India’s banking services will remain partially affected on Thursday, July 16, as banks in select states are closed to observe regional festivals, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) holiday calendar for the financial year 2026-27.

Customers in most parts of the country can continue to access banking services as usual, while branches in Odisha, Uttarakhand and Manipur will remain shut for local celebrations.

Banks closed today in these states

Banks will remain closed on July 16 in the following states:

• Odisha – Rath Yatra
• Uttarakhand – Harela
• Manipur – Kang festival

Apart from these states, bank branches across the rest of India are expected to function normally.

How does RBI decide bank holidays?

The Reserve Bank of India prepares a state-wise holiday calendar covering national, religious and regional occasions. Since several festivals are celebrated only in specific states, bank holidays may differ from one region to another.

In addition to these notified holidays, banks across the country remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, as well as on all Sundays.

When is the next bank holiday?

According to the RBI’s holiday schedule, the next notified bank holiday falls on July 17, 2026, in Sikkim to mark the Death Anniversary of U Tirot Singh.

Customers are advised to check the holiday schedule applicable to their respective state before planning a visit to a bank branch.

Will online banking services remain available?

Although physical bank branches may remain closed in the affected states, customers can continue using digital banking services. Mobile banking, internet banking, UPI transactions, ATM withdrawals and other online banking facilities are expected to remain available, enabling uninterrupted access to essential financial services.

Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of the much-awaited sequel of horror-fantasy film Tumbbad 2. The announcement was made by actor and producer Sohum Shah, who welcomed Alia to the franchise by sharing pictures on social media with the caption, “A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt.”

The sequel will see Alia Bhatt, Sohum Shah, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui sharing screen space. Directed by Adesh Prasad, the film is being produced by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios. The makers have also announced that Tumbbad 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on December 3, 2027.

Alia Bhatt said Tumbbad has stayed with her ever since she first watched it. She described the film as one of the few movies that created a unique and immersive world, adding that joining the franchise is a special opportunity for her. The actor said she is looking forward to exploring a new character in the mysterious Tumbbad universe.

Released in 2018, Tumbbad became a cult classic for its blend of Indian folklore, mythology, fantasy, and horror. Starring Sohum Shah in the lead role, the film earned widespread critical acclaim and gained even more popularity after its re-release, becoming one of the most successful re-released Indian films.

The confirmation of Alia Bhatt’s casting ended weeks of speculation and has increased excitement among fans. With the addition of Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiqui to the cast, the sequel promises a stronger star lineup while continuing the dark and mysterious world of the first film.

As of now, filming and production are on, and the makers are preparing for the film’s theatrical release in December 2027. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the sequel expands the mythology of the Tumbbad universe and whether it can match the original film’s impact.

Actor Hina Khan and her husband Rocky Jaiswal have reacted strongly after television actor Shilpa Shinde made controversial remarks on Hina’s battle with Stage 3 breast cancer during a recent interview. The comments triggered criticism online, with Hina and Rocky describing them insensitive and inappropriate.

The controversy began after Shinde questioned Hina’s public discussion of her illness and commented on her appearance during treatment. In the interview, Shilpa suggested that Hina did not look like someone undergoing cancer treatment, leading to widespread reactions on social media.

Responding on Instagram, Khan did not mention Shinde by name but stressed that every cancer patient’s journey is different. She said people should avoid making assumptions about a person’s medical condition based on physical appearance, adding that awareness and compassion are far more important than judgment. Khan reminded her followers that cancer affects individuals in different ways and that no two recovery journeys are the same.

Rocky Jaiswal also came out in his wife’s support, calling the remarks “inhuman” and expressed disappointment over the lack of sensitivity shown towards someone fighting a serious illness. He said personal health struggles should never become the subject of ridicule or speculation and urged people to respond with empathy instead of criticism.

Hina Khan revealed in June 2024 that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Since then, she has regularly shared updates about her chemotherapy, surgeries and recovery through social media. The actor has repeatedly said that speaking openly about her treatment is her way of spreading awareness and giving hope to others facing similar challenges.

The exchange has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many fans and members of the television industry extending support to Hina Khan and praising her courage.