Kerala has declared Monday, October 19, a statewide public holiday for Durgashtami. The General Administration Department issued GO(Rt) No. 5335/2026/GAD on October 16. Schools, colleges, and institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act are covered. Students and parents should track campus notices for class and exam changes.
The order closes government and semi-government offices, public sector units, and all educational institutions, including professional colleges. Essential services and public transport are expected to operate. Private workplaces may decide independently. Banks fall under the NI Act holiday, though ATMs, Unified Payments Interface and netbanking will function.
Kerala Durgashtami holiday order: who is covered
The holiday applies to government and quasi-government offices, public sector undertakings, and all educational institutions across Kerala. Professional colleges are explicitly included. The notification covers institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act, affecting bank branches. Private schools and companies may issue separate circulars, so check employer or campus channels before traveling.
NI Act bank holiday: what customers should expect
Most branches will remain closed on October 19 under the order’s NI Act coverage. Digital payments, ATMs and cash deposit machines should continue. Expect heavier counters on the next working day. Kerala’s 2026 diary also lists Vijayadasami, Wednesday, October 21, as an NI Act holiday; plan cash needs.
Exams and admissions: how to track reschedules and deadlines
Universities and colleges are rescheduling examinations slated for Monday. Example: Sacred Heart College, Thevara, moved end‑semester exams from October 19 after the order. Watch your university portal, department groups, and email for revised timetables. Unless notified, online application windows continue, so submit forms and fees within existing deadlines.
Commute and temple areas: traffic, parking, safety tips
Navaratri processions and crowds near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Poojappura Saraswathi Mandapam can slow movement. Thiruvananthapuram enforced diversions earlier this week, and similar local controls are likely near temples. Start early, use public transport, and follow police updates for parking and route changes. Parents should plan pickups around diversions.
Students should treat Monday, October 19, as a full break from campus activity. Still plan ahead. Check official circulars tonight and again on Monday morning for any updates. Finish fee payments online, and organise notes for Tuesday classes. If visiting temples, allow extra travel time and keep emergency contacts handy.
