The festive season is here once again, and Indians are all geared up to dress up, indulge in delicious delicacies and celebrate various festivals with friends and family alike. The month of October is set to be filled with various festivals that will keep your social calendar busy and thriving. As we enter October, here’s a complete list of all Hindu festivals in October, dry days in October and other details that you can look forward to. Sharad Navratri 2024, Durga Puja 2024, Dussehra 2024, Valmiki Jayanti 2024, Dhanteras 2024, Choti Diwali 2024 and other major festivals and celebrations take place in the month of October. October 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Navratri, Gandhi Jayanti, Durga Puja, Diwali and Halloween – Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates.

October 2 - Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalaya Amavasya

The first observance in October is Gandhi Jayanti - which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The day is marked as a public holiday across India and is also a dry day. The Hindu festival of Mahalaya Amavasya will also be celebrated on October 2. This marks the last day of Pitru Paksha and leads to the beginning of Navratri and Durga Puja.

October 3 - October 12 - Sharad Navratri 2024

Sharad Navratri is the most important Navratri festival that is celebrated by Hindus across the country and focuses on celebrating the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti or Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated in different ways by people in different parts of the country and is believed to be extremely auspicious.

October 9 - October 13 - Durga Puja 2024

Durga Puja is the most important festival for Bengalis across the country. The five day festival is marked with grand celebrations and aartis, and idols of Lord Durga are brought into community pandals and indulge in fun festivities. Durga Puja 2024 in India: When Is Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami? Check Date-Wise Details of Bengali Durga Puja.

October 12 - Dussehra 2024

Dussehra is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals that celebrates the end of Navratri and the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The annual commemoration is marked with great fervour and enthusiasm across the country. It is also marked as a dry day in various parts of the country. Vijayadashami 2024 Date and Significance: Know the Significance of Ravan Dahan and Goddess Durga's Victory Over Mahishasura.

October 17 - Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of the saint Valmiki - who wrote Ramayana. On this day, people often revisit the life and works of Valmiki and the day is celebrated in particular by the Balmiki religious group.

October 29 - Dhanteras 2024

Dhanteras is celebrated as the first day of Diwali and will be commemorated on October 29. This annual celebration is considered to be an extremely auspicious day to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our homes. Buying gold and silver on this day is customary.

October 31 - Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali

October 31 will be marked as Naraka Chaturdashi - which is also celebrated as Diwali in south India. On this day, Goddess Kali is believed to have slayed the demon Narakasura and rid the world of his evils.

In addition to these Hindu festivals, there are various other commemorations and observances that are also marked in October. One of the most prominent celebrations is that of Halloween on October 31. Additionally, October also brings with it World Mental Health Day and provides people the much needed reminder to put themselves first and turn towards healthier practices.

(Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2024 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).