Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has declared a public holiday on Monday, October 19, in view of the Navratri festival, clearing the way for a four-day break for government offices, educational institutions and financial establishments across the state.

With Sunday, October 18, being a routine weekly holiday, the subsequent three days will now be non-working days. Under the existing official calendar, Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21, were already designated as public holidays for Mahanavami and Vijayadashami respectively. By sanctioning an official holiday for the intervening working day on Monday, the administration has extended the festive break into a continuous four-day stretch.

The holiday on October 19 applies to all state government and quasi-government institutions, as well as educational establishments, including professional colleges. Financial institutions and commercial banks operating under the Negotiable Instruments Act will also remain closed. Following the completion of the ‘Poojayeduppu’ and ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremonies, schools, colleges and administrative offices across the state will resume normal operations on Thursday, October 22.