Celebrating the Vibrant Festivals of October 2024 in India

October 2025 in India will come alive with rituals, music, and a sense of togetherness that stretches from small villages to bustling cities. The scent of fresh flowers and incense will fill the air, streets will shine with vibrant decorations, and the rhythm of prayers and drums will set the festive mood. 

With festivals in October following one after another, the month is steeped in tradition and shared joy. From the grand processions of Dussehra to the glowing diyas of Diwali and the riverside devotion of Chhath Puja, each celebration is a highlight in this list of festivals in October in India. 

For those staying at Club Mahindra resorts during this season, it offers not just comfort, but also proximity to the heart of the celebration of festivals in October 2025.

In this blog, you’ll explore:

• All Festivals in October 2025
• Travel & Celebration Tips 

All Festivals in October 2025

1. Maha Navami

Date in 2025: 1^st October
Celebrated in: Across India, with grandeur in Gujarat and West Bengal.

Maha Navami marks the final day of Navratri, honouring Goddess Durga’s victory over evil forces. In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya nights fill the streets with music and dance, while West Bengal witnesses the last day of Durga Puja with elaborate rituals, cultural performances, and community feasts. Temples see large gatherings, and festive markets brim with colourful attire and handicrafts, making it one of the most vibrant festivals in October.

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2. Dussehra

Date in 2025: 2^nd October
Celebrated in: Nationwide; notable in Mysuru, Kolkata, and Ayodhya.

Dussehra, rooted in Hindu mythology, celebrates the victory of good over evil, drawing from the Ramayana’s epic tale where Lord Rama defeats the demon king Ravana to rescue Goddess Sita. In Mysuru, the city becomes a cultural showcase with its illuminated palace, grand processions, and traditional music performances. Kolkata merges Dussehra with the concluding day of Durga Puja, honouring Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura with emotional idol immersions. In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ram Leela enactments and spectacular fireworks bring the legendary story to life, making it one of the most captivating cultural festivals in October.

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3. Gandhi Jayanti

Date in 2025: 2^nd October
Celebrated in: Across India, especially in Gujarat and Delhi.

Gandhi Jayanti honours the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a global icon of peace and non-violence. Observed with prayer meetings, cleanliness drives, and commemorative events, it’s a day of reflection and respect. Gujarat’s Sabarmati Ashram becomes a focal point for visitors who wish to connect with Gandhi’s life, while Delhi hosts official ceremonies at Raj Ghat. The calm, thoughtful atmosphere makes it a meaningful pause in the festive season.

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4. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Date in 2025: 7^th October
Celebrated in: Predominantly in North India, especially in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti commemorates the birth of the revered sage and poet who composed the Ramayana. Legends speak of his transformation from a highway robber to a saint through deep penance and devotion. The day is marked by processions carrying Valmiki’s portraits, recitations of the Ramayana, and community gatherings. In many regions, temples host special prayers, and cultural programmes highlight his teachings. It is among the lesser-known yet significant Hindu festivals in October.

5. Karva Chauth

Date in 2025: Thu, 9 Oct 2025, 10:54 pm to Fri, 10 Oct 2025, 7:38 pm
Celebrated in: Northern and Northwestern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Karva Chauth is a traditional festival where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Rooted in legends of love and devotion, it is celebrated with women dressing in festive attire, applying mehendi, and gathering for prayers before breaking the fast after sighting the moon. Markets come alive with jewellery, clothing, and ritual items, adding to the charm of this fall festival in October.

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6. Dhanteras

Date in 2025: 18^th October
Celebrated in: Across India, with major celebrations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and North India.

Dhanteras, a coming festival in October, marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean, Dhanvantari emerged holding the nectar of immortality. The day is considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, or other valuables. Streets and markets glow with rows of lamps, bustling with shoppers preparing for the vibrant festive season before Diwali.

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7. Lakshmi Puja

Date in 2025: 21^st October
Celebrated in: Nationwide, with grandeur in West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Lakshmi Puja is dedicated to welcoming prosperity and abundance into homes. The legend connects it to Goddess Lakshmi visiting households on the night of Diwali, blessing them with wealth and happiness. Families clean and decorate their homes, light rows of diyas, and offer prayers, sweets, and flowers to the goddess. In many states, markets stay open late into the night for festive shopping, adding to the vibrant energy of this Hindu festival in October.

8. Diwali

Date in 2025: 20^th- 21^st October
Celebrated in: Across India, with exceptional celebrations in Varanasi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Mumbai.

The festival of lights, Diwali, commemorates the triumph of light over darkness by marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following his victory over Ravana. Homes are illuminated with diyas, candles, and colourful rangoli. Families exchange sweets, perform Lakshmi Puja, and enjoy fireworks. Cities like Varanasi glow with Ganga Aarti, while Jaipur’s markets shimmer with decorative lights. This is one of the most anticipated and joyous Indian festivals in October, uniting people across faiths and regions.

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9. Govardhan Puja

Date in 2025: 22^nd October
Celebrated in: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of North India.

Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra’s anger. Devotees prepare large quantities of vegetarian food, known as Annakut, and offer it to Krishna in temples and homes. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations are particularly elaborate, with vibrant processions, devotional singing, and beautifully decorated idols. It’s a unique cultural festival in October that blends devotion with community feasting.

10. Bhai Dooj

Date in 2025: 23^rd October
Celebrated in: Across India, with prominence in North India, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

Bhai Dooj honours the bond between brothers and sisters, similar in sentiment to Raksha Bandhan but with unique traditions. Rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna visiting his sister Subhadra after defeating Narakasura, the festival involves sisters performing aarti, applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and praying for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts and promise protection. Markets brim with sweets and festive treats, making it a warm, family-centred celebration in the list of festivals in October in India.

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11. Chhath Puja

Date in 2025: 27^th- 28^th October
Celebrated in: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal.

Chhath Puja, a coming festival in October, is one of the most auspicious festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, his consort Usha, and revered Chhathi Maiya. Deeply rooted in the Mahabharata, where Draupadi and the Pandavas performed the rituals for blessings, this sacred festival involves devotees observing a strict fast, preparing the famous thekua as prasad, and offering prayers at riverbanks during sunrise and sunset. Thousands gather along the Ganges and local rivers, singing devotional songs, lighting diyas, and immersing in holy waters, creating a powerful and deeply spiritual atmosphere during the festive season in India.

Travel & Celebration Tips for October Festivals

• Choose your destinations wisely: Visit Mysuru for Dussehra, Varanasi or Jaipur for Diwali, and Mathura for Govardhan Puja. For unique cultural experiences, head to Bihar during Chhath Puja or West Bengal for Durga Puja on Maha Navami.
• Book early: October is the peak festive season in India. Secure your Club Mahindra resort bookings well in advance to ensure you stay close to the celebrations.
• Dress for the occasion: Carry light ethnic wear for festivals, comfortable footwear for processions, and light woollens for cooler evenings.
• Immerse yourself in local culture: Participate in community rituals, taste festive foods, and explore decorated markets.
• Plan extended weekends: Festivals like Diwali and Karva Chauth fall close to weekends, making them perfect for short getaways.
• Stay connected to traditions: Learn the legends and rituals behind each celebration to appreciate the depth of India’s festive season in October.

Conclusion

October is one of the most captivating months to explore India, with celebrations that blend devotion, tradition, and community spirit. From the colourful energy of Dussehra to the glowing lamps of Diwali and the serene prayers of Chhath Puja, every festival offers a unique story and experience. Travelling during this season allows you to witness India at its most vibrant while enjoying the comfort and warmth of a Club Mahindra resort. Plan your journey now and make this festive season unforgettable.