9 Most Famous Festivals in October in India
October represents the most joyous and auspicious month throughout India, characterized by its vibrant festivals and extensive commemorative events that unite families, friends, and communities in collective observance. The October 2026 festival calendar encompasses significant occasions including Mahalaya Amavasya, Sharad Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Karwa Chauth, each presenting distinctive opportunities to engage with India’s multifaceted cultural heritage. Every festival maintains profound spiritual importance, with devotees performing sacred rituals to solicit divine blessings from various deities. These celebrations are further enhanced through elaborate illuminations, musical performances, and traditional dance forms. Consider scheduling your visit to participate in the festive atmosphere pervading this auspicious period and develop a comprehensive appreciation of India’s rich festival traditions through our specialized India tour packages.
Here are a few significant festivals to celebrate in the month of October in India.
Gandhi Jayanti
Observed annually on October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanti recognized a National Holiday throughout India to honor the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is venerated as the ‘Father of the Nation’. On this significant day, a multitude of cultural programs will be conducted nationwide to pay tribute to the distinguished statesman who led India’s independence movement and championed the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence. Educational institutions, and governmental organizations frequently organize commemorative activities, sanitation initiatives, and programs centered on Gandhi’s philosophical teachings. Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. Porbandar, Gandhi Ji’s place of origin and among the most sought-after tourist places near Ahmedabad, represents an excellent venue for witnessing the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti.
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Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasya represents the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha, a fifteen-day period designated for venerating one’s ancestors. Referred to alternatively as Sarvapitri Amavasya, this day constitutes the principal occasion for devotional offerings, tarpan, black sesame seeds, and pinda daan to all ancestors, particularly those whose death anniversaries remain unknown, who lack surviving descendants, or who departed in an unmarried state. During this observance, devotees engage in feeding crows, cattle, and dogs, while also distributing provisions, garments, and monetary gifts (dakshina) to Brahmin scholars and the needy to accumulate spiritual merit. Observed on October 10th, 2026, Mahalaya maintains considerable significance throughout West Bengal, Odisha, and additional regions of eastern India. This day inaugurates Devi Paksha and commemorates the advent of Goddess Durga, who is customarily welcomed through the recitation of the Mahishasura Mardini composition at daybreak.
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Navratri / Durga Puja
Navratri, also known as Durga Puja, is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India during the month of October, marked by great fervor and enthusiasm. This festival, which takes place in the lunar month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja, spans nine nights and is dedicated to honoring the Mother Goddess, or Shakti, in all her forms, including Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. This year, the festival is observed from October 11th to October 20th, culminating in Dussehra, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil on the tenth day. Kolkata stands out as one of the prominent places to visit in India where Durga Puja is celebrated on a grand scale, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists from across India as part of West Bengal tour packages. The city is adorned with numerous theme-based pandals, where life-size idols of Durga and her family are worshipped for five days. The bustling streets, enormous pandals, minarets, domes, mountain cliffs, and stunning lighting create an unforgettable experience during the four days of Durga Puja in Kolkata.
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Mysore Dussehra
Taking place from October 11th to October 20th this year, Dasara, or Dussehra, is the most renowned and regal festival in Mysore, one of the most frequented tourist places near Bangalore. Mysore Dasara, referred to as Nadahabba, serves as the state festival of Karnataka. The highlight of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace, which is adorned with nearly 100,000 light bulbs and illuminated every day throughout the festival, making it a must-visit location included in Mysore tour packages. On Vijayadashami, celebrated on October 2nd, the traditional Dasara procession, locally termed Jumbo Savari, takes place on the streets of Mysore city. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasur on Vijayadashami. The centerpiece of this procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, which is displayed on a golden mantapa atop a beautifully decorated elephant. The procession features vibrant tableaux, dance troupes, musical bands, and a variety of decorated elephants, horses, and camels. Additionally, Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is another well-known location to experience grand Dussehra festivities.
