India Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays

USA Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays

UK Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays

India Calendar In October 2025

October in India is not just a month; it's a cultural celebration that transcends religion, region, and language. As the monsoon recedes and the festive spirit rises, the country bursts into a riot of color, devotion, music, rituals, and community gatherings. October 2025 is expected to be particularly vibrant, featuring multiple pan-India festivals, regional traditions, public holidays, and seasonal transitions that shape the socio-cultural pulse of the nation.

Whether you're a traveler looking to witness grand processions, a business anticipating public closures, or a family planning religious rituals, this calendar ensures you're informed and inspired.

National Public Holidays in October 2025

1. Gandhi Jayanti – Thursday, 2 October 2025

• Type: National Holiday

• Significance: Marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, father of Indian independence.

• Observed: Nationwide

• Customs: Sabarmati Ashram events, interfaith prayers, cleanliness drives, floral tributes to Gandhi statues, and non-violence-themed educational activities.

2. Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – Sunday, 5 October 2025

• Type: Gazetted Holiday

• Significance: Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and the conclusion of Navaratri.

• Observed: Across all Indian states with regional variations.

• Highlights:

  • Northern India: Ramlila enactments, Ravana effigy burning.

  • Southern India: Ayudha Puja, Saraswati Puja.

  • Eastern India: Immersion of Durga idols (Visarjan).

3. Diwali (Deepavali) – Friday, 24 October 2025

• Type: National Festival (Gazetted Holiday)

• Significance: Festival of Lights; symbolises the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

• Duration: 5-day festival (23–27 October)

• Celebrated With:

  • Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali day)

  • Fireworks, rangoli, sweets, and gift exchanges

  • Oil lamp (diya) lighting at homes and temples

  • New clothes, house cleaning, and business worship (Chopda Puja)

Major Hindu Festivals in October 2025

Navaratri (Shakti Worship) – 23 September to 1 October 2025

• Meaning: Nine nights dedicated to goddess Durga and her nine avatars.

• Regions:

  • West Bengal: Durga Puja starts from the sixth day (Shashti)

  • Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya Raas

  • Tamil Nadu & Karnataka: Golu doll displays and Kanya Puja

• Spiritual Themes: Strength, prosperity, protection, and feminine power

Durga Puja – 29 September to 4 October 2025

• Most Prominent In: West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, Bihar

• Key Events:

  • Artistic pandals (theme-based installations)

  • Dhunuchi naach (traditional dance)

  • Sindoor Khela (vermilion ritual among married women)

  • Bijoya Dashami idol immersion

Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja) – Wednesday, 8 October 2025

• Focus: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi under the full moon.

• Traditions:

  • Fasting and milk-kheer offered under moonlight

  • Social gatherings on rooftops and temples

Karva Chauth – Wednesday, 15 October 2025

• Observed By: Married Hindu women in North India

• Rituals:

  • Day-long fast for husband's longevity

  • Evening moon sighting with arghya and puja thali

Ahoi Ashtami – Wednesday, 22 October 2025

• Observed By: Mothers praying for the well-being of sons

• Common In: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab

Lakshmi Puja / Chopda Puja – Friday, 24 October 2025

• Business Closure: Many shops and markets close to perform rituals over new account books.

• Common In: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan

Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Saturday, 25 October 2025

• Focus: Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill

• Celebrated By: Vaishnav communities and ISKCON temples

Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej – Sunday, 26 October 2025

• Theme: Sister-brother bonding and protection blessings

Islamic Festivals in October 2025

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi – Monday, 6 October 2025

• Importance: Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s birth

• Observances:

  • Religious processions (Juloos)

  • Quran recitations

  • Islamic poetry (naats), community meals, charity

• Observed In: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, West Bengal

Jain Observances

Paryushan & Samvatsari (September-end to early October)

• Practices:

  • Fasting, forgiveness rituals (Michhami Dukkadam)

  • Self-purification, meditation, scripture reading

• Special Events: Sermons by Jain monks and Mahavir Jayanti follow-ups

Sikh Celebrations

Guru Ram Das Jayanti – Sunday, 19 October 2025

• Birth anniversary of the fourth Sikh Guru

• Celebrated At: Amritsar Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib

• Traditions: Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan, langars (free meals)

