Kerala Bank Holidays 2026

RBI-approved bank holidays for 2026 in Kerala. Includes all public holidays and bank-specific closures.

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Banks in Kerala follow the RBI Holiday Master List. All scheduled commercial banks, cooperative banks, and post offices observe these holidays. ATMs remain accessible on most bank holidays.

Bank Holidays 2026 — Kerala

23 Bank Holidays

January

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.

Public Bank
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.

Public Bank School National

March

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.

Public Bank Festival

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.

Bank
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.

Public Bank Festival
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.

Public Bank Festival
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.

Public Bank School National
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.

Public Bank School Festival

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.

Public Bank School National
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.

Public Bank Festival

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.

Public Bank Festival

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.

Public Bank
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.

Public Bank School National
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.

Public Bank School Festival
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.

Public Bank School Festival
27 Aug Thu

മൂന്നാം ഓണം

The third day of Onam celebrations (Avittom). Festive events, cultural performances, and regional boat races continue across Kerala.

Public Bank School Festival
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.

Public Bank School Festival

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.

Public Bank Festival
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.

Public Bank

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.

Public Bank School National
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.

Public Bank Festival
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.

Public Bank School Festival

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.

Public Bank School Festival

📋 Important Notes

  • Bank holidays are governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and the RBI circular for the respective year.
  • Some bank holidays apply only to specific regions. The list above covers Kerala.
  • Banks may additionally observe 2nd and 4th Saturdays as holidays (per RBI directive).
  • Restricted holidays allow individual bank employees optional leave — branches may still operate.
  • Always verify with your specific bank as policies may vary.