October marks the onset of festive season and autumn in India, making it one of the country’s most vibrant months for holidays and celebrations. The weather is pleasant, and people across diverse cultures and religions come together to enjoy some of the year’s biggest events. From national observances to colorful festivals, October provides something for everyone to celebrate.
Major Public Holidays in October
October hosts multiple important public holidays that unite people across states. Below is a quick overview:
| Date | Holiday | Observed In |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct | Maha Navami | Many Eastern, Northern & Southern states |
| 2 Oct | Gandhi Jayanti | Nationwide |
| 2 Oct | Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | Nationwide (except Manipur & Pondicherry) |
| 6 Oct | Lakshmi Puja | Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal |
| 7 Oct | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, MP, Punjab |
| 18 Oct | Kati Bihu | Assam |
| 21 Oct | Diwali | Nationwide |
| 22 Oct | Vikram Samvat New Year | Gujarat |
| 22 Oct | Govardhan Puja | Chandigarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| 23 Oct | Bhai Dooj | Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, UP |
| 24 Oct | Ningol Chakkouba | Manipur |
| 27-28 Oct | Chhath Puja | Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu |
| 31 Oct | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti | Gujarat |
📌 Key takeaways:
- 3 Gazetted holidays: Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), and Diwali.
- 7 Restricted holidays: State/region-specific observances.
- Festival clusters: Dussehra in the first week; Diwali week (21–24 Oct); Chhath Puja at the end of the month.
Festival Highlights
Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
Celebrated nationwide in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, this day honors his life, his teachings of peace and non-violence, and his role in India’s independence. People gather at memorials, practice community service, and hold discussions focused on truth and kindness.
Dussehra (2 October)
Known as Vijaya Dashami, this is celebrated with drama performances (Ramlila), effigies of Ravana, and family gatherings. It’s one of the most dramatic festivals that symbolizes the victory of good over evil throughout India.
Diwali (21 October)
The Festival of Lights is observed with colorful displays, lighting diyas, exchanging sweets, performing Lakshmi Puja, and bursting fireworks. Diwali marks the homecoming of Lord Rama and symbolizes prosperity, hope, and joy.
Regional Festivals
State-Specific Holidays and Observances
Every region of India has its own list of significant holidays. Here’s a table showing the main ones and where they’re celebrated:
| State | Major October Holidays |
|---|---|
| West Bengal | Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja |
| Gujarat | Diwali, Vikram Samvat New Year, Sardar Patel Jayanti |
| Bihar/Jharkhand | Chhath Puja, Diwali |
| Assam | Kati Bihu, Diwali |
| Tamil Nadu | Maha Navami, Diwali |
| Punjab/Haryana | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, Diwali |
Bank and School Holidays in October
Banks, schools, and colleges observe special closures during the month.
| Date | Holiday/Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Oct | Gandhi Jayanti (Public & Bank hol.) | National |
| 11 Oct | 2nd Saturday (Bank hol.) | All India |
| 21st Oct | Diwali (Bank & school hol.) | National |
| 25 Oct | 4th Saturday (Bank hol.) | All India |
| 27-28 Oct | Chhath Puja (Bank/School hol.) | Regional |
FAQs on October Holidays 2025
Q. Are bank holidays and public holidays the same?
A) Banks and public holidays overlap often, but banks close for additional Saturdays
Q. Which states have the most holidays in October?
A) West Bengal, Gujarat, Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu
Q. Why is Dussehra sometimes on same day as Gandhi Jayanti?
A) Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar; dates can overlap with fixed national holidays.
