Several services and offices across India are expected to remain closed on 1 May due to multiple observances, including Maharashtra Day, Buddha Purnima, and Labour Day, with the extent of disruptions varying across states and sectors.
Is Buddha Purnima a gazetted holiday?
Yes, Buddha Purnima is a gazetted holiday in India. This implies that it is a public holiday for Central Government offices, banks, and most state government offices across the country.
What's open and what's closed on 1 May?
On account of Buddha Purnima, schools, colleges, other educational institutions, public institutions and many private businesses will remain closed to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.
Banks closed on 1 May?
In view of the celebrations of Maharashtra Din, Buddha Purnima, Labour Day, and the birth Anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, banks across India will remain closed except in some states. On the first day of the month, which is Friday, HDFC, ICICI, SBI and other banks will open in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha and Gujarat, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar.
Will digital banking services function on RBI-designated bank holidays?
Even on bank 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 bank holidays. Online transactions such as bill payments, mobile top-ups, prepaid phone recharges, fund transfers, or hotel, flight, and train bookings can be done as usual.
Unless a bank notifies its customers of the suspension of online services (usually for maintenance), consumers can access digital and net banking services like UPI and NEFT throughout the year, including forexpenditure analysis and account balance enquiries.
Is the stock market open on Maharashtra Day?
According to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) holiday calendar, 1 May, Friday, will be a trading holiday on account of Maharashtra Day. There will be no equity, equity derivatives, or SLB trading on these days.
Services that will remain open and operational on 1 May
Transportation: Public transport, comprising buses, trains and metros, will function as usual.
Shops and restaurants: Most restaurants and retail shops, including malls, will function as normal.
Essential services: Emergency services like hospitals and pharmacies will remain unaffected by the public holiday.
Buddha Purnima muhurat time
Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is celebrated in the Vaishakha month. This day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism. This year marks the 2588th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 5:42 PM on 30 April 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 7:22 PM on 1 May 2026
Maharashtra Day and Labour Day
Maharashtra Day commemorates the creation of a separate state and the division of the former Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Maharashtra state came into existence on 1 May 1960, following the enactment of the Bombay Reorganisation Act. Meanwhile, Labour Day is an annual celebration of the labour movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.