When Are the Karnataka Public Holidays in 2025? Check the Complete List and PDF Here

As 2024 draws to a close, the anticipation of a brand-new year brings a wave of excitement, especially with the holidays just around the corner. The Karnataka State Government has recently released its official list of public holidays for 2025, giving employees in the state a roadmap to plan their year of rest and celebration. These holidays are exclusive to Karnataka, so it's important to note that they may differ from other states and bank holidays.

A total of 19 public holidays have been announced by the General Administration Department, alongside an additional 20 restricted holidays, offering more flexibility for individuals to tailor their leave based on personal preferences. While the 2025 holiday calendar is provisional and may change based on state decisions, this list already provides a glimpse into the festive days that will punctuate the year ahead. For the most current updates, employees are encouraged to regularly check the official Karnataka State Government website.

Key Holidays to Mark on Your Calendar

Karnataka's 2025 public holiday list includes several significant celebrations, providing ample opportunities for people to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. Among the major holidays:

Uttarayan Punyakaal and Makar Sankranti on 14 January
Maha Shivaratri on 26 February
Independence Day on 15 August
Mahavir Jayanti on 10 April
Good Friday on 18 April
Deepavali celebrations, with Narak Chaturdashi on 20 October and Balipadyami on 22 October
Christmas on 25 December

These holidays are central to the vibrant cultural landscape of Karnataka, giving individuals the chance to immerse themselves in the state's rich traditions and festivals.

Flexibility with Restricted Holidays

In addition to the official public holidays, employees have the option to take 20 restricted holidays throughout the year. This allows them the flexibility to celebrate personal or religious events that hold special meaning. For instance, holidays like New Year on 1 January, Holi on 13 March, and Buddha Purnima on 12 May are among the restricted holidays, offering more options for people to personalize their holiday choices.

Exclusions and Local Celebrations

However, not every festival will be universally observed across the state. For example, Sri Ramanavami on 6 April and Brahma Sri Narayana Guru Jayanti on 7 September fall on Sundays, so they are not included in the official list of public holidays. Similarly, holidays like Rig Upakarma on 9 August and Souraman Ugadi on 14 April, which coincide with the second Saturday, are excluded from the list.

That being said, local holidays will still be observed in specific districts. For instance, Kodagu district will celebrate regional festivals such as Kail Muhurta on 3 November, Tula Sankranti on 18 October, and Huttari Mahotsav on 5 December. These celebrations highlight the diversity and cultural importance of Karnataka's districts.

School Holidays

In addition to the public and restricted holidays for government employees, the Commissioner of Public Instruction in Karnataka will issue a separate list of holidays for schools in the state. This ensures that the educational sector can also enjoy the festive spirit, with tailored holidays that correspond to the cultural calendar.

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