Ram Navami 2026 bank holiday: Are banks and stock markets closed on March 26 and 27?

Ram Navami 2026 on March 26 will impact banking and stock market operations across India—here’s what will remain open and closed.

If you’re planning to visit a bank branch this week, it’s worth double-checking the holiday schedule. Festival-related closures can vary by state, and Ram Navami 2026 is set to affect services across multiple cities.

When is Ram Navami 2026?

Ram Navami will be observed on March 26, 2026 (Thursday), coinciding with Mahanavami during Chaitra Navratri. The Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and ends at 10:06 AM on March 27, with the Madhyahna muhurat between 11:13 AM and 1:41 PM considered most auspicious.

Are banks closed on March 26?

Banks will remain closed on March 26 in several states and cities, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and others. Major cities affected include Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. However, closures are not uniform nationwide, so customers are advised to confirm with their local branch.

What about March 27 closures?

On March 27, banks will remain closed in select states such as Telangana, Odisha, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Sikkim due to regional observances like Chaite Dashain.

Stock market operations will be fully suspended across India on March 26. Both National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange will remain closed for trading in equity, derivatives, and currency segments. The commodity market (MCX), however, will operate for a half-day session.

Even though physical branches are closed, digital banking services will continue as usual. ATMs will remain operational, and customers can use UPI, mobile banking, and net banking for transactions such as fund transfers and bill payments.

What should you plan ahead?

Services that require branch access—like cheque clearance, demand drafts, or large cash transactions—will not be available during the holiday. With March 28 and 29 falling on a weekend, customers may face an extended break, making it important to complete urgent banking work in advance.

Ram Navami 2026 brings a mix of partial and full closures. While banks shut in several states, stock markets remain closed nationwide. Planning ahead can help avoid last-minute delays, especially for transactions that require in-branch services.