October 2026 is packed with important Hindu festivals, fasting days and religious occasions. The month will bring Sharad Navratri, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth, making it an important festive period across India, especially North India.
Here is the complete list of major festivals and important days in October 2026..
Sharad Navratri Begins – October 11
Sharad Navratri will begin on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana. The nine-day festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her different forms..Devotees across India observe fasts, perform daily prayers and visit temples during Navratri. In North India, the festival also marks the beginning of the festive season leading up to Dussehra.
Durga Ashtami & Maha Navami – October 19
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami will be observed on October 19. Special prayers, havans and Kanya Pujan are commonly performed on these days..
Dussehra – October 20
Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, falls on October 20, 2026..The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. In several parts of North India, Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burning are major attractions..
Sharad Purnima – October 25
Sharad Purnima will be observed on October 25. The full-moon festival has special religious significance, with devotees observing various traditions and performing Lakshmi-related worship in several regions..
Karwa Chauth – October 29
Karwa Chauth falls on October 29. Traditionally, married Hindu women observe a day-long fast and perform evening rituals, with the fast commonly being broken after sighting the moon.
Is Diwali in October 2026?
No. Diwali will not fall in October this year. Diwali 2026 will be celebrated in November, so the major Diwali festivities will come after October's Navratri-Dussehra period.
