Public holidays are more than just days off, they are moments of cultural pride, family bonding, and national reflection. The Government of Karnataka has now released its final list of 20 general holidays for 2026, ensuring that citizens can prepare for festivals, rituals, and national commemorations. Alongside these, employees may also avail up to two restricted holidays with prior approval
Complete List of Karnataka Government Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 15 | Thursday | Makara Sankranti | Harvest festival marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Adoption of the Indian Constitution |
| March 19 | Wednesday | Ugadi | Kannada New Year is celebrated with rituals and feasts |
| March 21 | Saturday | Ramzan | Ramzan/Ramadan is a month-long spiritual observance |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Good Friday, also known as Great Friday or Holy Friday, is a Christian holy day |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Honouring the architect of the Constitution |
| April 20 | Monday | Basava Jayanthi | Basava Jayanthi marks the birthday of Basavanna |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 28 | Thursday | Bakrid (Eid al-Adha)* | Festival of Sacrifice (date subject to moon sighting) |
| June 26 | Friday | Moharam | Moharam (also spelled Muharram) is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | India’s freedom celebration |
| August 26 | Friday | Eid-e-Milad* | Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary (moon sighting dependent) |
| September 14 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Birth of Lord Ganesha |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Ayudha Puja | Worship of tools and instruments |
| October 21 | Wednesday | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Victory of good over evil |
| October 31 | Saturday | Kannada Rajyotsava | Formation of the Karnataka state |
| November 10 | Tuesday | Deepavali | Festival of lights |
| November 27 | Friday | Kanakadasa Jayanthi | Birth anniversary of the great poet-saint Kanakadasa. |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas | Birth of Jesus Christ |
Festivals that fall on Sundays have not been included in the official list of holidays. This means that important occasions such as Maha Shivaratri (February 15), Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (October 25), Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1), and Naraka Chaturdashi (November 8) will not be marked as government holidays. Similarly, Mahalaya Amavasya (October 10), which falls on a second Saturday, has also been left out of the approved calendar. For many, these festivals hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, and the absence of official holidays on these days may feel like a missed opportunity to celebrate together with family and community.
Why These Holidays Matter
For the people of Karnataka, holidays are not just breaks from work; they are threads that weave together culture, family, and tradition.
- Makara Sankranti brings families together to fly kites and share sesame sweets.
- Ugadi marks new beginnings, with rituals symbolising life’s bittersweet nature.
- Ganesh Chaturthi fills homes with devotion and artistry through clay idols.
- Kannada Rajyotsava instils pride in Karnataka’s language, heritage, and unity.
- Deepavali lights up neighbourhoods, symbolising hope and joy.
These holidays allow communities to pause, reflect, and celebrate their identity while strengthening bonds across generations.
Restricted Holidays
In addition to the 20 general holidays, government employees can choose two restricted holidays from a notified list. These often include observances like Good Friday, Karva Chauth, or regional saints’ anniversaries, giving flexibility to honor personal traditions.
The 2026 Karnataka holiday calendar is a balanced blend of national pride, cultural heritage, and religious diversity. With 20 official holidays, citizens can look forward to moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness. For planners, professionals, and families alike, this list is more than a schedule; it is a roadmap to celebrating life’s milestones throughout the year.
