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Kerala is situated on the southwest coast of India. It is known for its delightful beauty and incredible cultural setting. Green hills descend gently into beautiful backwaters, while postcard-perfect beaches grace the shores of the Arabian Sea. In the state, people celebrate vibrant religious festivals that burst with life, color, and tradition. These showcase the state’s rich cultural customs and traditions, making the Kerala holidays list an essential reference for anyone planning to experience its unique festivities.
HR professionals need to know Kerala government holidays to plan business activities and manage workforce schedules. These holidays can impact services, public transport, and the overall state sentiment. Integrating this information into a leave management system can streamline the process. We aim to provide a single reference point for the Kerala holidays list.
List of National and Regional Public Holidays of Kerala in 2024
Kerala celebrates diverse cultural heritage and traditions with public holidays, including national and regional festivals.
Below is the list of National and Regional Public Holidays for Kerala in 2024, usually followed by all companies.
Sr No. | Date | Holiday |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 January 2024 | New Year’s Day |
2 | 2 January 2024 | Mannam Jayanti |
3 | 26 January 2024 | Republic Day |
4 | 8 March 2024 | Maha Shivaratri |
5 | 25 March 2024 | Holi |
6 | 29 March 2024 | Good Friday |
7 | 31 March 2024 | Easter Sunday |
8 | 10 April 2024 | Eid-al-Fitr |
9 | 14 April 2024 | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti/ Vishu |
10 | 10 May 2024 | Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti |
11 | 17 June 2024 | Eid al-Adha |
12 | 15 August 2024 | Independence Day |
13 | 14 September 2024 | First Onam |
14 | 15 September 2024 | Thiruvonam |
15 | 16 September 2024 | Eid-e-Milad |
16 | 18 September 2024 | Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti |
17 | 21 September 2024 | Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi |
18 | 2 October 2024 | Gandhi Jayanti |
19 | 12 October 2024 | Maha Navami |
20 | 13 October 2024 | Vijaya Dashami |
21 | 31 October 2024 | Deepavali |
22 | 25 December 2024 | Christmas Day |
Types of Government Holidays in Kerala
National Holidays
India celebrates Independence Day on August 15th to mark freedom from British rule and Republic Day on January 26th to commemorate the Indian Constitution. These holidays are observed with flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs at the state level.
State Holidays
The state celebrates diverse cultures through holidays like Onam (a ten-day harvest festival), Vishu (Malayalam New Year), and Thiruvonam (honoring Lord Vishnu). These holidays offer a glimpse into Kerala’s unique culture and religious beliefs.
Restricted Holidays
During holidays, government offices in Kerala operate with minimal staff to provide essential services. The restricted holiday could be a religious or cultural festival celebrated by a specific section of the society or caste. Knowing the declared restricted holidays in India will help you plan your trip.
Planning Your Trip Around Kerala
The state offers a variety of festivals, each providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in local traditions and experience the vibrant culture. This planning guide includes details of all such festivals for your trip.
Advantages of Visiting During Festivals
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Throughout the various festivals, you can observe lively parades, traditional dance, theatre, and typical ceremonies. Experience authentic flavors
During these festivals, you can savor special festival delicacies. During your visit, you can also participate in communal feasts (like the Onasadhya during Onam) to taste Kerala’s culinary heritage.
Witness the Festive Spirit
Festivals allow you to be captivated by the energy and enthusiasm that permeate Kerala during major holidays.
Challenges of Visiting During Festivals
Higher Accommodation Rates
Popular tourist destinations can experience a price surge during festivals. Booking well in advance is crucial.
Crowded Tourist Spots
Around the holidays, you should expect more visitors to famous attractions in Kerala, especially during major festivals like Onam.
Limited Availability
Public transport and certain services might have reduced schedules during holidays. Planning your itinerary accordingly is recommended.
Conclusion
Understanding the Kerala holidays list is crucial for state human resource management. This knowledge helps HR professionals plan for potential closures, schedule work around celebrations, and maintain productivity. Using this guide, organizations can update holiday schedules and plan business activities to navigate festive seasons and maintain steady operations during quieter periods. This information aids in workforce planning, effective communication of holiday schedules, and promoting a harmonious work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is a Famous Holiday in Kerala?
One of the most famous holidays in Kerala is Onam. Celebrated with grand festivities, Onam is a harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The celebrations include vibrant parades, traditional dances, elaborate feasts (Onasadhya), and intricate floral designs (Pookalam).
2. How Can This Blog Be Helpful for HR Professionals?
Understanding the list of festivals and holidays helps HR plan resources and assist employees with leave, improving efficiency.