Muharram 2026 Holiday: Banks, Schools And More, What's Open And Closed Across India On June 26?

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Muharram, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, will be observed in India today on Friday, June 26, 2026. The day of Ashura is a Gazetted Holiday declared by the Central Government. If you're planning to visit a bank, government office, school or any public service, it's helpful to know what will remain open and what will be closed before you step out.

Although several government institutions and financial services observe the holiday, many essential services and businesses continue to operate as usual. Here's everything you need to know on what's open and closed during Muharram 2026 across India.

What's Open And Closed On Muharram 2026?

Whether you're heading to a bank, planning a shopping trip or travelling, here's a quick overview of what you can expect on Friday, June 26, 2026.

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Services That Will Remain Closed

• Central Government offices
• Most State Government offices (subject to state notifications)
• Bank branches in states where Muharram is an RBI-notified holiday
• Many government and private schools and colleges (depending on the state and institution)
• NSE and BSE
• Morning trading session of the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
• Most India Post offices in states observing Muharram
• Many High Courts and district courts

Services That Will Remain Open

• Evening trading session of the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
• UPI
• Mobile banking
• Internet banking
• ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs)
• Hospitals and emergency medical services
• Airports and flight operations
• Indian Railways
• Metro rail services
• State-run buses
• Taxis and app-based cab services
• Shopping malls
• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Multiplexes and cinemas
• Most retail stores

Will Banks Be Open On Muharram 2026?

Physical bank branches will remain closed only in states where Muharram is listed as an RBI holiday. Major banking centres expected to observe the holiday include:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Patna
• Ranchi
• Raipur
• Jammu
• Agartala
• Aizawl
• Nagpur
• Belapur (Navi Mumbai)

In many parts of the country, Friday (Muharram), Saturday (Fourth Saturday) and Sunday create a three-day closure for banks.

Banking Services That Will Continue

The following services will remain available throughout the holiday:

• UPI
• Mobile banking
• Internet banking
• ATMs
• Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs)

Are Schools And Colleges Closed?

Many government and private schools are expected to remain closed on June 26. However, educational holidays are decided by state governments, education boards and individual institutions. Students and parents should check with their respective schools or colleges for confirmation.

Government Offices

All Central Government offices will remain closed on June 26 as Muharram is a gazetted holiday. Most State Government offices are also expected to observe the holiday, although the final decision rests with individual state governments. If you need to complete official work, checking your state's holiday notification beforehand is recommended.

Will Post Offices And Courts Be Open?

Most India Post offices are expected to remain closed in states observing Muharram, although essential postal operations may continue internally.
Similarly, many High Courts and district courts observe Muharram as a holiday. Court schedules vary by state, and urgent matters may still be heard according to local court procedures.

Will Public Transport And Travel Be Affected?

Travel services are expected to operate normally across most parts of the country. These include:

• Indian Railways
• Domestic and international flights
• Metro rail services
• State-run buses
• Taxis
• App-based cab services

However, cities hosting Muharram processions may witness temporary traffic diversions or road closures. Checking local traffic advisories before travelling is advisable.

Will Hospitals Remain Open?

Yes. Hospitals will continue to provide emergency and essential medical services during the holiday.

Keep in mind:

• Emergency services will remain operational.
• Government hospitals may have reduced staffing.

Some outpatient departments (OPDs) may operate with revised timings depending on the state.

Are Malls, Restaurants And Markets Open?

Most commercial establishments are expected to remain open, including:

• Shopping malls
• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Multiplexes
• Retail stores

Business hours may vary slightly in areas where Muharram processions affect traffic movement.

Which Digital Services Will Continue?

The following digital services are expected to function normally:

• UPI
• NEFT (where applicable)
• RTGS (where applicable)
• Mobile wallets
• Internet banking
• Online shopping platforms
• Food delivery services
• OTT streaming platforms

Is The Stock Market Open?

No. The Indian stock market will remain closed on Muharram.

The following market segments will not operate:

• NSE
• BSE
• Equity Market
• Equity Derivatives
• Currency Derivatives
• Securities Lending & Borrowing (SLB)

The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will have:

• Morning session: Closed
• Evening session: Open as per the regular trading schedule

Kerala Holiday

The Kerala Government has shifted the Muharram public holiday from June 25 to June 26, 2026, following the confirmation of the moon sighting. Government offices, banks and educational institutions across the state will therefore observe the holiday on Friday, June 26.

Things To Keep In Mind

Traffic diversions may be in place in some cities due to Muharram processions.
Bank customers should plan branch visits in advance, as Friday (Muharram), Saturday (Fourth Saturday) and Sunday may result in a three-day closure in many locations.
Holiday schedules for schools, colleges and government offices may vary depending on state government notifications.

Plan Your Day Accordingly

Muharram on June 26, 2026, will affect several public services across India, but it won't bring everyday life to a halt. Government offices, banks in notified states, many schools, post offices and stock exchanges will remain closed, while transport services, hospitals, airports, digital banking and most shopping and dining establishments will continue to operate. Since holiday schedules can vary by state and institution, checking local notifications before making plans can help you avoid unnecessary delays or inconvenience.