A statewide Karnataka bandh has been called for August 13, 2026, from 6 am to 6 pm, with pro-Kannada organisations protesting the Cauvery water issue and demanding progress on projects including Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri. The shutdown could affect public transport, shops and commercial establishments, while schools, hospitals, banks and corporate offices are expected to operate, although local disruptions cannot be ruled out.The bandh is being led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, who has appealed to different sections of society to support the protest. According to the organisers, more than 2,000 pro-Kannada organisations have backed the call, with the number expected to rise.For people living in Karnataka or planning to travel through the state, the key question is what will actually remain closed on August 13.Karnataka Bandh 2026 August 13 time The Karnataka bandh is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, from 6 am to 6 pm.The protest centres on the Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu. Kannada organisations are opposing the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directive to release water to Tamil Nadu. They are also pressing for action on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri projects.Karnataka Bandh August 13 School HolidaySchools are expected to remain open on August 13. The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka withdrew its earlier call for schools to remain shut during the bandh. Schools can therefore continue their regular operations.However, some staff members may wear black ribbons as a symbolic show of support for the protest.Parents should still check with their individual schools because local arrangements could vary depending on the situation.Karnataka Bandh August 13: Will offices be closed?There is no indication of a statewide shutdown of offices.Corporate offices and many other workplaces are expected to function, although employees could face difficulties reaching their workplaces if transport services are affected.Businesses and offices in areas where protests or road blockades take place could also see disruptions.Tomorrow Karnataka Bandh: Will shops and markets remain closed?The impact on shops and commercial establishments could vary across Karnataka.Some shops and commercial establishments, particularly in Bengaluru and other cities, may remain closed or operate with reduced services in support of the bandh.The organisers have also appealed to hotel owners in Bengaluru and Mysuru to shut their establishments on August 13.Therefore, people planning shopping, dining or other commercial activities should expect possible changes in normal operations.Karnataka Bandh Tomorrow 2026: Will buses, cabs and other transport run?Transport services could be among the areas most affected by the bandh.Public transport, taxis and inter-state travel may face disruptions or delays during the shutdown. Travellers should be prepared for traffic restrictions, protests and possible route changes.Inter-state movement could be particularly affected around Karnataka's border areas.August 13 Karnataka Bandh: What Attibele border travellers should knowAttibele, a key entry point between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has emerged as an important location for the protest because of the heavy movement of passenger and freight vehicles.The protest at the border involved a halt to vehicle movement. Vehicles travelling from Tamil Nadu towards Karnataka were stopped, while traffic moving from Karnataka towards Tamil Nadu was also affected.The disruption could involve:Inter-state busesFreight and goods vehiclesPrivate vehiclesDaily commutersPeople using the Attibele route should therefore allow extra travel time and be prepared for delays or diversions.Karntaka Bandh Tomorrow: Will hospitals and medical shops remain open?Essential services are expected to continue.Hospitals, medical shops and emergency services are expected to remain operational during the bandh. People requiring urgent medical assistance should be able to access essential healthcare services.Karnataka Bandh Reason: Why are Kannada organisations calling the bandh?The protest is linked to Karnataka's long-running disputes over sharing river water with neighbouring states.The immediate trigger is opposition to the Cauvery Water Management Authority's direction to release water to Tamil Nadu. The organisations are also demanding progress on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri projects.Nagaraj has said thousands of pro-Kannada organisations are supporting the shutdown.What is Vatal Nagaraj demanding?Nagaraj has urged different sectors to support the statewide shutdown. He has specifically appealed to hotel owners in Bengaluru and Mysuru to keep their establishments closed during the bandh.He has also warned that protests could intensify if Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Joseph does not support the Mekedatu reservoir project.What did Karnataka Chief Minister say?Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to Vatal Nagaraj to withdraw the August 13 bandh.However, Nagaraj rejected the appeal and indicated that preparations for the statewide shutdown would continue.Karnataka Bandh 2026: What should commuters do?People travelling on August 13 should plan for possible disruptions, particularly if their journey involves public transport, inter-state routes or areas where demonstrations are planned.Those travelling between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should pay particular attention to conditions around the Attibele border. Local traffic inside Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka may continue normally in several areas, but the situation could change depending on the intensity of protests.Tomorrow Karnataka Bandh: What is likely to stay open?Based on the information available ahead of the bandh:Schools: Expected to remain openCorporate offices: Expected to functionBanks: Expected to remain operationalHospitals: Expected to remain openMedical shops: Expected to remain openEmergency services: Expected to operateShops and markets: Some may remain closed or see reduced operationsPublic transport: Disruptions and delays possibleCabs: Disruptions possibleInter-state travel: Possible delays and diversionsAttibele border: Vehicle movement may be significantly affectedThe actual impact could differ from one district or locality to another as the bandh unfolds.