Regional Festivals & Cultural Events

Mysuru Dasara – Ends 5 October 2025

• State: Karnataka

• Grand Parade: Chamundi Hill procession, elephant march, Jamboo Savari

• Illumination: Mysore Palace lit with 100,000+ bulbs

Kullu Dussehra – Begins 5 October 2025 (7-day event)

• State: Himachal Pradesh

• Unique because it starts on Dussehra day

• Local deities from villages gather for ceremonial procession

Bathukamma – Ends 3 October 2025

• State: Telangana

• Women build flower towers (Bathukamma), sing folk songs

• Symbol of feminine power and regional pride

Marwar Festival – Mid-October 2025

• Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

• Celebrates Rajputana warriors through folk dances, music, and camel parades

India Art Festival (New Delhi) – Likely 25–27 October 2025

• Theme: Contemporary and tribal art, curated exhibits

• Artists, galleries, buyers, and critics converge

Christian Observances

St. Francis of Assisi Feast – Saturday, 4 October 2025

• Observed In: Goa, Kerala, parts of North-East India

• Masses in churches, prayers for ecology and animals

Government, Banking & Business Closures

Expect official closures on:

• 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti)

• 5 October (Dussehra)

• 6 October (Milad-un-Nabi)

• 24–26 October (Diwali period)

Private companies often remain closed or allow optional leaves during religious festivals.

• Stock markets usually close on Diwali for Muhurat trading (symbolic session)

• Couriers & logistics face delays around Diwali week

Travel, Tourism & Festive Insights

Travel Tips

• Book early for travel around Dussehra and Diwali

• Expect higher airfares and packed trains

• State tourism departments organize special trains, buses, and packages

Accommodation

• Homestays and hotels fill fast near religious hotspots (Varanasi, Mysuru, Kolkata)

Shopping Season

• Pre-Diwali sales (Amazon Great Indian Festival, Flipkart Big Billion Days)

• Popular purchases: electronics, gold, clothes, gifts, sweets

Food Must-Trys

• Diwali: Kaju katli, gujiya, besan laddoo

• Dussehra: Puran poli, khichdi, payasam

• Regional: Bathukamma snacks (Telangana), Mysore Pak (Karnataka), Sandesh (Bengal)

Conclusion

October 2025 in India is an extraordinary celebration of faith, family, heritage, and community. With overlapping calendars from various religions and state-specific traditions, the month is filled with color, flavor, sound, and soul. From the rhythmic beats of Garba in Gujarat to the illuminated skyline of Diwali night in North India, and from the serene rituals of Jain Paryushan to the vibrant streets of Kolkata during Durga Puja—India becomes a living mosaic of devotion and joy.

Whether you're immersed in the rituals or simply soaking in the atmosphere, October is one of the best times to experience the diverse soul of India. Plan wisely, participate deeply, and celebrate meaningfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many public holidays are there in October 2025 in India?

There are three major public holidays: Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct), Dussehra (5 Oct), and Diwali (24 Oct). However, depending on state-specific calendars and religious observances, some regions may have more.

When is Diwali in 2025 and how long is it celebrated?

Diwali is on Friday, 24 October 2025. It’s celebrated across five days—from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj (23–27 October).

Which state celebrates Durga Puja the most?

West Bengal leads in scale and tradition, especially in Kolkata, where the entire city transforms into a grand celebration.

What are the best places to visit in October for festivals in India?

• Mysuru (for Dasara)

• Kolkata (for Durga Puja)

• Varanasi (spiritual Diwali)

• Gujarat (for Navratri Garba)

• Delhi (Diwali markets)

Is travel expensive during October in India?

Yes, especially around Dussehra and Diwali. Book early to save on flights, trains, and accommodations.

Are banks and offices closed during Diwali?

Yes. Most banks and businesses remain shut on Diwali day. Some sectors operate with reduced staff throughout the Diwali week.

What foods are popular during October festivals?

Sweets like laddoos, barfi, gujiya, and snacks like chakli and mathri are popular. Each region has its own festive cuisine.

Is Eid-e-Milad a holiday in all states?

No. It’s a gazetted holiday but only observed in select states with significant Muslim populations.

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