Kerala School Holidays 2026

Official school holidays 2026 for Kerala state board, CBSE, and ICSE schools. Includes vacations, festival holidays, and public holidays.

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School holidays in Kerala are declared by the Kerala Department of General Education. CBSE and ICSE schools follow these dates with minor variations. Summer vacation dates announced separately each year.

School Holidays 2026 — Kerala

12 School Holidays
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Summer Vacation 2026

Typically late April to early June for state board schools. Exact dates announced by Kerala Education Department in March.

CBSE schools: Usually April 1 – May 31 (school-specific)

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.

Public Bank School National

April

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

August

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

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
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

📋 About Kerala School Holidays

  • State Board schools strictly follow the Kerala Education Department calendar.
  • CBSE schools observe all national and state-declared holidays; summer vacation may differ.
  • Schools may declare additional local holidays for district-level events (e.g., Thrissur Pooram for Thrissur district schools).
  • Onam holidays (Atham to Thiruvonam, ~10 days) are observed by all schools.
  • Contact your school directly for exact calendar and additional local holidays.