October in India is a month when joy, rituals, and togetherness fill every corner of India. From the buzzing streets of top-tier cities to the quiet charm of small towns, life feels transformed. The fragrance of incense and fresh flowers drifts through the air, colourful markets overflow with festive decorations, and the sound of drums and prayers echoes with warmth.
Festivals in October start with the stories, lights, and devotion. Whether it is a grand Dusserha, glowing Diyas of Diwali, or Bihar’s most famous Chhath Pooja. Every festival is a part of the October festival celebration. In this guide, we cover the October celebration in detail.
October Festival List
Here is the list of all major festivals in October, which will be celebrated in each region of India with unique rituals.
1. Maha Navami
Navami is the last day of the celebration of Navratri, symbolising Maa Durga’s triumph over evil. Maha Navami is celebrated across the whole nation. Where Gujarat & West Bengal are more famous for the grand celebration of Navratri. Gujarat comes with Garba & Dandiya nights; on the other hand, West Bengal celebrates Durga Pooja with ritual, cultural performances, and community feast. It is one of the best festivals in October among Hindus in India.
Date: 1 October 2025
Where celebrated: Across Bharat, especially Gujarat & West Bengal
2. Dussehra
Dussehra is a kind of festivals in October that is celebrated in every part of the country. This is marked as the victory of lord Rama over Ravana, and Maa Durga’s slaying of demon Mahishasura in Hindu mythology, echoing the message of good defeating evil.
Mysore shines, strolling into its dazzling palace and majestic processions, Ayodhya retells the Ramayana in its use of Ram Leela and fireworks, while Kolkata rounds off Durga Puja with enthusiasm, captures the idols and says goodbyes. It's the most well-known October festival in India.
Date: 2 October 2025
Where Celebrated: All over India, with grand celebrations in Mysore, Ayodhya, and Kolkata.
3. Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in remembrance of the Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Celebrated with prayer meetings, cultural programs, and cleanliness drives, it carries a calm and reflective spirit amidst the festivities.
Date: 2 October 2025
Where celebrated: Nationwide, with special importance in Delhi.
4. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
It is considered the birth of Maharishi Valmiki, who was a revered sage and poet behind the Ramayana. One of the greatest epics of Indian history. His life denotes a sign of devotion and change. He used to be a robber named Ratnakar, who transformed himself into a saint devoted to Drama and then known as the Adi Kavi (first poet).
Date: 7 October
Where celebrated: North India, mostly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
5. Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a festival of married women, who observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise. It is believed that they took a day-long fast without taking even a dip of water, for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. Rooted in devotion and love, this festivals in October has been passed down for generations, carrying both emotional and cultural significance. One of the best festivities in October among Indian married women.
Date: 9-10 October
Where celebrated: Mostly in northern India, like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
6. Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the starting day of a week-long celebration of Diwali and marks the most-awaited festivities in October. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “tears” refer to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight, also known as Dhanatrayodashi
On this, Hindus believed that buying something valuable brings luck and prosperity into the home. Homes beautifully decorated with rangolis, flower garlands, and diyas, all these making it the most exciting October festival that sets the vibe of Diwali.
Date: 18-19 October
Where celebrated: Across India
7. Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated as the Festival of Lights. It is believed that Lord Rama, with his wife & brother, returned to the home Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile and victory over King Ravana (Lanka). To honour this return, the people of Ayodhya are said to have lit thousands of divas, a tradition that continues to this day. On this day, homes are decorated with rangolis and rows of divas. Poojas offered to Maa Laxmi & lord Ganesha in the evening. Families perform rituals, offer sweets, and recite prayers before enjoying fireworks and a festive meal. It is one of the most important festivals in October.
Date: 20-21 October
Where celebrated: Nationwide, grand celebration in Varanasi, Ayodhya.
8. Govardhan Pooja
Govardhan Pooja is a Festivals in October, honouring Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan hills for the safety of his villagers. This celebration is deeply rooted in the legend from the Bhagavata Purana. On this day, Devotees prepare Annakut and offer it to Lord Krishna. Matura and Varindavan stand out with the elaborate rituals, processions, and devotional songs, making it a heartfelt October festival in North India.
Date: 22 October
Where Celebrated: Mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
9. Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is among the most spiritual of the October Festivals India. This Perv is the most celebrated October festival of Bihar. Dedicated to the God Son and Chhathi Maiya, devotees observe strict fasts, prepare traditional thekua, and gather along rivers for prayers at sunrise and sunset. This is celebrated as a grand occasion in each house of Bihar. This festival lasts for four days, as Nahay Khay, Lohanda & Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. It is one of the grand October Festivities in India.
Date: 27-28 October
Where Celebrated: Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal.
10. Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, also known as the Yama Dwitya. It is believed that Lord Yama (the God of Death) or Yamraj visited her sister on this day, and she welcomed him with aarti, and tilak, and served him delicious food. Overwhelmed by her affection, Lord Yama declared that any brother who visited his sister on this day and received a tilak would be blessed with long life and prosperity. Then it is celebrated as a festival of the brother-sister bond.
Date: 23 October
Where celebrated: Across India.
Conclusion
October is the month of festivals filled with devotion, joy, and togetherness. From the grand celebration of Dussehra to the sparkling light of Diwali, from the fasting and prayers of Karva Chauth to the soulful rituals of Chhath Puja, every festivals in October reflects India’s deep-rooted traditions.
Travelling these days allows you to experience the unique October events, when each celebration has its own story, flavours, tradition, and festive charms. So if you want to feel the October vibes, step out of the door and explore the different city with the October festival list.
