Kerala, the “God’s Own Country,” is known for its vibrant festivals, religious harmony, and cultural richness. Each year, the Government of Kerala publishes an official list of public holidays for government offices, banks, schools, and the general public.
The Kerala Government Holidays 2026 list includes national holidays, state-specific festivals, and religious observances celebrated by Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities. This guide provides a full overview of Kerala public, bank, and school holidays in 2026, helping you plan your year effectively.
Kerala Government Public Holidays 2026
The following are the tentative public holidays for 2026, based on past trends and religious calendars. Official confirmation will be released by the Government of Kerala closer to the end of 2025.
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Category |
|
January 1 |
Thursday |
New Year’s Day |
Public Holiday |
|
January 14 |
Wednesday |
Makara Sankranti |
Festival |
|
January 15 |
Thursday |
Pongal |
Festival |
|
January 26 |
Monday |
Republic Day |
National Holiday |
|
February 1 |
Sunday |
Attukal Pongala (Tentative) |
State Festival |
|
March 20 |
Friday |
Shab-e-Barat (Tentative) |
Religious Holiday |
|
March 21 |
Saturday |
Eid al-Fitr (Ramzan) (Tentative) |
Religious Holiday |
|
March 31 |
Tuesday |
Maundy Thursday |
Christian Holiday |
|
April 3 |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Christian Holiday |
|
April 10 |
Friday |
Vishu |
State Festival |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanthi / Tamil New Year |
National/Regional Holiday |
|
May 1 |
Friday |
May Day (Labour Day) |
Public Holiday |
|
May 27 |
Wednesday |
Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) (Tentative) |
Religious Holiday |
|
June 26 |
Friday |
Muharram (Tentative) |
Religious Holiday |
|
August 15 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
National Holiday |
|
August 25 |
Tuesday |
Onam (Thiruvonam) |
Major Festival |
|
August 26 |
Wednesday |
Third Onam |
State Festival |
|
September 4 |
Friday |
Krishna Jayanthi (Janmashtami) |
Festival |
|
September 14 |
Monday |
Vinayaka Chathurthi |
Festival |
|
October 2 |
Friday |
Gandhi Jayanthi |
National Holiday |
|
October 20 |
Tuesday |
Ayudha Pooja |
Festival |
|
October 21 |
Wednesday |
Vijayadasami |
Festival |
|
November 8 |
Sunday |
Deepavali (Diwali) |
Festival |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
Christian Holiday |
Bank Holidays 2026 in Kerala
All public holidays are also observed as bank holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Additionally, banks in Kerala remain closed on all Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Applicability |
|
April 1 |
Wednesday |
Annual Closing of Bank Accounts |
Banks Only |
|
2nd & 4th Saturdays |
Every Month |
Bank Holiday |
Banks Only |
|
Every Sunday |
- |
Weekly Holiday |
Banks Only |
School Holidays 2026 in Kerala
Schools in Kerala follow the Department of General Education calendar. Along with public holidays, schools also have seasonal and festival-specific vacations.
|
Break |
Approximate Duration |
Dates (Tentative) |
|
Summer Vacation |
40–45 Days |
April Last Week – June First Week |
|
Onam Holidays |
7–10 Days |
August 20–30, 2026 |
|
Christmas Holidays |
8–10 Days |
December 23, 2026 – January 1, 2027 |
|
Mid-term (Pooja) Holidays |
5–7 Days |
October 18–24, 2026 |
|
Pongal / Sankranti Break |
2–3 Days |
January 13–15, 2026 |
Note: The dates of Eid, Onam, Vishu, and Christmas may slightly vary based on lunar calendars and official notifications from the Kerala Government.
Important Notes:
- The final and legally binding list will be issued by the Kerala General Administration Department.
- Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Bakrid are subject to moon sightings.
- Local festivals like Attukal Pongala or Thrissur Pooram may also result in district-specific holidays.
- School holiday notifications will be separately released by the Kerala Education Department.
Kerala’s 2026 holiday calendar offers a balanced mix of national celebrations, regional festivals, and religious observances. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business schedule, or bank transaction, this Kerala Public Holiday 2026 list serves as a practical planning tool.
