Holiday Guide for Karnataka in 2026

Karnataka, famously called the Silicon Valley of India, is a state celebrated for its rich Kannada heritage, classical music and dance traditions, architectural wonders like Hampi, and a thriving technology economy centred in Bengaluru. Holidays are crucial for workforce planning, payroll compliance, and personal leave management. 

The holidays are categorised under: 

• National Holidays 
• Religious Festivals 
• State-specific Observances 

 In this guide, you will find the complete list of holidays in Karnataka for 2026. The list will help you stay compliant and ahead of the rest. 

What are the Official Public Holidays in Karnataka in 2026?

Public holidays in Karnataka are officially notified by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Government of Karnataka, and published in the Karnataka Government Gazette. They must be observed by all government offices, banks, educational institutions, and most private organisations.  

 Below is the official list of Public Holidays observed in Karnataka in 2026:

*Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance of the moon. 

Note: Maha Shivaratri (15.02.2026), Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (25.10.2026), Kannada Rajyotsava (01.11.2026), and Naraka Chaturdashi (08.11.2026) fall on Sundays and are therefore not listed as separate general holidays per the official notification.

 HR Action Tip 

Ensure these public holidays are reflected in your company’s leave calendar, HRMS, and payroll systems. 

Communicate these dates in advance to employees to avoid confusion and maintain labour law compliance. 

What are the Bank Holidays in Karnataka in 2026?

Bank holidays in Karnataka are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and apply to all scheduled commercial banks. In addition to public holidays, all 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month are regular bank closures. Payroll teams must plan salary disbursals, fund transfers, and reimbursement cycles around these closures to avoid disruptions. 

*Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance of the moon. 

HR Action Tip 

Align salary disbursals, NEFT/RTGS fund transfers, and reimbursement cycles well in advance. 

Pay special attention to the October festive cluster (Gandhi Jayanti, Ayudha Pooja, Vijayadashami) and the November Deepavali window. 

What are the Optional (Restricted) Holidays in Karnataka in 2026?

The Government of Karnataka issues Notification-II (Annexure to Notification-I) listing Restricted Holidays. State Government employees are entitled to choose up to two Restricted Holidays from this list in a calendar year, subject to prior approval. Private organisations may adopt this list partially or in full per their HR policy. 

Note:

Employees may select up to two restricted holidays per year as per company policy and DPAR guidelines.

Holidays marked ‘Falls on Sunday’ are excluded from the general holiday list; employees in relevant communities may apply for leave separately.

Local Holidays for Kodagu District in 2026

The Karnataka Government has declared the following dates as local public holidays exclusively for Kodagu (Coorg) district, reflecting the distinct cultural traditions of the Kodava community. 

Payroll-Sensitive Dates to Watch Out for HR Professionals

Some holidays may significantly impact payroll processing and financial activities, especially when they fall near month-end or fiscal quarter deadlines.