Bank Holiday 18 February: Many times, we keep putting off bank-related work, only to find out that the day we planned to go is a holiday. If you have any important banking work pending, this news is useful for you. Banks will be closed in some parts of the country on February 18th, so it’s best to plan ahead with prior information.
Bank Holiday Due to Losar Festival
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, will be celebrated on February 18th. This festival is considered culturally significant, and according to the Reserve Bank of India’s Bank Holiday 18 February calendar, bank branches will be closed on this occasion.
Local celebrations and traditions hold special significance on this day, so banks, along with government institutions, observe a holiday.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 18 February 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Occasion | Losar – Tibetan New Year festival |
| Affected State | Sikkim |
| Affected Cities | Mainly Gangtok and nearby banking regions |
| Bank Status | Banks remain closed in the state |
| Holiday Type | Regional bank holiday under RBI calendar |
| Nationwide Closure | No, banks open in most other states |
| Online Banking | UPI, mobile banking, and ATMs remain operational |
| Next Bank Holiday | 19 February in Maharashtra (Shivaji Jayanti) |
| Advice for Customers | Complete branch work earlier or use digital banking |
Not nationwide, but only in this state
It’s important to understand that this holiday is not applicable throughout India. Banks will be closed only in the state of Sikkim on February 18th. Banking services will operate normally in all other states and union territories except Sikkim. People living in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or elsewhere need not worry about their banking needs.
Branches will be closed, but digital services will remain operational
Although bank branches in Sikkim will be closed, customers’ essential work will remain uninterrupted. Nowadays, most banking services are available online, making it possible to complete many tasks from the comfort of their homes.
Money transfer services like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS will be available 24/7. Payments will also be made without interruption through UPI-based services like mobile payment apps. ATM machines will continue to function as usual if cash is needed, making it easy to withdraw cash or check your balance.
If you have an urgent need, plan ahead
If you live in Sikkim and have an urgent bank-related work pending, it’s best to complete it a day in advance or wait until the next working day. A little information can save you unnecessary hassle and time. It’s always beneficial to have timely holiday information, especially when banking is important.
FAQs
1. Are banks closed across India on 18 February 2026?
No, banks are closed only in Sikkim for Losar festival.
2. What is Losar and why are banks closed?
Losar marks Tibetan New Year, a major festival in Sikkim.
3. Will online banking services work on this day?
Yes, ATMs, UPI, and mobile banking services remain functional.
4. Are private and government banks both closed?
Yes, all scheduled banks in Sikkim observe the holiday.
5. When will banks reopen after the holiday?
Banks reopen the next working day unless another regional holiday applies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available bank holiday information and public sources. Bank holiday status may vary depending on the local administration, bank branch, or updated RBI calendar. Please confirm holiday information with your bank or the official website before undertaking any important work.
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