Mumbai, January 17: Residents in Tamil Nadu's Chennai must note that bank branches across the region will remain closed today, January 17. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, the closure is in observance of Uzhavar Thirunal festival, the traditional farmers' festival that marks the final day of the Pongal harvest season. As this holiday follows a two-day closure for Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day, physical bank branches in Chennai and other parts of the state will conclude a significant four-day festive break.

Where Does the Uzhavar Thirunal Bank Holiday Apply

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the RBI has notified January 17 as a bank holiday specifically for Chennai. In most other parts of the country - including major financial hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru - banks will remain fully operational on Saturday. This is because January 17 is the third Saturday of the month. According to standard RBI norms, Indian banks are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays, meaning branches in non-festive states will conduct business as usual. Bank Holiday 2026 List: RBI Releases Month-Wise Bank Holidays Calendar for New Year; Check Dates.

Impact on Banking Services

While physical branch counters will be inaccessible in Chennai, digital banking infrastructure remains unaffected:

Online and Mobile Banking: UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS services will continue to function 24/7 for all customers.

ATMs: Cash withdrawal and deposit machines will remain operational, though customers are cautioned to plan for potential high demand at machines during the long weekend.

Cheque Clearing: Any physical cheques dropped in collection boxes in Tamil Nadu on Saturday will likely not be processed until Monday, January 19. Bank Holidays in January 2026: From Mannam Jayanthi to Makar Sankranti and Republic Day, Banks To Remain Closed for 16 Days Next Month; Check Full List Here.

The Significance of Uzhavar Thirunal Festival

Uzhavar Thirunal, or "Farmers' Day," is the culmination of the harvest festivities in South India. It is dedicated to honouring the hard work of farmers and the cattle that assist them in agriculture. The Tamil Nadu government declares this as a public holiday to facilitate traditional celebrations, community feasts, and local sporting events like Jallikattu. For the banking sector, this regional holiday is a recurring feature of the January calendar, reflecting the state's cultural emphasis on its agrarian roots.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2026 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).