General Administration Department declares a statewide public holiday for Durgashtami

Kerala Government order Art, Culture & History Polity & Governance

General Administration Department declares a statewide public holiday for Durgashtami

17 October 2026

The Kerala General Administration Department has declared Monday, 19 October a public holiday across the State for Durgashtami, observed during Navaratri.
The order was issued on Friday, 16 October and was signed by Additional Secretary Anil Johney for and on behalf of the Governor.
The holiday covers government and semi-government offices and public sector undertakings.
It also covers establishments that follow the Negotiable Instruments Act list, and all educational institutions including professional colleges.
Durgashtami falls on the eighth day of the Navaratri cycle, which is followed in Kerala by Vijayadashami and the Vidyarambham ceremony.

Holiday date: Monday, 19 October Order issued on: 16 October Issuing department: General Administration Department

Why it matters for exams: Questions on which department declares Kerala's public holidays, and on the Negotiable Instruments Act list of holidays, recur in PSC general knowledge papers.

Kerala PSC

17 October 2026 Source: Onmanorama

In plain words

GAD General Administration Department — The Kerala secretariat department that handles public holidays, protocol and general service matters.

NI Act holiday Negotiable Instruments Act holiday — A holiday notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on which banks and similar establishments close.