Centre notifies Keralam as Kerala's new official name ahead of Onam

27-Aug-2026

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The Union Home Ministry has notified "Keralam" as the new name of Kerala, with the change coming into effect on August 25.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026, the Central government hereby appoints the 25th day of August, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force," the Home Ministry said in a gazette notification.

President Droupadi Murmu had earlier this month given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, turning it into law.

The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on August 11, followed by the Rajya Sabha on August 12.