If you woke up this morning wondering if you can finally hit the bank to sort out that lingering paperwork, the answer depends entirely on where you’re standing. Honestly, it’s one of those confusing mid-week days.
For most of the world, today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is just another typical workday. If you are in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, banks are open, the lights are on, and the tellers are waiting. There is no federal or national bank holiday stopping you from grabbing a cashier's check or visiting a safe deposit box.
But—and this is a big "but"—if you happen to be in certain parts of India or Eastern Europe, your local branch might have the "Closed" sign firmly flipped.
The Regional Patchwork: Where Banks Are Closed
In India, today is Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu. These are massive harvest festivals, but the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) doesn't just shut down the whole country at once. It’s regional.
Banks are officially closed today in:
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- Ahmedabad
- Bhubaneswar
- Guwahati
- Itanagar
If you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru? You’re out of luck if you wanted a day off; banks there are operating as usual. However, keep your eyes on the calendar for tomorrow, January 15, because that’s when places like Chennai and Hyderabad shut down for Pongal. It’s a rolling wave of closures that can catch you off guard if you aren't tracking the specific city-wise list.
The "Old" New Year
You might also see "Orthodox New Year" or "Old New Year" on your digital calendar today. This follows the Julian calendar. While it's a deeply significant cultural and religious event for many communities, particularly in countries like Serbia, Montenegro, or among Orthodox populations in the US and UK, it is not a public bank holiday in those western nations.
Essentially, businesses stay open, but you might find your neighbors or colleagues heading to a special liturgy or hosting a massive dinner tonight.
What About the US and UK?
Let's be blunt: there’s nothing official happening here.
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In the United States, the next big one is Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19. That is a federal holiday, meaning the post office, federal courts, and basically every bank will be locked tight. Today? You're clear.
In the UK, we are in the "January Slump." After the New Year’s Day break (and the January 2nd holiday in Scotland), there isn't another bank holiday until Good Friday on April 3. It’s a long stretch, so don't expect any mid-week surprises today.
Why Do People Get Confused?
Basically, it’s the "National Day" phenomenon. Today is technically Ratification Day in the US (commemorating the proclamation of the Treaty of Paris in 1784). It’s also National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day.
While these sound official, they are "observances," not statutory holidays. They don't affect your ability to move money.
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If Your Local Branch Is Shut
If you’re in one of those specific Indian cities where Makar Sankranti has closed the doors, don't panic. Digital banking doesn't sleep.
- IMPS/NEFT/RTGS: These electronic transfer systems generally remain functional even when the physical building is closed.
- ATMs: Cash machines are still stocked.
- Mobile Apps: You can still deposit checks via your phone or pay bills.
Check your local state’s holiday list before driving to a branch today. If you are in Gujarat or Odisha, save the trip for Friday. If you’re in New York, London, or Toronto, carry on with your errands as planned.
Next Steps for Your Finances:
Since most banks are open, it is a great day to handle tasks that require a physical presence, like notarizing documents or updating signature cards. If you are in a region where banks are closed, use your banking app to schedule any transfers now so they process the moment the "clearing house" opens back up. If you're planning a trip to India this week, keep a stash of cash handy as the rolling Pongal/Sankranti holidays will keep various regional branches closed through the weekend.