Bank holiday today, 26 August: Will SBI, HDFC and others remain open on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi?

Banks across several states in India will remain closed today, August 26, to observe Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, or Mawlid, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed by Muslims worldwide. This year, the celebrations began on Tuesday, August 25, and continue through Wednesday night, August 26.

The occasion is observed as a time to remember the Prophet’s life, teachings and message. Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE, and his teachings continue to hold profound religious and spiritual importance for Muslims globally.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included Milad-un-Nabi as a bank holiday on Wednesday, 26 August, in several states.

Banks across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand will remain closed today 26 August, Wednesday, to observe Milad-un-Nabi.

26 August, Wednesday - Banks to remain closed to observe Milad-un-Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad)

28 August, Friday - Banks across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh will remain closed due to the Raksha Bandhan holiday.

On working days, banks commence public dealing operations at 10:00 AM and close access to in-branch services at 4:00 PM.

Customers are also advised to check with their local bank branches for exact holiday applicability. Meanwhile, essential banking services remain operational nationwide despite the physical branch closures.

During bank holidays, online banking services remain available across the country to ensure uninterrupted access to banking services. Customers can use these services for convenient financial transactions.

An individual can use UPI or the respective bank's app to make payments and receive money from others. These services work around the clock, whether banks are open or not. Though at times it may be down due to scheduled maintenance, during which the banks will notify you.

Additionally, fund transfer requests can be made using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms, demand draft request forms and chequebook forms.

In addition to those options, credit, debit, and ATM cards can also be obtained through card services. Services such as account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions, and applying for a locker are also open

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is marked by Muslims as a time to remember the life, message and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Mosques and homes are often illuminated and decorated, while streets may be adorned with lights and banners. In many places, devotees also take part in processions and religious gatherings.