Bank Holidays in Kerala 2026 - Complete List

Overview of Kerala Holidays 2026

The bank holidays in Kerala for 2026 include nationwide national holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti, along with important regional festivals. Kerala banks also observe state-specific public holidays, including Onam, Vishu, and Christmas.

In addition to festivals, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, as well as Sundays. These scheduled closures, combined with festival observances, form the complete set of holidays in Kerala for 2026.

Customers planning visits to a bank should note these mandatory off days to avoid inconvenience, especially in months with major festivals or bank holidays overlapping with Saturdays.

Major Festivals in Kerala

Kerala is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity. In 2026, several major festivals are observed across the state and are also declared bank holidays, allowing people from all communities to participate in the celebrations.

• Onam
  Onam is Kerala’s most iconic festival, celebrating the annual harvest and the legendary return of King Mahabali. The festival is marked by floral decorations (Pookalam), snake boat races, cultural performances, and grand feasts (Onasadya). Banks remain closed on key Onam days in 2026.
• Vishu
  Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. It is celebrated with traditional rituals such as Vishukkani, family gatherings, and festive meals. Vishu is officially observed as a public and bank holiday in Kerala in 2026.
• Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha
  These important Islamic festivals are widely celebrated across Kerala with special prayers, community gatherings, and festive meals. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha commemorates sacrifice and charity. Both occasions are recognized as bank holidays in Kerala, subject to moon sighting in 2026.
• Good Friday
  Good Friday is a significant Christian observance in Kerala, marked by prayers, church services, and reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is officially declared a bank holiday across the state.
• Christmas
  Celebrated on December 25, Christmas is a national and bank holiday in Kerala. The festival is observed with church services, festive decorations, family gatherings, and community celebrations across the state.

The Unique Significance of Onam: A Festival of Homecoming

Onam is not merely a public holiday but the defining cultural and secular festival of Kerala, spanning ten days. The core of the celebration, Thiruvonam, marks the annual return of the benevolent King Mahabali. What makes Onam unique is its focus on communal harmony and agrarian prosperity:

Pookalam: Elaborate flower carpets laid out over the ten days. Onasadya: A grand, multi-course vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, shared by all communities. Pulikali (Tiger Dance) and Boat Races (Vallam Kali): Spectacular cultural performances unique to the state, turning the entire region into a celebratory venue.

The bank holidays around Onam ensure that the entire state can participate in this grand, uniquely Keralite tradition.