towns hold processions and recite hymns. As an Eid e Milad bank holiday, public banking work stops. The festival also stresses mercy, charity, and community peace.

12 September 2026

Bank Holiday Schedule for Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday on August 22, 2026

August 22, 2026 is a Saturday in Karnataka. It marks the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday. Banks close as per RBI norms. The day gives staff a rest day.

It also helps routine checks. Branch counters stay shut for most services. Customers should plan cash, passbooks, and cheque work.In cities, banking runs as usual. ATMs may work, yet cash can be low.

NEFT and UPI stay on. Cheque clearing moves to the next working day. The Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday is noted. It affects branches across the state. This matters for loans, drafts, and queries.

12 September 2026

Independence Day 2026: Banks Closed on August 15, 2026

India marks Independence Day on August 15, 2026, a Saturday. It honours the nation’s freedom in 1947. Flag hoisting and tributes recall shared struggle and hope. For many, it is a day of pride, unity, and respect for the Constitution and its values.

Public programmes include songs, parades, and speeches.On this date, Karnataka observes an Independence Day bank holiday. Many bank branches stay closed statewide. Digital services may still work as usual. The notice lists the Independence Day Karnataka bank holiday.

It applies to many local offices too. Plan cash needs early, as clearing and counter services pause briefly.

12 September 2026

August 8, 2026 Bank Holiday: Second Saturday Bank Holiday

August 8, 2026 falls on a Saturday in Karnataka. It is marked as the Second Saturday Bank Holiday. Many bank branches stay closed. This monthly break supports bank staff and system work.

It also helps keep services steady through the week. For customers, it signals a planned pause in counters.The Second Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday closes most branches. Cheque, cash, and passbook work may pause.

Online banking runs as usual. The Second Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday follows RBI rules. It keeps a regular calendar across Karnataka towns. It links with other state holidays in the month.

12 September 2026

Banks to Remain Closed on July 25, 2026 for Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday

July 25, 2026 is a Saturday in Karnataka. It marks a Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday. Banks stay shut across the state. This monthly break helps staff rest.

It also supports safe cash work. Public counters pause, so queues and clearing stop.For residents, the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday shapes weekend plans. Online banking and ATMs may still work.

Yet branch visits, drafts, and passbook updates wait. The rule comes under national bank norms. It keeps a steady rhythm in the calendar. In Karnataka it brings order to banking hours.

12 September 2026

Second Saturday Bank Holiday Bank Holiday on July 11, 2026

July 11, 2026 is a Saturday in Karnataka. It is the Second Saturday Bank Holiday Karnataka bank holiday. Most banks stay closed that day. It is part of the monthly rest day rule.

The pause helps staff and systems recover. People may use ATMs and online banking instead.For many, this Second Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday matters. It can affect cash needs and cheque work.

Branch services, counters, and some clearing tasks pause. The day also supports work-life balance in banks. In Karnataka, it fits weekend and public holiday lists across cities and towns.

12 September 2026

State List for Bank Holidays in India