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Bathukamma
Bathukamma is a flower festival that showcases the symbol of the cultural identity of the state of Telangana. Regarded as the state festival of Telangana, this festival is devoted to Goddess Maha Gauri, who is considered to be the life-giver and goddess of womanhood. Held from 10th October to 18th October 2026, it starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and the 9-day festivities will culminate on “Saddula Bathukamma” or “Pedda Bathukamma” festival on Ashwayuja Navami, popularly known as Durgashtami. During this festival, women arrange seasonal flowers of different medicinal value in the shape of a temple spire. Families place the flower arrangement in a suitable spot and offer prayers to Goddess Gauri. In the evening, women dressed in traditional attire carry their flower arrangements on their heads and walk in processions towards nearby water bodies. Women move in circles around the floral arrangement, clapping and dancing while singing traditional songs. Later, they immerse the floral arrangement in the water and return home carrying empty baskets, marking the end of the celebration. Hyderabad is the best place to partake in Bathukamma festivities as part of Telangana tour packages.
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Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Also known as Jodhpur RIFF, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival is an artistic and musical event aimed at promoting traditional Rajasthani folk dances, music, and art. This year, it is celebrated from the 22nd to the 26th of October, at the historic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most visited tourist places in Jodhpur. Sponsored by Gaj Singh of Marwar, this five-day festival is recognized as one of the top 25 international festivals and has been designated as the People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development by UNESCO. Over 250 experts from various fields worldwide participate in this event, featuring singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and storytellers from different Rajasthani folk communities, alongside artists of national and international acclaim. Additionally, attendees can experience the Marwar Festival, which is celebrated on the 24th and 25th of October, as part of Jodhpur tour packages.
Also Read: Prominent Places to visit near Jaipur
Tawang Festival
The Tawang Festival is a vibrant annual cultural extravaganza held in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Administered by the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department, this festival, scheduled for October 27-31, 2026, offers visitors an opportunity to experience the profound heritage, customs, and artistic expressions of the indigenous Monpa community and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The festival opens with a sacred observance called “Sebang,” wherein monks from Tawang monastery lead ceremonial processions to the festival grounds. The celebration showcases renowned masked performances and traditional folk dances including Aji-Lhamu, Yak Dance, Lion Dance, Arpuchham, and Ngagchham. Participants engage in conventional athletic competitions such as archery, shot-put, tug-of-war, and equestrian events. The festival further presents exhibitions of regional textiles, artistic displays, documentary screenings, authentic Monpa handicrafts, and an extensive selection of traditional regional cuisine. Beyond these cultural activities, the town’s tranquil ambiance and natural beauty serve as additional attractions for festival attendees.
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Abhaneri Festival, Rajasthan
The Abhaneri Festival is a two-day annual event held at Abhaneri, Rajasthan. In 2026, the festival is celebrated on the 12th and 13th of October in Abhaneri, and is aimed at promoting rural tourism in Rajasthan. The main highlight of the festival is the traditional Rajasthani folk dances, live music, local arts, and cultural performances which draw a significant number of visitors from around the world as part of Jaipur tour packages. Set against the backdrop of the Harshat Mata Temple and the ancient Chand Baori (stepwell), tourists can easily access Abhaneri from any location in Rajasthan, as there are various public and private transportation options available.
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Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth represents a significant traditional Hindu fasting practice observed by numerous married women, particularly throughout northern and western India. During this observance, married women undertake a day-long fast with the purpose of offering prayers for their husband’s longevity and robust health. The fasting period commences at sunrise and concludes following the sighting of the moon. In 2026, Karwa Chauth is scheduled for October 29th, with the auspicious puja Muhurat commencing in the evening. The festival’s nomenclature derives from two Sanskrit terms: Karwa, denoting an earthen vessel utilized during prayer rituals, and Chauth, signifying the fourth day of the lunar cycle on which the celebration takes place. Throughout the evening, women assemble a thali containing a diya, rice, confections, and a Karwa filled with water, subsequently venerating Goddess Parvati alongside Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. They gather to hear the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, a narrative traditionally recounted by an elder woman. Upon the appearance of the Karwa Chauth moon, women customarily observe it through a channi—a sieve, and offer water. Subsequently, the married woman views her husband through the identical sieve. In traditional practice, the husband provides his wife with the initial sip of water and a sweet item to terminate her fast. Following this ritual, the family convenes for a communal meal.
