October Holidays in India 2021

The tenth month of the calendar year is dotted with festivals in India and hence it has many holidays. Apart from Indian National holiday, other festivals like Dusshera, Durga Puja, Diwali are usually celebrated in October. Besides these, there are several regional holidays that vary as per the customs and traditions of different states. Here is a list of popular holidays in October.

List of Holidays in October in 2021

Bank Holidays in October 2021

Note: Banks have holidays on second and fourth Saturdays too.

Description of Holidays in October

Maha Saptami: Maha Saptami is one of the major days of the Durga Puja. It is mostly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura. People wear new clothes and go out to visit the deity in various 'pandals' and revel in the festive spirit with food and cultural functions.

Durgastami: Durgastami is the eighth day of Navaratri or Durga Puja. It is considered to be one of the most important days of the festival. Devotees perform 'Pushpanjali' in which they offer prayer and flowers to the Goddess and they consume the "Bhoga" or food offered to the Goddess.

Maha Navami: It is the ninth day of the Durga Puja or the Navaratri Festival, and also the last day of worship before Dashami that marks the end of the festival. Goddess Durga is worshipped with much pomp and glory on this day.

Dussehra: Dussehra is also known as Vijaya Dashami in some parts of the country. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Durga Puja or Navaratri and marks the end of the festival as Goddess Durga leaves for Kailasa on this day. Devotees bid adieu to the Goddess and wait for another year till she visits again.

Lakshmi Puja: Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the next full moon day after Durga Puja. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped on this day. The festival is popular in West Bengal and Tripura.

Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi: Valmiki is the first Sanskrit poet in the country and is honored on 24th October every year.