Karnataka holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 5 optional holidays that every employer must accommodate. The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act requires all establishments to observe these holidays and grant paid leave accordingly.
Non-compliance with Karnataka’s holiday regulations exposes your business to fines, employee disputes, and regulatory action. This guide covers the complete holiday calendar, your legal obligations, and best practices for managing time off.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka observes 17 mandatory public holidays and 5 optional holidays in 2026
- Employers must grant at least 18 paid holidays per year
- Bengaluru’s IT sector has specific considerations for shift-based holiday scheduling
- Kannada Rajyotsava (1 November) is a state-specific holiday unique to Karnataka
- Establishments must display the holiday list at the workplace
Mandatory Public Holidays in Karnataka 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 21 March | Saturday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 28 May | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | 25 August | Tuesday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dasara (Vijaya Dashami) | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Kannada Rajyotsava | 1 November | Sunday |
| Diwali | 13 November | Friday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 3 November | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Eid dates are subject to moon sighting. The Karnataka government confirms dates closer to each holiday.
Optional Holidays in Karnataka 2026
Employees may avail two optional holidays from the notified list:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Milad-i-Sharif | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | Thursday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 December | Thursday |
What the Law Requires
Shops and Commercial Establishments Act
The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act mandates:
- 18 paid holidays per year, including national holidays
- Display of the holiday list at a conspicuous place
- One weekly off in addition to public holidays
- Payment of wages for all public holidays
Three Non-Negotiable National Holidays
These three holidays are compulsory for all establishments in Karnataka and India:
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
Karnataka-Specific Rules
Kannada Rajyotsava on 1 November is specific to Karnataka. While it’s a state holiday, private establishments generally observe it. Government offices and banks are closed on this day.
Dasara celebrations in Mysuru are significant, and many businesses in the region close for an extended period. Employers in Mysuru should plan staffing accordingly.
Paying Employees on Public Holidays
Holiday on a Working Day
If a public holiday falls on an ordinary working day:
- Grant paid leave at the employee’s ordinary rate of pay
- Or, if the employee works, pay double wages
Holiday on a Weekly Off
If a public holiday coincides with the employee’s weekly off, provide a substitute holiday on another working day within the same month.
Working on a Public Holiday
Employees can be required to work on public holidays with:
- Written consent from the employee
- Double wages or a substitute holiday within the month
Bengaluru IT Sector Considerations
Bengaluru’s large IT and startup sector has unique scheduling considerations. Many IT companies:
- Operate 24/7 shifts covering global time zones
- Use flexible holiday policies where employees choose which holidays to observe
- Maintain a common holiday calendar across teams in different states
If your IT company operates under the Shops and Establishments Act, you still must grant the mandated holidays. However, shift scheduling can accommodate global operations if employees receive their entitled holidays.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain:
- Annual holiday calendar
- Employee holiday register
- Double wages payment records
- Consent forms for working on holidays
Keep records for at least three years.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine up to ₹5,000 for first violation
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for subsequent violations
- Imprisonment up to 3 months for serious breaches
- Labour department inspections and proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kannada Rajyotsava mandatory for private companies?
While the Karnataka government declares 1 November as a public holiday, private establishments are expected to observe it. Most companies in Bengaluru and across Karnataka close on this day.
Can employees skip mandatory holidays and work instead?
Employees cannot waive their right to paid holidays. However, if business operations require them to work on a public holiday, they must be paid double wages or given a substitute holiday.
How many holidays can an IT company in Bengaluru reduce?
None. IT companies in Karnataka must grant at least 18 paid holidays per year, including the three national holidays. Internal policies cannot reduce this entitlement.
Tracking Karnataka holidays across teams and shifts is easier with automated leave management. Leave Balance auto-applies state-specific holidays, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your compliance records audit-ready.