Welcome to your essential guide for planning a productive and well-balanced year in the vibrant state of Karnataka. Knowing the full list of 2026 public holidays in Karnataka is the key to unlocking a perfectly scheduled year. Whether you are a professional in Bengaluru’s tech parks, a student in Mysuru, or a business owner in Mangaluru, this comprehensive schedule helps you plan your vacations, manage work deadlines, and observe important cultural and national festivals without any last-minute surprises. This guide will provide you with the official dates, helping you make the most of your long weekends and festive seasons.
Quick Answer
The Government of Karnataka announces the public holiday list for 2026, which includes national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day, and state-specific festivals such as Ugadi, Kannada Rajyotsava, and Dasara. This schedule is vital for planning personal leaves, travel, and business activities throughout the year in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi.
Understanding Public Holidays in Karnataka
Public holidays in Karnataka are a colourful tapestry of national pride and regional traditions. The list, officially released by the state government, is a thoughtful mix of gazetted holidays and restricted holidays. Gazetted holidays are mandatory days off for government offices, schools, and banks. Restricted holidays are optional, where employees can choose a limited number of holidays from a specific list. This system provides flexibility while ensuring that major festivals and national events are observed statewide. Key Karnataka-specific holidays include Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1st, celebrating the formation of the state, and the grand Dasara festival, which is celebrated with unmatched pomp in Mysuru. Understanding these dates is not just about planning leaves; it’s about participating in the rich cultural life of Karnataka.
Complete List of Public Holidays in Karnataka for 2026
To help you plan your year effectively, here is the anticipated list of gazetted public holidays in Karnataka for 2026. Please remember that the dates for some festivals depend on the lunar calendar and might be subject to change. It is always best to cross-reference with official government notifications closer to the time.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 15 | Thursday | Makara Sankranti |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 6 | Friday | Mahashivratri |
| March 21 | Saturday | Ugadi |
| April 6 | Monday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day / Labour Day |
| May 7 | Thursday | Basava Jayanti / Buddha Purnima |
| May 25 | Monday | Id-ul-Fitr |
| August 1 | Saturday | Bakrid / Id-ul-Adha |
| August 12 | Wednesday | Krishna Janmashtami |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 22 | Saturday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| August 30 | Sunday | Muharram |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 23 | Friday | Mahanavami / Ayudha Pooja |
| October 24 | Saturday | Vijayadashami (Dasara) |
| October 30 | Friday | Id-e-Milad |
| November 1 | Sunday | Kannada Rajyotsava |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) |
| November 16 | Monday | Balipadyami |
| November 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
| December 3 | Thursday | Kanakadasa Jayanti |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Benefits of Knowing the Holiday Schedule in Advance
Proactively planning around the holiday calendar can bring numerous advantages. Here’s why you should mark these dates now:
- Plan Long Weekends: The 2026 calendar for Karnataka is filled with holidays falling near weekends. You can plan mini-vacations to explore the state’s beautiful destinations without taking too much time off work.
- Smart Travel Booking: Booking flights, trains, and hotels in advance for holiday seasons can save you a significant amount of money, as prices tend to surge closer to the dates.
- Financial Planning: You can manage your finances better by anticipating holiday-related expenses for travel, festivals, and shopping. This is especially useful for major festivals like Dasara and Diwali.
- Work-Life Balance: Knowing your holidays helps you schedule your work commitments efficiently, ensuring you have ample time for rest, recreation, and family.
- Cultural Engagement: Being aware of festive dates allows you to participate in and experience Karnataka’s rich cultural traditions, from the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara to local Ugadi celebrations. For those looking for quick getaways, there are many weekend treks from Bangalore that can be planned around these holidays.
What is the significance of Kannada Rajyotsava?
Kannada Rajyotsava, celebrated on November 1st, is Karnataka’s Foundation Day. It commemorates the day in 1956 when all Kannada-speaking regions of South India were merged to form the state of Karnataka. It is a day of great pride for Kannadigas, marked by the hoisting of the yellow-and-red Karnataka flag, cultural events, processions, and the presentation of the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards by the state government. It is a major public holiday across the state.
How to Best Utilise Long Weekends in 2026
The 2026 holiday schedule in Karnataka is perfect for travel enthusiasts. Republic Day falls on a Monday, creating an instant three-day weekend. Good Friday and May Day are on Fridays. Gandhi Jayanti is also on a Friday. These are excellent opportunities for short trips. You could explore the coffee plantations of Coorg, the ancient ruins of Hampi, or the serene beaches of Gokarna. Planning these trips around the public holiday list ensures you get the most out of your break. For instance, you could even compare living costs and plan a visit to a neighbouring city by checking out guides like the cost of living in Bangalore vs Hyderabad.
Are bank holidays the same as public holidays in Karnataka?
Generally, yes. Most public holidays declared by the Karnataka state government are also observed as bank holidays. However, the definitive list for banks is issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Banks have a few additional specific holidays, such as the annual closing of accounts day, which might not be a public holiday. Banks are also mandatorily closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, which are regular working days for many other sectors. You can check the specific public holidays for Karnataka to be sure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning with the Holiday List
A little caution can go a long way in ensuring your plans go off without a hitch. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overlooking Restricted Holidays: Don’t mistake a restricted holiday for a gazetted one. Confirm with your employer’s HR policy before making any plans.
- Ignoring Lunar Calendar Changes: The dates for festivals like Ugadi, Eid, and Bakrid are based on lunar sightings and can sometimes shift by a day. Keep an eye on official announcements.
- Last-Minute Bookings: Waiting until the last minute to book travel or accommodation during popular holiday periods will lead to exorbitant prices and lack of availability.
- Assuming Nationwide Holidays: Many of Karnataka’s holidays, like Kannada Rajyotsava or Basava Jayanti, are not observed in other states. Be mindful of this when coordinating with people outside the state.
- Not Checking Office Policies: Some private companies might have a different holiday schedule. Always align your plans with your specific workplace’s holiday policy.
Conclusion
The 2026 public holiday list for Karnataka is more than just a schedule of days off; it’s a framework for planning a successful and enriching year. By using this guide to map out your personal and professional commitments, you can enjoy the state’s festive spirit, explore its breathtaking landscapes, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Keep this list handy, plan ahead, and get ready to make 2026 a year to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ugadi and why is it a public holiday in Karnataka?
Ugadi is the New Year’s Day for the people of the Deccan region, including Karnataka. It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. It’s a major festival marked by special foods like ‘Bevu Bella’ (a mix of neem and jaggery) and is a gazetted public holiday.
Are schools and colleges in Karnataka closed on all public holidays?
Yes, all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are generally closed on the gazetted public holidays announced by the Government of Karnataka. The academic calendar is planned around this official holiday list.
How is Dasara (Vijayadashami) celebrated in Karnataka?
Dasara is celebrated with exceptional grandeur in Karnataka, especially in Mysuru, where it is known as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival). The celebrations include a grand procession with decorated elephants (Jumboo Savari), a torchlight parade, and various cultural events, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Is May 1st (May Day) a mandatory holiday in Karnataka?
Yes, May 1st, known as May Day or International Worker’s Day, is a mandatory gazetted holiday in Karnataka. It is observed to celebrate the labour movement and the contributions of workers across the state and the country.
Can the list of public holidays for 2026 change?
While the list provided is based on expected dates, the official notification comes from the state government towards the end of the previous year. Dates for lunar festivals might be adjusted based on moon sightings. It is always advisable to check the final official list once it is released.