October
October
Latin Script
Major Festivals
Navaratri / Dussehra
नवरात्रि / दशहरा
Oct (lunar)
Nine-night festival of Goddess Durga culminating in Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on the 10th day. Celebrates victory of Rama over Ravana and Durga over Mahishasura. Burning of Ravana effigies, Garba/Dandiya nights, and Mysuru Dasara processions are highlights.
Gandhi Jayanti
गांधी जयंती
Oct 2
National holiday celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (October 2, 1869). International Day of Non-Violence declared by the UN. Public holiday in India.
Diwali (sometimes)
दीपावली
Oct–Nov (lunar)
The Festival of Lights. Diwali falls on the new moon of Kartika month — sometimes in October, sometimes November, depending on the lunar calendar. The biggest festival in India and celebrated globally by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and others.
Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events
About October
October is the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days. From the Latin octo (eight), it was originally the eighth month. October is festival season in India — Navaratri (nine nights of goddess Durga worship) and Dussehra are major celebrations. Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2) is a national holiday. Diwali falls in October in some years. The period between Dussehra and Diwali is considered the most auspicious for business in India. October also marks the beginning of North India's best-weather season (winter approaching). The month transitions from Libra to Scorpio.