2
Jan
Fri
മന്നം ജയന്തി
Birth anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabhan, founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS) and prominent social reformer of Kerala. A public holiday for all government offices.
All Kerala Holidays 2026
January
26
Jan
Mon
റിപ്പബ്ലിക് ദിനം
Celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950. Flag hoisting ceremonies and parades held at all government offices and schools.
February
15
Feb
Sun
മഹാശിവരാത്രി
The great night of Lord Shiva. Falls on Sunday in 2026 — not a separate working-day holiday per gazette. Temples across Kerala hold night-long vigils and abhishekam ceremonies.
March
4
Mar
Wed
അയ്യാ വൈകുണ്ഡ സ്വാമി ജയന്തി
Birth anniversary of Ayya Vaikunda Swami, social reformer and founder of the Ayyavazhi spiritual movement. Restricted holiday for Nadar community government employees and teachers.
20
Mar
Fri
ഈദ് അൽ ഫിത്ർ (റംസാൻ)
Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrated with communal prayers (Eid Namaz), feasts, new clothes, and visits to family. Kerala's large Muslim population celebrates with Malabar biriyani, pathiri, and traditional Mappila customs.
⚠ Subject to change depending on the appearance of the moon
April
1
Apr
Wed
ബാങ്ക് വാർഷിക അക്കൗണ്ട് ക്ലോസിംഗ്
Annual closing of accounts of all Commercial and Co-operative banks in Kerala as per RBI guidelines. Banks are closed; not a public holiday for government offices.
2
Apr
Thu
മൗണ്ടി തേഴ്സ്ഡേ
The Thursday of Holy Week, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. Observed as a public holiday in Kerala, reflecting the state's significant Christian population.
3
Apr
Fri
ഗുഡ് ഫ്രൈഡേ
Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Solemn church services and Way of the Cross processions are held across Kerala. Public holiday for all government offices and banks.
5
Apr
Sun
ഈസ്റ്റർ
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Falls on Sunday in 2026 — not a separate working-day holiday per gazette. Sunrise Mass services held at churches across Kerala.
14
Apr
Tue
ഡോ. ബി. ആർ. അംബേദ്കർ ജയന്തി
Birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, social reformer, and champion of Dalit rights. A national holiday across India.
15
Apr
Wed
വിഷു
Kerala's astrological New Year, marking the sun's entry into Mesha (Aries) Rashi. Families observe the sacred Vishukkani ritual at dawn — an auspicious arrangement of golden cucumbers, jackfruit, a brass mirror, coins, a lamp, and the Ramayana. Followed by Vishu kaineetam (gift-giving) and fireworks.
May
1
May
Fri
മേയ് ദിനം
International Workers' Day. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala, with large rallies and marches organised by trade unions and political parties. Also observed as Kerala Formation Day (Kerala Piravi) by some organisations.
27
May
Wed
ഈദ് അൽ അദ്ഹ (ബക്രീദ്)
The Festival of Sacrifice commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Celebrated with communal Eid prayers, sacrifice, and sharing of food. A major public holiday in Kerala.
⚠ Subject to change depending on the appearance of the moon
June
25
Jun
Thu
മുഹർറം
The first month of the Islamic calendar and the Islamic New Year. Also a day of mourning for Shia Muslims commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala.
⚠ Subject to change depending on the appearance of the moon
August
12
Aug
Wed
കർക്കടക വാവ്
New moon (Vavu) day of the Malayalam month of Karkadakam. Families perform Bali rituals at riverbanks and sacred ponds to honour deceased ancestors (pitru tarpana). A deeply observed tradition unique to Kerala.
15
Aug
Sat
സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യദിനം
Celebrates India's independence from British colonial rule on 15 August 1947. Flag hoisting ceremonies are held at all government offices, schools, and public institutions. Falls on a Saturday in 2026.
25
Aug
Tue
ഉത്രാടം / മിലാദ്-ഇ-ഷരീഫ്
Uthradom — the ninth and penultimate day of the Onam festival season, when King Mahabali is said to begin descending to Kerala. Also coincides with Milad-i-Sherif (the birthday of Prophet Muhammed) in 2026. Both are jointly observed as a public holiday.
⚠ Milad-i-Sherif date subject to change depending on the appearance of the moon
26
Aug
Wed
തിരുവോണം
The grandest day of the Onam festival — the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali. Families gather for the Onasadya (26-dish vegetarian feast on banana leaves), lay Pookalam floral carpets, and celebrate with Vallam Kali snake boat races and Pulikali tiger dance performances.
27
Aug
Thu
മൂന്നാം ഓണം
The third day of Onam celebrations (Avittom). Festive events, cultural performances, and regional boat races continue across Kerala.
