Holidays in October 2026

October 2026 is a major festive month, with celebrations such as Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra taking place across India. The month begins with Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October, followed by Navratri from 11 October. Durga Puja celebrations are concentrated between 17 and 20 October, while Dussehra falls on 20 October. States such as West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura may observe extended holiday periods due to consecutive festival closures. With pleasant post-monsoon weather and several holidays close together, the October 2026 holiday calendar can be useful for planning travel, family visits, and festive activities in advance.

October 2026 is marked by a mix of national, cultural, and regional holidays across India. Knowing these public holidays helps individuals and organisations plan work, leave, travel, and celebrations efficiently. This list includes all key public holidays, including gazetted and widely observed regional festivals.

2 October 2026 – Friday | Gandhi Jayanti

Celebrates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is a national holiday observed across India with official ceremonies, prayer services, and public events.

11 October 2026 – Sunday | Ghatasthapana (Navratri begins)

It marks the start of the Navratri festival, a nine-day celebration of Goddess Durga. Observed mainly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha.

18 October 2026 – Sunday | Maha Ashtami

The eighth day of Navratri, significant in Durga Puja celebrations. Observed in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim, with prayers, rituals, and cultural events.

19 October 2026 – Monday | Maha Navami

The ninth day of Navratri, preceding Dussehra. Celebrated in eastern and northern states with temple rituals, processions, and fasting traditions.

20 October 2026 – Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra

Marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and the conclusion of Durga Puja in the east. Observed nationwide with cultural events and processions.

25 October 2026 – Sunday | Lakshmi Puja

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, this festival is observed in Odisha, West Bengal, and Tripura with prayers for prosperity, wealth, and well-being.

26 October 2026 – Monday | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Celebrates the birth of Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana. Observed mainly in northern and central states with religious ceremonies and cultural programmes.

October’s festive calendar begins with Gandhi Jayanti and unfolds through Navratri, Dussehra, Lakshmi Puja, and Valmiki Jayanti. Here's a chronological look at how these major October 2026 festivals and observances are celebrated across India.

2 October 2026 – Friday | Gandhi Jayanti

Attend prayer services, participate in community clean-up drives, or visit museums and memorials dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Many schools and organisations also host essay competitions and cultural events.

11 October 2026 – Sunday | Ghatasthapana (Navratri begins)

Start the Navratri festival by setting up the ceremonial pot (ghat) at home or temple. You can also perform prayers and decorate spaces with flowers and lights. Furthermore, you can participate in local Garba or Dandiya events in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. In West Bengal, this same period marks the start of Durga Puja preparations, with pandal-hopping and cultural programmes running through the state; you can refer to a West Bengal holidays calendar for the region's exact dates.

18 October 2026 – Sunday | Maha Ashtami

Visit Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura, and take part in traditional rituals. Families often perform fasting, offer prayers, and enjoy festive feasts.

19 October 2026 – Monday | Maha Navami

Attend the final rituals of Navratri in your region. Many communities organise processions and cultural programmes. It’s a good day for family gatherings and festive meals.

20 October 2026 – Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra

Witness the Ravana effigy burning in northern India or the culmination of Durga Puja in eastern states. Engage in cultural events, fairs, and traditional performances. Many households plan decorations, gifts, and special meals during the festival. A personal loan can provide financial flexibility, helping you celebrate fully without stretching your monthly budget.

25 October 2026 – Sunday | Lakshmi Puja

Decorate homes with lamps and flowers, perform prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, and prepare traditional sweets. Participate in local temple ceremonies where applicable.

26 October 2026 – Monday | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Visit temples or cultural centres dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, read or discuss the Ramayana, and attend spiritual or educational programmes organised in schools and communities.

October 2026 is among the best times to explore India. With the monsoon retreating, the weather turns pleasant across much of the country, while festive celebrations bring cities, towns, and villages to life. Whether you're planning a trip around Durga Puja, seeking the spiritual atmosphere of Navratri, or heading to the hills before winter arrives, October offers the perfect blend of culture, sightseeing, and seasonal charm. Knowing the best places to visit can help you make the most of your October holidays.

Eastern and western India draw the biggest festival crowds, while the hills and coastal south stay quieter and greener. Among the popular domestic destinations this month are Kolkata for Durga Puja, Mysore for Dussehra, and Himachal Pradesh for post-monsoon trekking, each offering a different flavour of the season. For longer trips or festive travel that stretches the budget, a travel loan can help cover flights, stays and shopping without disturbing your monthly cash flow, so the celebrations don't have to wait.

1. West Bengal – Kolkata (Durga Puja)

Why visit: October is the peak of Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, with grand pandals, cultural performances and illuminated streets running through the main days from 17 to 20 October.

Top experiences: Explore artistic pandals, enjoy Bengali sweets, attend cultural events, and witness traditional rituals and idol immersions.

2. Rajasthan – Jaipur & Udaipur (Navratri & Cultural Festivals)

Why visit: Navratri is celebrated with folk dances, Garba, Dandiya nights, and local fairs across the state. The desert state also offers royal palaces and vibrant markets. You can also check the Rajasthan holidays calendar for exact regional dates.

Top experiences: Participate in traditional dances, shop for handicrafts, and explore forts and heritage hotels.

3. Gujarat – Ahmedabad & Vadodara (Navratri)

Why visit: Gujarat is famous for Garba and Dandiya nights through all nine nights of Navratri, drawing travellers from across India to Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The festive atmosphere often extends across other Gujarat holidays, making it a lively time to visit the state.

Top experiences: Join Garba competitions, sample local Gujarati cuisine, and explore historic step-wells and heritage landmarks.

