The Kerala government has published its official list of public holidays for 2026, giving residents, government departments, and the banking sector a clear
view of next year’s closures. Released under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the notification appeared in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary on 31 October 2025 and formalises the dates on which government offices and listed establishments will remain shut. Compiled by the General Administration (Co-ordination) Department, the list also incorporates guidelines for commercial and co-operative banks as outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs. For employees, consumers, and financial institutions, this advance schedule lays the groundwork for smooth planning throughout the year. Why The Schedule Matters For Households And Businesses Public holidays determine more than just office closures; they shape how banking, government services, and compliance-related tasks function across the state. Knowing the dates early helps individuals plan everything from bill payments to travel and official appointments. Businesses, meanwhile, rely on this calendar to organise financial operations, manage statutory obligations, and anticipate service interruptions. Kerala’s Public Holidays For 2026 Alongside all Sundays, the state will observe the following holidays in 2026: Mannam Jayanthi – 2 January (Friday) Republic Day – 26 January (Monday) Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan)* – 20 March (Friday) Annual closing of accounts of commercial and co-operative banks – 1 April (Wednesday) Maundy Thursday – 2 April (Thursday) Good Friday – 3 April (Friday) Dr B. R. Ambedkar Jayanthi – 14 April (Tuesday) Vishu – 15 April (Wednesday) May Day – 1 May (Friday) Id-ul-Ad’ha (Bakrid)* – 27 May (Wednesday) Independence Day – 15 August (Saturday) First Onam/Milad-i-Sherif* – 25 August (Tuesday) Thiruvonam – 26 August (Wednesday) Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi/Ayyankali Jayanthi – 28 August (Friday) Sreekrishna Jayanthi – 4 September (Friday) Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi – 21 September (Monday) Gandhi Jayanthi – 2 October (Friday) Mahanavami – 20 October (Tuesday) Vijayadasami – 21 October (Wednesday) Christmas – 25 December (Friday) Dates marked with an asterisk may shift depending on the sighting of the moon. Festivals Landing On Sundays Some major festivals coincide with Sundays, which are already weekly holidays. According to the notification, banks that normally operate on Sundays will treat these days as holidays: Mahasivarathri – 15 February (Sunday) Easter – 5 April (Sunday) Deepavali – 8 November (Sunday) Guidelines For Private And Commercial Establishments Institutions regulated by labour laws, including those governed by the Industrial Disputes Act, the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, and the Minimum Wages Act, will continue to follow the Kerala Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1958. As a result, private employers must adhere to their own statutory set of paid holidays, separate from the government’s notified list.