28
Aug
Fri
നാലാം ഓണം / ശ്രീ നാരായണ ഗുരു ജയന്തി / അയ്യൻകാളി ജയന്തി
The fourth day of Onam coincides in 2026 with the birth anniversaries of Sree Narayana Guru (philosopher-saint and social reformer) and Ayyankali (champion of Dalit rights and founder of Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham). Also Avani Avittom (restricted holiday) for the Brahmin community.
28
Aug
Fri
അവണി അവിട്ടം
Sacred thread renewal ceremony (Upakarma) observed by Brahmin communities. Restricted holiday available to government employees belonging to the Brahmin community.
September
4
Sep
Fri
ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ജയന്തി
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna (Ashtami Rohini / Janmashtami). Temple festivities, Krishnanattam performances, and the traditional Uriyadi (pot-breaking) competitions mark this holiday across Kerala.
17
Sep
Thu
വിശ്വകർമ്മ ദിനം
Celebrates Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman of the gods. Restricted holiday for Vishwakarma community government employees, quasi-government employees, PSU workers, and teachers.
21
Sep
Mon
ശ്രീ നാരായണ ഗുരു സമാധി ദിനം
Commemorates the death anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru (1928), the philosopher, poet, and social reformer who transformed Kerala by fighting caste discrimination. His message — 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man' — remains a cornerstone of Kerala's social fabric.
October
2
Oct
Fri
ഗാന്ധി ജയന്തി
Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), the Father of the Nation. Observed across India with prayer meetings, cleanliness drives, and cultural programs. Also recognised as the International Day of Non-Violence by the UN.
20
Oct
Tue
മഹാനവമി
The ninth day of Navaratri. Ayudha Puja (worship of tools and instruments) and Saraswati Puja are performed at homes, schools, and institutions. Books and instruments are arranged before Goddess Saraswati for blessing.
21
Oct
Wed
വിജയദശമി
The tenth day of Navaratri, celebrating victory of good over evil. In Kerala, the most auspicious occasion for Vidyarambham — the ceremonial initiation of children into learning, guided by elders to write their first letters at temples.
November
8
Nov
Sun
ദീപാവലി
The Festival of Lights. Falls on Sunday in 2026 — not a separate working-day holiday per gazette. Observed with lamps and fireworks; more widely celebrated in North India than in Kerala.
December
25
Dec
Fri
ക്രിസ്മസ്
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Kerala's large Christian community (approximately 18% of the population) traces its faith to St. Thomas in 52 CE. Unique Kerala Christmas traditions include Tharaka star lanterns, midnight Mass at centuries-old churches, Malayalam Christmas carols, and elaborate Nativity cribs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Kerala in 2026?
Kerala has 22 public holidays in 2026 as declared in the Kerala Government Gazette (G.O.(P) No.14/2025/GAD, dated 31 October 2025). These include national holidays, regional festivals, and religious observances. There are also 3 restricted holidays and 23 bank holidays.
When is Onam 2026?
Thiruvonam (the main day of Onam 2026) is on 26th August 2026 (Wednesday). Uthradom (First Onam) is on 25th August, Third Onam on 27th August, and Fourth Onam on 28th August. All four days are declared public holidays per the government gazette.
When is Vishu 2026?
Vishu 2026 is on 15th April 2026 (Wednesday). It is a public holiday in Kerala declared by the government gazette. Vishu marks Kerala's astrological new year and is celebrated with the Vishukkani ritual at dawn.
Is Maha Shivaratri a holiday in Kerala 2026?
No — Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, 15th February 2026. Since it falls on a Sunday (already a closed holiday), the Kerala Government Gazette explicitly excludes it from the working-day holiday list. There is no additional day off.
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in Kerala 2026?
No. New Year's Day (1st January) is NOT listed in the Kerala Government Gazette 2026 holiday notification (G.O.(P) No.14/2025/GAD). The first declared public holiday of 2026 in Kerala is Mannam Jayanthi on 2nd January 2026 (Friday).
Are bank holidays the same as public holidays in Kerala?
Not exactly. Bank holidays are declared separately under the Negotiable Instruments Act (G.O.(P) No.15/2025/GAD). Banks also observe the Annual Closing of Accounts on 1st April, which is not a general public holiday. Additionally, banks are closed on all 2nd and 4th Saturdays per RBI directive.
What are the restricted holidays in Kerala 2026?
There are 3 restricted holidays in Kerala 2026: Ayya Vaikunda Swami Jayanthi (4 March) for Nadar community employees, Avani Avittom (28 August) for Brahmin community employees, and Vishwakarma Day (17 September) for Vishwakarma community employees. Each eligible employee may avail one applicable restricted holiday.
When is the next long weekend in Kerala 2026?
Check our Long Weekends 2026 page for all 3-day and 4-day weekends in Kerala, including bridge leave opportunities. Highlights include Vishu weekend (15–17 Apr), Onam stretch (25–28 Aug), and Gandhi Jayanthi (2–4 Oct).
Holidays by Kerala District
Public and bank holidays are the same across all 14 Kerala districts. Each district page includes local festival information.