Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- Complete 2026 Guide: A comprehensive list of Kerala Government, Public, and Bank holidays for 2026.
- Key Festival Dates: Confirmed dates for Onam (Aug 16), Vishu (Apr 15), and Christmas (Dec 25).
- Religious Updates: Updated dates for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Eid, and Diwali.
- Bank Schedule: Includes details on 2nd & 4th Saturdays and standard bank closures.
- Restricted Holidays: Covers optional leaves like Ayya Vaikunda Swami Jayanti and Viswakarma Day.
- HR & Planning: Essential for payroll, leave management, and shift planning in Kerala.
- Vacation Planner: Highlights the optimal holiday season (Sep–Mar) for employee vacations.
Kerala is known as the God’s Own Country because it celebrates every festival with pride, joy, laughter, and harmony, such as Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, and many more. These festivals highlight the diversity and uniqueness of their culture. Understanding Kerala holidays 2026 can enhance work satisfaction and ensure a smooth and productive work experience.
This blog will also include a list of Kerala holidays 2026 that will be useful not only for individuals but also for HR teams managing employee leave and schedules. The following list will help you plan for the upcoming year.
National and Regional Public Holidays of Kerala in 2026
| Sr. No. | Date (2026) | Day | Holiday Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 02 | Friday | Mannam Jayanti | Public Holiday (Govt & Bank) |
| 2 | January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Public Holiday |
| 3 | February 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivratri | Public Holiday |
| 4 | March 04 | Wednesday | Holi / Dhuleti | Restricted Holiday |
| 5 | March 20 | Friday | Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan) | Public Holiday |
| 6 | April 01 | Wednesday | Annual Account Closing | Bank Holiday Only |
| 7 | April 02 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Government Holiday (Banks Open) |
| 8 | April 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| 9 | April 05 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Public Holiday |
| 10 | April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 11 | April 15 | Wednesday | Vishu | Public Holiday |
| 12 | May 01 | Friday | May Day | Public Holiday |
| 13 | May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Ad’ha (Bakrid) | Public Holiday |
| 14 | June 25 | Thursday | Muharram (Ashoora) | Public Holiday |
| 15 | August 12 | Wednesday | Karkidaka Vavu | Government Holiday |
| 16 | August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| 17 | August 26 | Wednesday | Thiruvonam | Public Holiday |
| 18 | August 26 | Wednesday | Milad-i-Sherif | Public Holiday |
| 19 | August 28 | Friday | Fourth Onam | Government Holiday |
| 20 | August 28 | Friday | Ayyankali Jayanthi | Public Holiday |
| 21 | September 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Public Holiday |
| 22 | September 05 | Saturday | Eid e Milad | Public Holiday |
| 23 | September 14 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Restricted Holiday |
| 24 | September 21 | Monday | Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi | Public Holiday |
| 25 | September 26 | Saturday | Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 26 | October 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 27 | October 20 | Tuesday | Mahanavami | Government Holiday |
| 28 | October 21 | Wednesday | Vijayadasami | Public Holiday |
| 29 | November 08 | Sunday | Deepavali (Diwali) | Public Holiday |
| 30 | December 25 | Friday | Christmas | Public Holiday |
Note: Bank holidays in Kerala are observed on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month.
Kerala-Specific Holidays 2026
This section will encompass all the major and popular festivals of Kerala.
Onam Festival
Onam is a 10-day harvest festival celebrated by Malayalis, beginning on Attam and ending on Thiruvonam. Lights, flowers, and rangolis are used to celebrate it to invite the spirit of King Mahabali.
Thrissur Pooram Festival
Locals of Thrissur celebrate the festivals in April and May. This festival is celebrated annually at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. You get to observe the ornamented elephant procession, fireworks, and folk music.
Pongala Festival
Pongala Festival is held at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Thousands of female worshipers celebrate these festivals, yet males are not permitted. The period of celebration for this festival also lasts 10 days.
Vishu Festival
This is the New Year’s Day of all the Hindus in Kerala. This marks the beginning of new wealth and the start of harvest time.
Nalukettu
In January, it is celebrated and held at Kovalam Beach. Nalukettu is a traditional Kerala house, and it is the main attraction of this fair. The fair is also characterized by the sale of coconut shells, handicrafts, and clothing, among other items.
Explore 2026 State-wise Holiday Lists
Kerala Holidays Related FAQs
What are the Public Holidays in Kerala for 2026?
Public holidays in the state of Kerala for the year 2026 are Republic Day, Independence Day, Onam, Vishu, Easter, and Christmas.
What is a Famous Holiday in Kerala?
Onam is one of the most famous holidays in Kerala, celebrated for 10 days with traditional dance, boat races, and much more.
Which Holidays are Specific to Kerala (and Not Just Nationwide)?
Onam, Thrissur Pooram, Thiruvathira, Attukal Pongala, and Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti are some of the festivals unique to Kerala.
Who Announces Kerala’s Public Holidays each Year?
The Government of Kerala announces the Kerala holiday every year.
Which Major Festivals/Holidays are Included in Kerala’s 2026 List?
Republic Day, Onam, Vishu, Eid, Sree Narayan Guru Jayanti, and others are the major festivals.
When is Onam Celebrated in Kerala in 2026, and what are the Dates?
In 2026, Onam (Thiruvonam) will be celebrated on August 26. The celebration starts on Atham Day (August 16, 2026) and concludes on Thiruvonam.
What is Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi, and when is It Celebrated?
It is the Samadhi created for the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru to commemorate his death on September 20, 1928. Devotees honor the day with prayers, teachings through events, and visiting his samadhi.
Which Christian Festivals are Recognised as Public Holidays in Kerala in 2026?
The Christian festivals recognized as public holidays in Kerala are Good Friday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas.
Is Vishu a Public Holiday in Kerala in 2026?
Yes, Vishu is one of the most famous and traditional festivals celebrated in Kerala.
What is Karkidaka Vavu, and when Will It be Observed in 2026?
Karkidaka Vavu is a traditional ritual performed in honor of one’s ancestors. Locals perform this ritual near the riverbank to pray for the souls of their ancestors. And they observed it on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
What are the Restricted Holidays for Kerala Employees in 2026?
Ayya Vaikunda Swami Jayanti (March 4), Avani Avittam (August 28), and Viswakarma Day (September 17). These aren’t official holidays, but employees can take leave based on personal faith.
What are the Best Times to Plan Vacations in Kerala Based on Holidays in 2026?
The ideal time to plan a holiday in Kerala is from September to March. On the other hand, from June to August, you are treated to lush green landscapes.
How do Religious Holidays Affect Private Sector Operations in Kerala?
Many organizations and shops often operate with reduced staff during major festivals, such as Onam and Vishu. To manage this challenge, businesses plan around Kerala’s bank holidays and adjust their operations accordingly. To streamline workflow, companies can designate some services as unavailable during these times.
Which Upcoming Public Holidays are in January 2026 in Kerala?
In January 2026, Kerala observed Mannam Jayanti on January 2 (Friday) and Republic Day on January 26 (Monday).
Which Upcoming Public Holidays are in February 2026 in Kerala?
The major public holiday in February 2026 is Maha Shivaratri, which falls on February 15 (Sunday).
Which Upcoming Public Holidays are in March 2026 in Kerala?
In March 2026, the significant public holiday is Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan), tentatively observed on March 20 (Friday), subject to moon sighting.
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