October 2024 is packed with significant festivals.
Indian festivals are vibrant and varied, and each festival reflects the rich cultural fabric of our country. These occasions play an important role in bringing people together and celebrating traditions that have been passed down for generations. This year, the month of October in particular is packed with festivals including Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali. The month begins with Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Goddess Durga, which will be celebrated with great pomp across the country. After Navratri, Dussehra will conclude the nine-day celebration, which marks the victory of good over evil. The month will end with Diwali, one of the biggest festivals in the country, which falls on October 31 this year.
From Dussehra to Durga Puja, here is the full list of festivals falling in this month.
Sharad Navratri 2024
Navaratri is celebrated twice a year – once during spring which is called Chaitra Navratri and the other during autumn which is called Sharad or Sharadiya Navratri. Sharad Navratri is celebrated for 9 days in the month of Ashwin (September-October) as per the Hindu calendar. The first day of Sharad Navratri is called Pratipada, while the last day is called Maha Navami.
The 9-day festival of Sharad Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. This year the festival is starting from October 3. It will continue till the Dussehra festival on October 12.
Durga Puja 2024
Durga Puja or Durgotsav is a five-day festival that begins on Shashthi and ends on Vijayadashami. The five days are Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. During these five days, devotees decorate their homes and pandals, wear new clothes, worship Goddess Durga and celebrate.
Apart from being celebrated as the homecoming of beloved Durga, the festival also marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated to honor Goddess Durga’s victory in the battle against the shape-shifting demon (asura) – Mahishasura.
This year, Durga Puja will begin on October 8 and conclude with Durga Pratima Visarjan, which will be celebrated on October 13, 2024.
Dussehra 2024
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated every year to commemorate the victory of good over evil as Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day. The word Dussehra is derived from two Sanskrit words – Dash, meaning ten, and Hara meaning defeat.
The festival is celebrated with great fervor by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath across the country. This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12.
Diwali 2024
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated and loved festivals in India. The festival of lights holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During the festival time, homes and streets are decorated with colourful diyas and candles, while families come together to exchange gifts, sweets and good wishes.
This year Diwali is on October 31. Narak Chaturdashi will also be celebrated on this day.
Apart from this, there are many other festivals this month. These are:
- October 10 – Navpatrika Puja will be performed on this day.
- October 11 – The eighth and ninth day of Durga Puja fall on the same day this year. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami will be celebrated on October 11.
- October 15 – Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) will fall on this day in October.
- October 17 – Valmiki Jayanti, Ashwin Purnima Vrat, Tula Sankranti will be celebrated on this day.
- October 20 – Karva Chauth is a ritual in which married women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the longevity of their husbands. Kartik Sankashti Chaturthi will also be celebrated on this day.
- October 28 – Rama Ekadashi will be celebrated.
- October 29 – Dhanteras and Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) will fall on this day.
- October 30 – Masik Shivratri will be celebrated on this day.
Each of these days holds special significance for bringing families and communities together. These special occasions honor gods and ancestors while promoting values ​​such as love, gratitude, and the victory of good over evil.
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