Many Bank Holidays 2023 Kerala includes several regional and religious occasions, such as Mannam Jayanthi, Good Friday, Eid-ul-Fitr, Vishu, Onam, Diwali, Christmas, etc. Kerala is a small state that makes up about 1% of India's total land area. Also known as 'God's Own Country,' Kerala is a tropical Malabar Coast state. This Indian state has a magnificent history and therefore, many religious occasions are observed as Kerala bank holidays 2023.
As per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, several days in each month are observed as Kerala bank holidays. Here, we have shared the list and details of all the major bank holidays in Kerala.
Bank Holiday in Kerala 2023
Bank holidays 2023 Kerala include every second and fourth Saturday and every Sunday of the month. Besides that, a lot of other days are also observed as bank holidays in Kerala. Here, we have shared a list of all the days on which banks will remain closed in the state. Check out the complete bank holidays 2023 Kerala in the table shared below -
Date and Day | Kerala Bank Holidays 2023 | Holiday Type |
2 January 2023, Monday | Mannam Jayanthi | Regional |
26 January 2023, Thursday | Republic Day | Gazetted |
18 February 2023, Saturday | Maha Shivratri | Religious |
7 April 2023, Friday | Good Friday | International |
9 April 2023, Sunday | Easter | International |
14 April 2023, Friday | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti | Public |
15 April 2023, Saturday | Vishu | Regional |
22 April 2023, Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Religious |
1 May 2023, Monday | May Day | International |
29 June 2023, Thursday | Eid-al-Adha | Religious |
15 August 2023, Tuesday | Independence Day | Gazetted |
28 August 2023, Monday | First Onam | Regional |
29 August 2023, Tuesday | Thiruvonam | Regional |
7 September 2023, Thursday | Krishna Janmashtami | Religious |
21 September 2023, Thursday | Shree Narayan Guru Samadhi | Regional |
28 September 2023, Thursday | Eid-e-Milad | Religious |
29 September 2023, Friday | Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti | Regional |
2 October 2023, Monday | Gandhi Jayanti | Gazetted |
23 October 2023, Monday | Maha Navami | Religious |
24 October 2023, Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami | Religious |
12 November 2023, Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
25 December 2023, Monday | Christmas Day | International |
Bank Opening Days in Kerala
There are many regional and national holidays which are observed as Kerala bank holidays. According to an agreement reached between the Indian Banks' Association and the All India Bank Employees Association, all public sector banks in Kerala and other Indian states are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Apart from all the mentioned days above and other public holidays, the banks in Kerala will remain open. The Reserve Bank of India ensures that these guidelines are being followed by all banks in India.
Bank Holidays 2023 Kerala - Details
Kerala is a state that has a rich history and culture. Consequently, there are many days that are observed as special bank holidays in Kerala. Here, we have shared the details about some of the most important regional observances in the state -
Mannam Jayanthi (2 January 2023)
Mannam Jayanthi marks the birth anniversary of Mannam, an important social reformer in Kerala. This is one of the most important regional bank holidays 2023 Kerala. Since Mannam Jayanthi is a regional holiday, it is not observed outside of Kerala.
Good Friday (7 April 2023)
One of the Kerala Bank Holidays 2023, Good Friday is a day of prayer, penance, and fasting to commemorate Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Mt. Calvary more than 2,000 years ago. On Good Friday, the custom of drinking choruka (a decoction of bitter gourd juice and vinegar) and gruel continues.
Vishu (15 April 2023)
Vishu is the Malayalis' New Year; it is Kerala's astronomical or zodiac New Year. It is celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam month of 'medam.' The bank holiday Kerala 2023 for Vishu is on 15 April. The festival's main attractions are placing the Vishukani, Vishukaineetam, and Vishubhalam in front of a Lord Krishna idol or portrait and a traditional Kerala (lit) lamp nearby.
Onam (28 August 2023)
Onam's origins can be traced back to ancient times in a Sangam poem, "Maturaikkanci" (Maduraikanchi). It is the most significant festival celebrated in Kerala between August and September for ten days, and the Kerala bank holiday 2023 for Onam is on the 28 and 29 August 2023. Onam observance is in reverence and devotion to Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Onam celebration involves a variety of rituals and practices, including music and dance and the Onam Sadya, the festival meal that concludes with the payasam.
Diwali (12 November 2023)
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a major observance in Kerala, and hence, it is observed as one of the Kerala bank holidays. Diwali is celebrated widely across this state, with Laxmi Puja, sweets distribution, and the lighting of firecrackers.
Christmas (25 December 2023)
Christmas is among the major bank holidays 2023 Kerala. This festival is celebrated among Christians in Kerala. Some important events that happen on this day include praying, visiting churches, participating in street processions, etc.
FAQs on Bank Holidays in Kerala
Q1. What are all the bank holidays in Kerala?
Bank holidays 2023 Kerala include Mannam Jayanthi (2 Jan), Good Friday (7 Apr), Easter (9 Apr), Vishu (15 Apr), Eid-ul-Fitr (22 Apr), Onam (28 Aug), Shree Narayan Guru Samadhi (21 Sep), Diwali (12 Nov), Christmas (25 Dec), etc
Q2. What are the bank opening days in Kerala?
Kerala banks remain open on all days except every second and fourth Saturday, every Sunday, and on every major religious, and public occasion. We have shared the complete bank holidays 2023 Kerala list here so that you can plan your visit to the bank accordingly in the coming year.
Q3. How many bank holidays in Kerala are there for Onam?
Kerala celebrates Onam for ten days with various rituals and events, but the Bank Holidays in Kerala 2023 for Onam are only for two days. The first Onam holiday would be on 28 August 2023, and the bank holiday in Kerala for Thiruvonam would be on 29 August 2023.
Q4. Is 15 April a bank holiday in Kerala?
Yes, 15 April is observed as a Kerala bank holiday. This is because the day is celebrated as Vishu, which is a regional Kerala festival on which Malayalis celebrate their New Year, based on their astronomical calendar.