Bank closures on May 1, 2026, will depend on the Reserve Bank of India’s official state-wise holiday calendar. While the day is observed as Buddha Purnima and Labour Day in several regions, not all states may have a bank holiday. Customers are advised to check with their local branch or official bank holiday list before planning a visit 

The holiday status, however, is not uniform across the country, as bank closures are determined based on the Reserve Bank of India’s state-wise holiday calendar.

Banks likely to remain closed in most states

In several states, including Delhi and other major regions, banks are expected to remain shut due to Buddha Purnima. The day is recognised as a public holiday in many parts of the country, leading to closure of bank branches.

Customers planning branch visits on May 1 are advised to check local holiday listings to avoid inconvenience.

States where banks may remain open

Despite the widespread holiday, some states may not observe May 1 as a bank holiday. In such locations, banking services at branches could function normally.

States where banks may remain operational include:

• Meghalaya
• Nagaland
• Rajasthan
• Sikkim
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Odisha
• Gujarat

Since bank holidays vary regionally, customers should verify with their local branch.

Digital banking services unaffected

Even in areas where banks are closed, digital services will continue without interruption. Customers can use:

• Mobile banking apps
• Internet banking
• UPI services
• ATMs

These services remain available regardless of physical branch closures.

Key takeaway

While May 1, 2026, will be a bank holiday in many parts of India due to Buddha Purnima and Labour Day, some states may still have banks open, making it important to check region-specific updates before planning any visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Telangana on May 10, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth around Rs8,000 crore, according to official information.

The visit marks his first trip to the state after beginning his third term in office.

Among the key projects scheduled for launch are new facilities at AIIMS Bibinagar, along with the expansion of the MMTS Phase 2. Several national highway and railway infrastructure works are also part of the development package.

Officials indicated that the visit will also include a major public gathering at Secunderabad’s Parade Ground under the banner of “Janagraha Sabha”, reflecting both developmental and political outreach efforts.

The planned projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, and overall development in the region, aligning with the Centre’s broader focus on infrastructure-led growth.

West Bengal has registered a historic voter turnout of 92.47% in the 2026 Assembly elections, marking the highest participation since Independence, according to official data from the Election Commission.

The record-breaking turnout comes after voting was conducted in two phases, with both phases witnessing exceptionally high public participation.

Phase-wise turnout reflects strong voter engagement

Polling in the second and final phase recorded around 91.66% turnout, while the first phase saw an even higher participation of 93.19%.

When combined, the overall turnout reached 92.47%, surpassing the previous record of 84.72% in the 2011 Assembly elections.

This sharp increase highlights a significant rise in voter awareness and engagement across the state.

Women voters lead participation

Data released by the Election Commission shows that women voters slightly outnumbered men in turnout, reflecting a strong gender participation trend in the elections.

The high turnout across demographics indicates broad-based involvement in the democratic process.

One of the highest turnouts in the country

The turnout in West Bengal is among the highest recorded in any Indian state election, underscoring the intensity and importance of the 2026 polls.

Officials have described the participation as a strong indicator of public trust in the electoral process and democratic institutions.

Counting scheduled next month

Votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be counted next month, along with results from other states that went to polls during the same period.

With such high voter participation, the election outcome is expected to be closely watched.