Bank Holiday and Strike Dates: 26 to 30 September 2026

If you are planning a branch visit between 26 and 30 September 2026, this banking update matters. India faces a bank holiday on September 26, 2026 (fourth Saturday), a special working day for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on Sunday, 27 September, and a proposed three-day bank strike September 28, 29, 30 2026.

This guide explains which banks are likely to be affected, whether private-sector banks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are outside the UFBU strike, and what to expect for UPI, ATMs and other services during the bank strike September 2026.

For broader money planning around cash buffers and goals, see Financial Planning and Money Basics on North Horizon.

Bank Holiday and Strike Dates: 26 to 30 September 2026

Date	Day	Bank Status
26 September	Saturday	Fourth Saturday bank holiday
27 September	Sunday	Special working day for PSBs & RRBs (not a blanket private-bank Sunday)
28 September	Monday	Proposed nationwide bank strike
29 September	Tuesday	Proposed nationwide bank strike
30 September	Wednesday	Proposed nationwide bank strike + half-yearly closing period

The Ministry of Finance has directed Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks to operate normally on Sunday, 27 September, giving customers an extra day for branch work before the proposed strike. Source: Ministry of Finance / PIB.

Why Is There a Bank Strike From September 28 to 30, 2026?

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a three-day nationwide bank strike 28 September 2026 through 30 September. Government communications mention outstanding demands including a five-day banking week, alongside other employee-related issues.

The government and bank managements have appealed for the strike to be deferred. As of 26 September 2026, reports indicate the proposed strike remains scheduled. Source: Government of India / PIB.

Are Banks Open on Sunday, September 27, 2026?

For Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks — yes, as a special working day. This is not the same as saying every bank in India is open on Sunday.

PSBs and RRBs have been directed to function normally on Sunday, 27 September 2026. RBI has also approved operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day for the special working arrangement.

Private-sector banks keep their own schedules. Do not assume HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank or other private banks will open solely because PSBs and RRBs were directed to work. Check your bank’s own notification before visiting.

Source: Ministry of Finance / PIB.

Are SBI Branches Open on September 27?

State Bank of India is a Public Sector Bank. Under the special working-day direction for PSBs and RRBs, SBI branches are expected to operate normally on Sunday, 27 September 2026, subject to SBI’s own branch-level communication.

That Sunday opening is about the special working day — it is separate from the later SBI bank strike September 2026 period (28–30 September), when public-sector branch services may be disrupted.

Which Banks Are Affected by the September 28–30 Bank Strike?

The proposed strike primarily affects Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks — the main answer to “which banks are closed during bank strike” for this UFBU action.

Major public sector banks often discussed in this context

• State Bank of India (SBI)
• Bank of Baroda
• Punjab National Bank
• Canara Bank
• Union Bank of India
• Bank of India
• Indian Bank
• Central Bank of India
• Bank of Maharashtra
• Indian Overseas Bank
• UCO Bank
• Punjab & Sind Bank

Regional Rural Banks are also expected to be affected. If you bank with these institutions, complete important branch-dependent work before 28 September where possible.

Are HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank Open During the Strike?

The UFBU strike is not a strike covering every bank in India. Major private-sector banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are generally outside the UFBU strike and are often expected to continue normal operations — which is why people ask about an HDFC Bank holiday September 2026 or ICICI Bank holiday September 2026 separately from the PSB strike.

Bank	September 28–30 (typical expectation)
State Bank of India (SBI)	Likely affected by the public-sector strike
Punjab National Bank	Likely affected
Bank of Baroda	Likely affected
Canara Bank	Likely affected
HDFC Bank	Generally expected to operate; confirm with the bank
ICICI Bank	Generally expected to operate; confirm with the bank
Axis Bank	Generally expected to operate; confirm with the bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank	Generally expected to operate; confirm with the bank

Important: “Private banks open during bank strike” is a useful rule of thumb for UFBU actions, but it is not a guarantee that every private bank or every branch will operate normally. Always check your bank’s notice.

Will UPI Work During the Bank Strike?

UPI during bank strike periods is generally expected to keep working, along with other digital channels. The proposed action mainly affects branch-based and staff-dependent services rather than shutting down India’s digital payment rails.

• Generally expected to continue: UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, debit/credit cards, IMPS and similar digital channels
• More likely to be disrupted: in-person branch services at affected PSBs/RRBs

Will ATMs Work During the Bank Strike?

ATM during bank strike periods is generally expected to remain available, though individual machines can run out of cash or face technical issues. If you will need cash, withdraw a little earlier rather than waiting until 28–30 September.

Which Banking Services Could Be Affected?

These are the bank strike services affected most often when public-sector branches participate:

• Cash deposits and over-the-counter withdrawals at branches
• Cheque processing and clearing
• Demand drafts, locker access, in-person KYC and many account services
• Some loan-related branch processing

Digital banking usually continues. If you rely on SIPs, EMIs or premiums, ensure balances are in place early — planning around cash flow sits alongside topics covered in Financial Education.

Is September 30 a Bank Holiday?

September 30 is the proposed third day of the nationwide bank strike and also falls in the half-yearly closing period. Treat it as a day when PSB/RRB branch work may be difficult, not as a routine calendar “bank holiday” in the same sense as the fourth Saturday. Plan branch-dependent transactions before then.

What Should Bank Customers Do?

1. Finish important branch work early (especially if you use a public-sector bank).
2. Keep a small cash buffer if you expect cash needs.
3. Confirm UPI, net banking and card access still work for you.
4. Check balances for EMIs, SIPs, insurance premiums and bills.
5. Read your bank’s latest SMS, app or website notice before visiting.

If a short disruption would stress your household cash flow, revisit whether your emergency buffer is sized for your situation — see Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?.

Is It Really a Five-Day Bank Closure?

Not exactly. The stretch can feel long because 26 September is the fourth Saturday bank holiday, then the proposed strike runs 28–30 September. In between, 27 September is a special working day for PSBs and RRBs — not a private-bank-wide Sunday opening.

The Bottom Line

The September 2026 bank strike does not mean all banking stops. The main pressure is on physical branch banking at Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks. Digital channels such as UPI, internet banking, mobile banking, cards and ATMs are generally expected to remain available. Private-sector customers should follow their own bank’s notices rather than assuming the UFBU strike applies to every branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks closed on September 26, 2026?

Yes. September 26 is the fourth Saturday and is a scheduled bank holiday. Branches follow the applicable holiday calendar for that day.

Are SBI branches open on Sunday, September 27, 2026?

Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks have been directed to operate normally on September 27 as a special working day. SBI, as a PSB, is covered by that direction — confirm any branch-specific notice from SBI before you visit.

Are HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank affected by the September 28–30 strike?

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are private-sector banks and are not part of the UFBU strike in the same way as PSBs. They are generally expected to operate normally, subject to each bank’s own operational notices.

Will UPI work during the bank strike?

UPI and other digital banking services are generally expected to remain available during the strike.

Will ATMs work during the bank strike?

ATMs are generally expected to remain available, although individual locations can face cash or technical limits.

Which banks are affected by the September 28–30 strike?

The proposed strike is primarily expected to affect Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks.

Will cheque clearing be affected during the bank strike?

Cheque-related and other branch-dependent processing may face delays during the strike period at affected banks.

Is September 30 a bank holiday?

September 30 coincides with the proposed third day of the nationwide bank strike and the half-yearly closing period. Plan branch-dependent transactions in advance rather than treating it as a normal working day at participating PSBs and RRBs.