The festive season isn’t over yet. After a vibrant and colourful September marked by Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, and Navratri, celebrations, October was illuminated by the festival of lights, Diwali, along with Bhai Dooj, Govardhan Puja, and Chhath Puja. November would carry forward the festive spirit as a series of festivals like Guru Nanak Jayanti, Dev Diwali and Thanksgiving are coming up.
The month begins on a reflective note with All Saints’ Day and concludes with St Andrew’s Day, that honours the patron saint of Scotland. Among the highlights of the month is Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, a major Sikh festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and Thanksgiving, the festival celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the year.
Here are the major festivals and observances of the month:
November 1: All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day honours all known and unknown saints who have attained heaven. Celebrated on November 1 every year, it’s a part of a three-day observation known as Allhallowtide, which is dedicated to remember the dead, starting with Halloween on October 31 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. Family members often pray for and remember their deceased loved ones by placing candles and other decorations at the tomb or grave sites.
November 2: Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah, an important Hindu festival, celebrates the ceremonial marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu in his Shaligram form. This festival falls on Dwadashi tithi or the 12th day of the lunar month. It is usually observed in October or November. For the ritual, holy Tulsi plant and the sacred Shaligram stone are dressed as bride and groom respectively. The wedding rituals are conducted by a priest and the devotees observe a day-long fast from sunrise to sunset.
November 5: Karthika Purnima
Observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, it is considered auspicious to take holy dip on this day. This year, the Purnima Tithi begins on 10:36 pm on November 4, 2025 and ends on 6:48 pm on November 5, 2025.
November 5: Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The celebrations begin early in the morning as devotees gather at Gurudwaras for prayers and partake in the Langar. On this day, Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib is done. Nagar Kirtan processions are carried out by the Panj Pyare. The kirtans and paths continue till late in the night.
November 5: Dev Diwali
Dev Diwali, celebrated on the day of Kartika Purnima, falls 15 days after the festival of Diwali and celebrated with much enthusiasm in Varanasi. The festival falls on Purnima Tithi of the month of Kartik and celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over demon Tripurasur. The ghats of the Ganga light up with thousands of diyas, creating a mesmerising sight on the day. This year, it’s being celebrated on November 5.
November 14: Children’s Day
The birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister and beloved Chacha Nehru is celebrated as Children’s Day or Bal Diwas every year. On this day, schools and organisations hold fun activities and cultural events to mark the occasion.
November 27: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, one of the most cherished American holidays, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is also celebrated by Christian community across the world, including India. On this day, families come together for a feast to express gratitude for life’s blessings. The day starts the beginning of holiday season in USA.
November 28: Black Friday
Black Friday marks the beginning of Christmas shopping season. Every year, it’s celebrated a day after Thanksgiving. On this day shopper get massive discounts as crowds of eager shoppers hunt for the best deals.
November 30: St Andrew’s Day
St Andrew’s Day in November 30 honours St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and is celebrated with national pride. The Scotland’s national day is marked by various celebrations and cultural events reflecting the nation’s heritage and traditions.
