The Kerala government has declared May 28, 2026, as an additional public holiday for Bakrid, ensuring a consecutive two-day holiday for state administration and public sector employees next week.
According to a notification from the General Administration Department, May 27 had already been designated a holiday for the festival of sacrifice.
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The newly added Thursday holiday extends coverage across multiple sectors within the state.
The notification states that since Id-Ul-Ad'ha (Bakrid) is being celebrated on May 28, the government has ordered that Thursday, May 28, 2026, will also be a holiday.
The holiday applies to all regional government offices, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions, including professional colleges.
Institutions regulated under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 will also remain closed on Thursday.
Background of the Holiday Decision
This administrative decision follows a political dispute last year regarding shifts in the holiday schedule.
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Originally, June 6, 2025, was designated for the festival, but the state shifted the public holiday to June 7, 2025, after reports indicated the celebration would occur on that day.
The scheduling adjustment prompted pushback from various religious and political groups.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and several other Muslim outfits criticized the changes and accused the government of trying to implement a specific agenda.
The government later restored June 6 as a holiday.
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Now, for 2026, the Kerala administration has expanded the Bakrid public holiday to include both May 27 and May 28 for all state and public sector employees.
