Kerala Holidays March 2024: Schools, colleges and banks to remain shut on these dates – Times of India

Kerala Holidays March 2024: The month of March is filled with excitement of various festivities ranging from Holi to Easter and the expectation of a long holiday for the Good Friday weekend! For students the month marks the formal end of an academic year as term-end examinations conclude with results releasing in the last weeks of the month.
As an added attraction to all this, students eagerly await the start of a new academic year, their excitement fueled by the promise of new experiences and opportunities to learn new things.Here is a list of days that are going to be marked as a holiday in the month of March, prompting closure of school, colleges and banking institutions-

Here’s a closer look on the days school and other institutions are expected to be closed in Kerala:
Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri (Observed on 8th March 2024)
This “Night of Shiva” is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. He represents the transformative power of destruction and regeneration. Devotees offer prayers, perform ablutions with holy water, and observe fasts. Many stay awake all night in vigil, meditating and chanting hymns in Shiva’s honour. The festival signifies seeking spiritual liberation through self-discipline and devotion.
Ayya Vaikunta Swamy Jayanthi (Observed on March 12th)
A regional holiday to commemorate Ayya Vaikunta Swamy Jayanthi. This day holds significance in the local culture, honouring Ayya Vaikunta Swamy, a revered figure in the region. Residents of Thiruvananthapuram take the opportunity to celebrate and participate in various cultural and religious activities dedicated to Ayya Vaikunta Swamy. The holiday allows people to pay their respects, reflect on his teachings, and engage in community gatherings and festivities that promote unity and cultural heritage in the region. (Expected regional holiday in Thiruvananthapuram)
Holi, Dol Jatra (Observed on 25th March 2024)
This vibrant festival, also known as the “Festival of Colours,” celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. People engage in playful throwing of coloured powder and water on each other, symbolising the washing away of past grievances and the embrace of joy, love, and new beginnings.
Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday (Observed on 28th March 2024)
This Christian holy day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his twelve disciples, the night before his crucifixion. During this supper, Jesus established the sacrament of Holy Communion, symbolically sharing bread and wine to represent his body and blood. Christians attend special services on Maundy Thursday, reflecting on Jesus’ teachings of love, service, and sacrifice.
Good Friday (Observed on 29th March 2024)
This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Christians believe Jesus willingly sacrificed himself to atone for humanity’s sins. This day is marked by prayer, fasting, and reflection on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for their faith.
Easter (Observed on 31st March 2024)
Easter is one of the most significant holy days in Christianity, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. It marks the culmination of Holy Week, a period of reflection and remembrance. Christians celebrate Easter with special church services, joyful gatherings, and festive meals. Easter signifies hope, new life, and redemption, offering a message of triumph over death and suffering.
March 2024 Bank holidays in Kerala
Apart from the above dates mentioned for holidays in Kerala, here are the additional days when banking institutions are likely to be shut:

Please note that the above list of holidays is for ready reference, check local calendars for regional variations.