Bank Holiday September 2026: Banks to Open on Sunday Before Three-Day Strike

Bank Holiday September 2026 plans have changed ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike. Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, even though it is a regular weekly holiday. The move is aimed at giving customers another opportunity to complete important banking work before the strike begins.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a national strike from September 28 to September 30. Banks will be closed on September 26 due to the fourth Saturday, followed by the customary Sunday holiday on September 27th.

The Sunday opening is designed to keep clients from going too long without regular branch services.

Bank Holiday September 2026: Why banks will open on Sunday

The government has instructed that Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks function regularly on September 27. According to the Finance Ministry, the decision was made to avoid disrupting the public’s banking needs for a lengthy period of time.

The Reserve Bank of India has also authorised the operating of bank branches, offices, and ATM-linked branches on Sunday. This will provide clients more time to complete transactions before the impending strike.

The administration has also created provisions for central government personnel. Their salary, wages, and pensions will be credited in advance on Friday, September 25, ahead of the walkout.

The Controller General of Accounts released a memorandum stating that payments for Central Government personnel, including those working in Defence, Posts, and Telecommunications, will be made on September 25. Salaries for Central Government industrial personnel may also be made available early.

These payments will be considered advance payments. Any necessary adjustments will be made to the salary, earnings, or pension for October 2026.

Why bank unions have called the strike

The UFBU claims to represent over 90% of the banking workforce. Its major demands are for a five-day banking week and reforms to pension concerns.

The unions are also looking for a standard dearness allowance formula for pensioners. Another request is the ability for employees covered by the National Pension System (NPS) to transfer to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

The government and bank management have requested the unions to cancel or postpone the planned strike. On September 22, representatives of the UFBU and the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner met for mediation, but no agreement was achieved.

The UFBU later stated that it would address the subject if there was tangible and significant progress toward implementing a five-day banking week.

What bank customers should do

Customers who require branch-based banking services are encouraged to perform any critical tasks before the strike begins. The Sunday opening on September 27 gives another option to do so.

Banks encourage their consumers to adopt digital services wherever feasible. During the period, qualified transactions can be carried out via mobile banking, online banking, or UPI.

Customers can access offered services through ATMs and Business Correspondent points. Banks have been urged to keep ATMs well stocked with cash during the strike.