The Government of Kerala, on October 31, 2025, declared the list of Public Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Central Act 26 of 1881) for the calendar year 2026. The notification was published in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary No. 3846 dated the same day. These holidays are declared under the explanation to Section 25 of the said Act, read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No. 20/25/56/Pub-1 dated June 8, 1957.
The notification specifies a total of 20 public holidays in addition to all Sundays, which are automatically considered public holidays under the Act. The list includes national holidays such as Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2), along with major religious and regional festivals like Mannam Jayanthi, Vishu, Onam, Christmas, and Id-ul-Fitr. The notification also notes that holidays falling on Sundays—such as Mahasivarathri (February 15), Easter (April 5), and Deepavali (November 8)—will be omitted from the operational list.
Further, it clarifies that holidays applicable to establishments under labour and industrial legislations—such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, and Minimum Wages Act—will be governed by the Kerala Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1958. The notification provides official recognition of holidays for all institutions covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act within the State.
[Notification No. G.O. (P) 15/2025/GAD]
