The Government of Kerala, through G.O. (P) No. 20/2026/GAD dated September 18, 2026, published in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary dated October 18, 2026, has declared public holidays for the calendar year 2027 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, in addition to the second Saturdays and Sundays.
The notification specifies holidays including Mannam Jayanthi (January 2), Republic Day (January 26), Maha Sivarathri (March 6), Id-ul-Fitr (March 10), Maundy Thursday (March 25), Good Friday (March 26), annual closing of accounts of commercial and co-operative banks (April 1), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanthi (April 14), Vishu (April 15), May Day (May 1), Id-ul-Ad’ha (May 17), Sreekrishna Jayanthi (August 24), Ayyan Kali Jayanthi (August 28), Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi (September 15), Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi (September 22), Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2), Deepavali (October 28) and Christmas (December 25). Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Ad’ha are subject to change depending on the appearance of the Moon. The notification also identifies certain festivals falling on second Saturdays or Sundays, including Easter, Milad-i-Sherif, Independence Day, First Onam, Thiruvonam, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami; bank branches operating on those days will observe the respective holidays.
The notification clarifies that holidays applicable to institutions governed by labour laws, including 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. Accordingly, this notification specifically concerns holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and should not be treated as the standalone holiday list for all establishments covered by labour laws.
[G.O. (P) No. 20/2026/GAD]
