Kerala, affectionately known as ‘God’s Own Country’, is a state renowned for its lush landscapes, rich traditions, and vibrant festivals. To effectively plan your year in this beautiful southern state, having the complete list of 2026 bank holidays is indispensable. This guide is tailored for residents, business owners, and tourists, providing the official Kerala bank holidays for 2026. Knowing when banks are closed is crucial for managing finances, scheduling business activities, and planning your travel to coincide with the state’s colourful celebrations like Onam and Vishu.
Official Kerala Bank Holiday Schedule for 2026
Here is the definitive and official list of bank holidays for Kerala in 2026. This comprehensive schedule is your essential tool for planning all financial matters, from personal banking to business transactions. It includes all national holidays, significant state festivals, and other dates when banks will be non-operational. Being informed about these holidays ensures you can manage your banking needs without any last-minute surprises, allowing for a smooth and well-planned year.
Framework of Bank Holidays in Kerala
The bank holiday calendar in Kerala is structured based on directives from both the central and state governments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates holidays for national events like Republic Day and Independence Day. The Government of Kerala supplements this with holidays for festivals that are culturally and religiously significant to the state. This includes major celebrations such as Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram (though Pooram is often a local holiday). Furthermore, all banks in Kerala follow the nationwide standard of being closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Month-Wise List of Bank Holidays in Kerala 2026
To facilitate easy planning, here is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of bank holidays in Kerala for the year 2026. This tabular format gives you a clear, at-a-glance view of the non-working days, helping you organize your schedule effectively.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| February 26 | Thursday | Maha Shivaratri |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Bank’s Yearly Closing of Accounts |
| April 6 | Monday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 9 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Vishu / Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day (Labour Day) |
| May 25 | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| August 1 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 28 | Friday | First Onam |
| August 29 | Saturday | Thiruvonam |
| August 31 | Monday | Third Onam / Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti |
| September 21 | Monday | Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Day |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 26 | Monday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) |
| October 30 | Friday | Milad-un-Nabi |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Types of Bank Holidays Observed in Kerala
Understanding the classification of holidays in Kerala can provide better clarity for your planning process.
- National Holidays: These are mandatory gazetted holidays observed by all banking institutions across India.
- State Government Holidays: These holidays are specific to Kerala and are declared to celebrate regional festivals, cultural events, and important anniversaries.
- Weekend Holidays: All Sundays are bank holidays. Additionally, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday are working days.
Smart Financial Planning Around Kerala’s Holidays
With some advance planning, you can easily manage your financial tasks and avoid any inconvenience caused by bank closures.
- Mark Your Calendar: Begin the year by marking all the bank holidays on your calendar. This proactive step helps you anticipate closures well in advance.
- Go Digital: Utilize the full potential of digital banking. Mobile banking, internet banking, and UPI services are available 24/7 for fund transfers, bill payments, and account management.
- ATM Preparedness: ATMs are functional during holidays but can experience high withdrawal volumes during festive seasons like Onam. It’s prudent to withdraw adequate cash beforehand.
- Schedule Bank Visits: For tasks that require you to be physically present at the bank, plan them for working days, steering clear of the days immediately before or after a long holiday period. A well-planned schedule is key, and referring to the complete list of 2026 bank holidays in Kerala is a great start.
The Cultural Heartbeat of Kerala’s Festivals
Kerala’s holidays are a true reflection of its rich cultural tapestry and communal harmony.
- Onam: The state’s official and most important harvest festival. It is a ten-day-long celebration culminating in Thiruvonam, marked by the grand ‘Onam Sadhya’ feast, ‘Pookkalam’ (floral carpets), and traditional dance forms like Kathakali.
- Vishu: The Malayalam New Year, celebrated with the ‘Vishukani’ (the first thing seen on Vishu morning), ‘Vishu Kaineettam’ (gifting of money), and fireworks.
- Christmas: Celebrated with great enthusiasm by the large Christian community in Kerala, with midnight masses, carols, and festive feasts.
This complete guide to the 2026 bank holidays in Kerala is your essential companion for a well-organized year. It not only aids in effective financial planning but also helps you connect with the vibrant cultural celebrations of ‘God’s Own Country’. If you’re exploring the state, you might also be interested in discovering some of its natural wonders, like the hidden waterfalls in Kerala, especially during the monsoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Onam holidays the same across all of Kerala?
Yes, Onam is the state festival of Kerala, and the bank holidays for First Onam and Thiruvonam are observed uniformly across all districts and cities, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. All banks in the state will be closed on these days.
Will online banking services like NEFT and RTGS work on holidays?
NEFT and IMPS services are available 24/7, even on holidays. However, RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) has specific service hours and is typically unavailable on bank holidays and weekends. It’s best to use NEFT or IMPS for urgent fund transfers on these days.
Are all Saturdays non-working for banks in Kerala in 2026?
No, not all Saturdays are holidays. As per the all-India banking regulations, banks in Kerala will be closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday will function as normal working days.
How do I find out if a holiday date has been changed?
Festival dates that depend on lunar calendars can sometimes be adjusted. Banks are required to notify customers of any such changes. You can check for notices at your local branch, on the bank’s official website, or via their mobile app notifications.
Does this holiday list apply to cooperative banks in Kerala?
Yes, this list of bank holidays is applicable to all banks operating in Kerala, including public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks, and regional rural banks. They are all mandated to follow the holidays declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act.