Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a captivating state in the southwestern part of India. It is renowned for its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, vibrant culture, and diverse festivals. If you’re planning a visit to Kerala in 2025, it’s essential to be aware of the holidays celebrated in the state to make the most of your trip.
List of Holidays in Kerala in 2025:
Date
Holiday
1 January 2025
New Year’s Day
6 January 2025
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
26 January 2025
Republic Day
26 February 2025
Maha Shivaratri
14 March 2025
Holi
30 March 2025
Ugadi
31 March 2025
Idul Fitr
6 April 2025
Ram navami
14 April 2025
Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
10 April 2025
Mahavir Jayanti
18 April 2025
Good Friday
30 April 2025
Basava Jayanti
1 May 2025
May Day
6 June 2025
Bakrid / Eid al Adha
3 July 2025
Karkidaka Vavu Bali
27 July 2025
Muharram
15 August 2025
Independence Day
16 August 2025
Janmashtami
26 Aug – 4 Sept 2025
Onam
27 August 2025
Ganesh Chaturthi
2 September 2025
Ramdev Jayanti
4 September 2025
Eid e Milad
7 September 2025
Mahalaya Amavasye
22 September 2025
Ghatasthapana
1 October 2025
Maha Navami
2 October 2025
Gandhi Jayanti
2 October 2025
Vijaya Dashami
7 October 2025
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
20-22 October 2025
Deepavali
25 December 2025
Christmas Day
Bank Holidays in Kerala for 2025
Date
Day
Holiday
14 March 2025
Friday
Holi
30 March 2025
Sunday
Ugadi
31 March 2025
Monday
Idul Fitr
10 April 2025
Thursday
Mahavir Jayanti
14 April 2025
Monday
Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
18 April 2025
Friday
Good Friday
30 April 2025
Sunday
Basava Jayanti
1 May 2025
Thursday
May Day
6 June 2025
Sunday
Bakrid / Eid al Adha
27 July 2025
Friday
Muharram
15 August 2025
Friday
Independence Day
16 August 2025
Saturday
Janmashtami
27 August 2025
Wednesday
Ganesh Chaturthi
4 September 2025
Thursday
Eid e Milad
7 September 2025
Sunday
Mahalaya Amavasye
1 October 2025
Wednesday
Maha Navami
2 October 2025
Thursday
Gandhi Jayanti
2 October 2025
Thursday
Vijaya Dashami
7 October 2025
Tuesday
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
20-22 October 2025
Mon-Wed
Deepavali
25 December 2025
Thursday
Christmas Day
Popular Kerala Holidays:
Here are 5 popular Kerala holidays that might be among the best, depending on what you’re looking for:
Onam:
Onam is the most famous festival in Kerala, celebrated with great fervor across the state. It marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, whose reign was considered the golden age of Kerala. The festival spans ten days, with the most important day being Thiruvonam. During Onam, people create flower carpets called ‘Pookalam’ in front of their homes, indulge in a grand feast known as ‘Onasadya’, and engage in traditional activities like boat races (Vallamkali), tiger dances (Pulikali), and folk performances.
Thrissur Pooram:
Held in the town of Thrissur, this is one of the most spectacular temple festivals in Kerala. The festival is famous for its large procession of caparisoned elephants, the mesmerizing Kudamattom (exchange of parasols), and an incredible display of fireworks. The elephants are adorned with ornate headdresses, bells, and necklaces, and the rhythmic changing of brightly coloured parasols is a sight to behold.
Vishu:
Celebrated as the Malayalam New Year, Vishu signifies the astronomical new year day. The most important event of Vishu is the ‘Vishukkani’, where a ceremonial arrangement of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, rice, gold, and new clothes is prepared to view early in the morning. It is believed that seeing a prosperous Vishukkani first thing in the morning brings good fortune for the year ahead.
Theyyam:
Although not a festival in the traditional sense, Theyyam is a unique ritualistic performance that is an integral part of Kerala’s culture. It’s celebrated in the northern parts of Kerala. Theyyam involves dance, mime, and music, and is performed to honor the deities. Performers don elaborate costumes and makeup, transforming themselves into the gods and goddesses they are portraying.
Attukal Pongala:
This festival is celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, where millions of women gather to offer Pongala (a sweet dish made of rice) to the deity of the temple. It holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. The entire city turns into a cooking spot as women prepare the Pongala on the streets using wood and bricks.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Kerala during these festive times can be a magical experience. However, it’s important to consider the financial aspect of such a holiday. A travel loan can be a practical solution to ensure you can fully enjoy the festivities without financial strain. Travel loan can cover various expenses like travel, accommodation, and other expenditures, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and cultural richness of Kerala’s holidays. Visit Tata Capital to know more.
11 February 2025
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