Many services and offices across India are expected to be closed on Buddha Purnima on Friday, May 1. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions, along with public institutions and many private businesses, will remain closed to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
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As Buddha Purnima is a declared holiday, it will become a public holiday for central government offices, banks and most state government offices across the country.
Will digital banking services work on public holidays designated by RBI?
Even on public holidays, internet banking, SMS banking and WhatsApp banking services will remain available to account holders and registered bank customers for financial and non-financial transactions.
Account holders and registered bank customers will be able to use internet banking, SMS banking and WhatsApp banking services for financial and non-financial transactions on all days regardless of public holidays. Online transactions such as bill payments, mobile phone recharges, prepaid phone recharges, fund transfers or hotel, flight and train bookings can be done as usual.
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Unless the bank notifies its customers of suspension of online services (usually due to maintenance), consumers can access digital and internet banking services such as UPI and NEFT throughout the year, including pre-spend analysis and account balance enquiries.
Is stock market open on maharashtra day?
As per National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) holiday calendar, May 1, Friday, will be a business holiday due to Maharashtra Day. There will be no trading of stocks, stock derivatives or SLB on these days.
Buddha Purnima 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed?
Banks across India will remain closed in most regions for holidays like Maharashtra Day, Buddha Purnima, Labor Day and Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s birth anniversary.
However, according to Reserve Bank of India holiday calendar, banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India will remain open in some states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha and Gujarat on Friday 1
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Buddha Purnima is a major Buddhist festival that marks the birth, enlightenment and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. It is observed on the full moon day of Vaisakha month.
Devotees visit monasteries, pray, meditate, and participate in charitable activities to honor the Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
Purnima Tithi Starts – April 30, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Purnima Tithi ends – 7:22 PM on 1 May 2026
Bodh Gaya in Bihar
Bodh Gaya in Bihar is one of the holiest places in Buddhism as it is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
It is a major pilgrimage site that attracts visitors and monks from all over the world. The city is home to the famous Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several international monasteries representing various Buddhist traditions.
