Eid 2026 holiday confirmed: Are banks, schools, and stock markets closed on Saturday?

With the Shawwal crescent moon remaining elusive on Thursday evening, religious authorities have officially declared that Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in India will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21. This confirmation has triggered a nationwide update to the holiday calendar, affecting everything from banking operations to school schedules and government offices.

Will banks be closed on Friday or Saturday for Eid 2026?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a split holiday schedule to accommodate the regional variations in moon sightings.

Banking services will be suspended in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh on March 20, where the moon is expected to be sighted earlier. On Saturday, March 21, banks will remain closed across the rest of India. This includes major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Notably, banks in Jharkhand will also be shut on this day for the Sarhul festival.

Exceptions: Banks in Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh will likely remain operational on Saturday as their primary holiday falls on Friday.

Is the Indian Stock Market (NSE/BSE) closed for Eid-ul-Fitr?

According to the official National Stock Exchange (NSE) holiday list for 2026, Saturday, March 21, is marked as a holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. However, since the festival falls on a Saturday, a day when the markets are typically closed, there will be no additional "trading holiday" during the work week (Monday to Friday). 

Are schools and colleges closed for Eid on March 21?

Educational institutions across most Indian states have declared a holiday for Saturday, March 21. While some private schools in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh observed the break on Friday, the vast majority of schools in North, West, and East India will follow the Saturday schedule. Parents are advised to check local circulars, as some schools may remain closed on both days to allow for travel and family gatherings.

Which government offices will remain shut for the Eid holiday?

As per the Central Government's official holiday list, Saturday, March 21, is a nationwide gazetted holiday. All offices under the central ambit will remain closed.

Whereas, State Government offices will follow the specific notifications issued by their respective state secretariats.

How does the "30-Day Ramadan" impact the holiday schedule?

Because the moon was not sighted on March 19, Ramadan has completed its full 30-day cycle. This transition from a 29-day to a 30-day month often causes last-minute shifts in holiday planning. For 2026, the Saturday confirmation provides a "long weekend" feel for many employees, though it essentially merges a festival holiday with a weekly off for those in five-day-week corporate roles.