Kerala Election Public Holiday Tomorrow: What's Open And What's Closed? Pallichattambi Release Date Is Changed

Kerala Elections 2026 holiday: Kerala goes to the polls on 9 April 2026 to choose 140 members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Counting of votes in Kerala will take place on 4 May 2026, when the final results will be announced. As Keralities gear up to exercise their right to vote, they are wondering what remains open and what is closed during the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.

Kerala Election Date: Government Announces Public Holiday: What's Closed?

The Election Commission of India has also fixed General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Alongside these, bye-elections will be held in eight Assembly constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

Interestingly, the Bye elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura are scheduled for 9 April 2026, the same day as polling in Kerala. Local bank branches in these states may face operational disruption, although no formal guidance exists, according to a report in Economic Times.

Last month, the Kerala government announced that 9th April would be a public holiday due to the Assembly elections. All government offices and educational institutions across the state will stay shut to support smooth polling and voter participation.

The official order specifies that the public holiday also extends to all institutions coming under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Private sector employers have been instructed to provide paid leave to staff members so they can vote on polling day.

Employees posted outside their home constituencies will receive paid leave to travel and vote, according to the government notification.

Will Schools Remain Open Or Close In Kerala On Election Voting Day?

Schools and colleges in Kerala are expected to stay shut on 9 April as a public holiday is announced during polling day.

This holiday rule during elections is common in many parts of India, and Kerala follows the same pattern. Educational institutions normally close to allow voters, including staff and eligible students, to reach polling stations without class schedules clashing.

While an official order may come from local authorities closer to 9 April, schools and colleges in Kerala will remain closed, a report in Jagran Josh said.

Kerala Election 2026: Will Banks Remain Open Or Close?

Bank customers in Kerala will find physical branches shut on 9 April 2026, linked to the state elections. The closure covers all scheduled commercial banks, including public sector and private sector institutions. Essential digital channels, however, remain available for most routine transactions. This clarifies the Kerala elections 2026 bank open or close status for that date.

The holiday means over-the-counter cash deposits, cheque clearances and in-branch customer support will not operate.

Kerala elections 2026 bank open or close: digital and ATM options

Despite the closure, ATM networks, internet banking platforms and mobile banking applications are expected to function normally. Customers can continue withdrawing cash, checking balances and transferring funds using UPI and net banking.

Service	Status on 9 April 2026 in Kerala
Bank branches (public and private)	Closed
ATMs	Available
Mobile banking apps	Available
UPI transfers	Available
Net banking	Available
Cheque clearance at branches	Not available on that date

Tovino Thomas Pallichattambi New Release Date

Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas will be next seen in Pallichattambi, which will now hit cinemas during Vishu, the Kerala New Year in the Hindu calendar. The producers confirmed on Monday that the release has been shifted to align with the festive period across the state.

Pallichattambi was earlier planned for a theatrical opening on Thursday, April 10, but the team decided on a one-week delay. According to the makers, the schedule change is linked to the Kerala Assembly elections, which are set to take place on April 9 across the state.

"We are here to tell the story of an extraordinary personality who has been forgotten in the renaissance history of Kerala. Due to the election code of conduct being in force, we are facing technical difficulties in obtaining the censor certificate. Therefore, the film's release has been postponed to April 15, on the occasion of Vishu. We hope to have your love and support with us on this occasion," the makers said in a statement.

Do exercise your right to vote during Kerala Election 2026.