May 1 Holiday: India banks open in 8 states as closures spread
Many services and offices across India are expected to close for the may 1 holiday on Friday, May 1, 2026, as Buddha Purnima is observed nationwide. Schools, colleges, public institutions and many private businesses are among those expected to be shut.
Banks will be closed in most regions, but branches in eight states will stay open: Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha and Gujarat. Internet banking, SMS banking, WhatsApp banking and online payments will still work.
Buddha Purnima closures
Buddha Purnima is a gazetted holiday and will be observed as a public holiday for Central Government offices, banks and most state government offices nationwide. The date also falls on a Friday, which makes the closure cover the start of the month for many offices and institutions.
The holiday marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, and it is observed on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month. Purnima Tithi begins at 5:42 PM on 30 April 2026 and ends at 7:22 PM on 1 May 2026.
Banking in eight states
According to the Reserve Bank of India holiday calendar, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India will remain open in the eight states named in the holiday list. Elsewhere, bank branches are expected to follow the broader closure tied to Buddha Purnima and other listed holidays, including Maharashtra Day, Labour Day and the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Customers still can use online channels for bill payments, mobile top-ups, prepaid phone recharges, fund transfers and bookings for hotels, flights and trains. That leaves branch visits as the main task to finish before the holiday.
Maharashtra Day trading
The National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange holiday calendar lists Friday, May 1, 2026, as a trading holiday on account of Maharashtra Day. There will be no equity, equity derivatives or SLB trading that day.
For readers handling payments, deposits or trades, the practical step is simple: complete branch work before Friday and use digital banking for anything that can be done online. The holiday schedule leaves branches shut in most places, but it does not shut down digital access.
