October is jam-packed with festivals this year. The month starts with Dussehra celebrations on October 2 and wraps up with Chhath Puja festivities. In between, a host of other festivals are scheduled that will keep the festive vibe alive. While September festivals included Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, and Navratri, the month of October features one of the biggest Indian festivals – Diwali.
The Diwali festival period begins with Dhanteras on October 18. Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali share the same date on October 20 this year. Gowardhan Puja and Bhaiya Dooj are scheduled for October 22 and October 23 respectively.
Double celebration on October 2
While the first day of October began with Maha Navami celebrations and Kanya Pujan rituals, on October 2, there is double celebration of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. Both the festivals serve a reminder that truth triumphs in the end no matter how long the darkness lasts. Gandhi Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of India’s beloved Bapu or Mahatma Gandhi who championed non-violence and truth, while Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil, through the legends of Ravan Dahan and Mahishasur Vadh.
Valmiki Jayanti on October 7 honours Ramayana author
On Tuesday, October 7, India celebrates Valmiki Jayanti, the birth of ancient epic Ramayana’s author. He is thought to have lived around 500 BCE.
Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth, a popular festival among married women in North India, is being celebrated on Friday, October 10 this year. Married women keep a daylong fast from sunrise to sunset, and conclude it after moonsighting. They start the day with sargi, the morning meal, especially prepared by their mother-in-law.
Diwali long weekend
On Saturday, October 18, Dhanteras is celebrated. Also known as Dhantrayodashi or Yam Deepam, people worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health and wealth. People also shop for gold, silver, utensils and other things during the auspicious muhurat on this day.
Diwali is falling on Monday, October 20 this year, giving people an opportunity to enjoy long weekend with family. One of the biggest Hindu festival, people light diyas, wear new clothes, decorate their homes with beautiful rangoli patterns and perform Lakshmi Puja on the day. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of vanvaas or exile.
Gowardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj fall after Diwali. This year Govardhan Puja is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, while Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on October 23.
Chhath Puja
Wrapping up major October festivities would be the festival of Chhath Puja, celebrated in Bihar and eastern UP. It will begin on October 25 with Nahay Khay and conclude on October 28 with Usha Arghya. In between on October 26, Kharna will be observed, while on October 27, Sandhya Arghya will be given.
October 2025 festival calendar
October 1: Maha Navami
October 2: Durga Visarjan, Dussehra, Vijayadashmi
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
October 2: Buddha Jayanti
October 7: Valmiki Jayanti
October 10: Karwa Chauth
October 18: Dhanteras
October 20: Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi
October 22: Gowardhan Puja
October 23: Bhai Dooj or Yam Dwitiya
October 27: Chhath Puja