4. Odisha – Bhubaneswar & Puri (Durga Puja & Lakshmi Puja)

Why visit: Odisha hosts grand Durga Puja pandals in Bhubaneswar alongside the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and later celebrates Lakshmi Puja with its own regional traditions. Many of these celebrations take place during important Odisha holidays, giving visitors a chance to experience the state's rich cultural heritage.

Top experiences: Temple visits, cultural shows, and traditional Odia cuisine along the coast.

5. Karnataka – Mysore (Dussehra)

Why visit: Mysore's Dussehra festival is world-famous for its royal procession, illuminated palace and cultural performances held around Vijaya Dashami on 20 October. It is one of the most celebrated Karnataka holidays, drawing large crowds to the city each year.

Top experiences: Attend the grand procession, explore the illuminated Mysore Palace, and shop for local handicrafts.

6. Himachal Pradesh – Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala

Why visit: October brings pleasant weather and autumn colours to Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala, making it ideal for trekking, sightseeing and adventure sports before winter sets in. Planning a trip around Himachal Pradesh holidays can also offer opportunities to experience local festivals and cultural celebrations.

Top experiences: Mountain treks, river rafting, local markets, and cosy stays in hill resorts.

7. Kerala – Kochi & Munnar

Why visit: October marks the start of Kerala's tourist season, with lush green hills, tranquil backwaters and cultural festivals in Kochi and Munnar. The season also coincides with several Kerala holidays, when local traditions and celebrations can be experienced across the state.

Top experiences: Houseboat rides in Alleppey, hill station excursions, spice plantation tours, and Kathakali performances.

8. North East India – Assam & Tripura (Durga Puja)

Why visit: Assam and Tripura celebrate traditional Durga Puja alongside scenic tea gardens and unique cultural experiences during the festive season. Several Assam holidays also fall during this period, adding to the state's vibrant celebrations.

Top experiences: Visit tea gardens, local temples, and regional markets during festival time.

Beyond India, October is also a favourable month to travel abroad, from London to Bali, here are some popular international destinations worth considering.

London

You can also use your October holidays to make a trip to London. The month is a wonderful time to visit London, with autumn hues painting the parks and a crisp breeze perfect for city walks. Museums, West End shows, and fewer crowds enhance the experience. If you're looking for the trip cost to London from India, you'll find better deals on flights and hotels than in peak seasons.

Bangkok

Travelling to Bangkok in October offers a mix of light monsoon showers and pleasant weather. The city gears up for festive energy, delicious street food, and vibrant night markets. The trip cost to Bangkok from India remains budget-friendly, making it an ideal destination for those seeking culture, comfort, and great value.

Europe

Europe in October is a traveller’s dream. Autumn sweeps across the continent with golden foliage, off-season pricing, and cultural festivals. From Italy’s vineyards to Prague’s charm, there’s plenty to explore. The trip cost to Europe from India during this time is relatively lower, giving you more for your money across multiple countries.

Paris

October brings a romantic chill to Paris with fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and picturesque autumn views. Café terraces, Seine river walks, and local events offer an authentic Parisian vibe. If you're planning a trip to Paris from India, travelling this month offers both charm and cost-efficiency.

US

October is a scenic and eventful time to explore the US, with fall foliage, Halloween festivities, and cultural events in full swing. Whether it’s New York’s parks or California’s coast, there’s something for everyone. The US trip cost from India can vary, but deals are easier to find post-summer.

Indonesia

The October holidays are ideal for visiting Indonesia, especially Bali and Java, with dry weather and fewer tourists. Whether it’s temple tours, volcano treks, or relaxing on the beach, the experiences are diverse. The trip cost to Indonesia from India remains affordable, especially for travellers seeking a nature-filled yet economical getaway.

October 2026 offers several opportunities to enjoy extended weekends due to a combination of national holidays, regional holidays, and weekends. Long weekends are ideal for short trips, family gatherings, or cultural celebrations, allowing you to make the most of holidays in October.

1. 2–4 October 2026 | Friday to Sunday – Gandhi Jayanti Weekend

• Details: Gandhi Jayanti falls on Friday, followed by Saturday and Sunday, creating a 3-day weekend

• Celebrate / Travel ideas: Visit memorials, participate in community initiatives, or take a short getaway
  
  

2. 10–13 October 2026 | Saturday to Tuesday – Navratri Long Weekend

• Details: Second Saturday falls on 10 Oct, followed by Sunday (11 Oct) and Maha Ashtami / Maha Navami on Monday and Tuesday in select states

• Celebrate / Travel ideas: Enjoy Durga Puja or Navratri festivities, cultural events, and local fairs in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam
  
  

3. 20–22 October 2026 | Tuesday to Thursday – Vijaya Dashami Weekend

• Details: Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra falls on Tuesday. Employees can combine it with the preceding weekend (Saturday–Sunday) to enjoy a 3-day long weekend

• Celebrate / Travel ideas: Attend Dussehra processions in Mysore or northern India, or plan a short hill-station trip
  
  

4. 24–26 October 2026 | Saturday to Monday – Lakshmi Puja / Fourth Saturday Weekend

• Details: Fourth Saturday (24 Oct), Sunday (25 Oct), and Lakshmi Puja / Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (26 Oct) create a 3-day long weekend in select states

• Celebrate / Travel ideas: Participate in Lakshmi Puja rituals in Odisha, West Bengal, or Tripura, or plan a short festive trip
  
  

Planning a long weekend getaway? If you need extra funds, check the current personal loan interest rate before applying, so you can budget your trip efficiently without surprises.