Kerala Holidays 2026: Full Holiday List & Vacation Dates

The holiday list covers major festivals, national occasions and regional celebrations observed across Kerala. Students, parents, employees and travellers can use it to plan breaks, family activities and travel in advance.

Government offices, banks and schools generally observe holidays according to the applicable state calendar. Individual institutions — especially private schools and banks — may treat Optional holidays differently, so it's best to confirm locally.

Kerala Holiday List 2026

Dates marked with an asterisk (Ramzan, Bakrid, Muharram, Milad-i-Sherif) are subject to moon sighting and may be revised. Students and employees should also check their institution's own calendar for additional or region-specific holidays.

Also check: Kerala plus Two Time Table 2027

Also check: Kerala SSLC Time Table 2027

Kerala Vishu Holidays 2026

Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, is one of Kerala's most important festivals. In 2026, the holidays around it fall as follows:

• Apr 14, 2026: Dr. Ambedkar Jayanthi / Vishu (eve)

• Apr 15, 2026: Vishu

Families traditionally celebrate with the Vishukkani (the first sight of the day) and festive meals, making this a culturally significant short break for students.

Kerala Holidays in January–March 2026

Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan) is observed based on moon sighting, so the date may be revised closer to the occasion.

Kerala Holidays in April 2026

April is a holiday-heavy month for Kerala, combining Easter week observances with Vishu celebrations. Note that the Annual Closing of Accounts of Banks holiday applies mainly to banks, not schools.

Kerala Holidays in May–June 2026

Bakrid and Muharram are both subject to moon sighting and may be revised. Students should check their respective school calendars for the complete Kerala School Summer Holidays 2026 schedule, as summer vacation dates are separate from this list.

Kerala Onam Holidays 2026

Onam is Kerala's biggest and most widely celebrated festival, and 2026 brings a four-day cluster:

• Aug 25, 2026 (Tuesday): First Onam / Milad-i-Sherif (Birthday of Prophet Muhammed)

• Aug 26, 2026 (Wednesday): Thiruvonam

• Aug 27, 2026 (Thursday): Third Onam

• Aug 28, 2026 (Friday): Fourth Onam / Sree Narayana Guru Jeyanthi / Ayyankali Jeyanthi

This is the longest single festive stretch in the Kerala calendar and a popular period for family travel and cultural celebrations, including Onam Sadya (feast) and Vallam Kali (boat races).

Also Read: Kerala Plus Two Syllabus 2027

Also Read: Kerala SSLC Syllabus 2027

Kerala Holidays in August–September 2026

August is the busiest holiday month in the Kerala calendar this year, combining Independence Day with the full Onam cluster.

Kerala Vijayadhasami & Dasara Holidays 2026

The Dasara/Vijayadhasami period includes:

• Oct 02, 2026 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanthi / Vijayadhasami

• Oct 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Maha Navami

• Oct 21, 2026 (Wednesday): Vijayadhasami

Note that Vijayadhasami is listed on two different dates across sources this year (2 October and 21 October) — schools should confirm the officially observed date with the state government or their institution's notice.

Kerala Deepavali Holidays 2026

Deepavali is listed as a holiday on 08 November 2026 (Sunday). Since it falls on a Sunday this year, students should check with their school regarding any additional vacation day around Deepavali.

Kerala Christmas Holidays 2026

Christmas is observed on 25 December 2026 (Friday). Schools and colleges may have additional winter or Christmas vacation days depending on their academic schedule.

Why Are School Holidays Important for Students?

School holidays give students a break from their regular academic routine, letting them rest, spend time with family and pursue personal interests. Festival holidays such as Vishu, Onam, Vijayadhasami and Christmas also help students understand and take part in Kerala's rich cultural traditions.

A balanced schedule of study and breaks helps students return to school refreshed and ready to focus on academics.

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