New Delhi: The festive season gathers pace in October with Shardiya Navratri, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Vijayadashami, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima and Karwa
Chauth. The month also includes Indira Ekadashi, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Saraswati Puja, Papankusha Ekadashi and other important Hindu observances. Here is the complete October 2026 festival calendar.
October begins with the final phase of Pitru Paksha and moves into Navratri from October 11. The month then reaches its festive high point around Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Dussehra before concluding with Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth.
October 2026: Hindu Festival Calendar
| Date | Day | Festival or observance |
| October 1 | Thursday | Shashthi Shraddha, Rohini Vrat |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti, Saptami Shraddha |
| October 3 | Saturday | Jivitputrika Vrat, Mahalakshmi Vrat ends, Kalashtami |
| October 6 | Tuesday | Indira Ekadashi |
| October 8 | Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat, Masik Shivaratri |
| October 10 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Mahalaya |
| October 11 | Sunday | Shardiya Navratri begins, Ghatasthapana, Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti |
| October 12 | Monday | Chandra Darshan |
| October 14 | Wednesday | Kapardisha Chaturthi |
| October 15 | Thursday | Upang Lalita Vrat, Durga Puja Maha Chaturthi in Bengal |
| October 16 | Friday | Saraswati Avahan, Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon, Skanda Sashti |
| October 17 | Saturday | Saraswati Puja, Navpatrika Puja, Tula Sankranti |
| October 18 | Sunday | Durga Puja Saptami in Bengal, Saddula Bathukamma in Telangana |
| October 19 | Monday | Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Vijayadashami, Dussehra, Ayudha Puja |
| October 21 | Wednesday | Bengal Vijaya Dashami, Vidyarambham, Madhvacharya Jayanti, Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari |
| October 22 | Thursday | Papankusha Ekadashi, Padmanabha Dwadashi |
| October 23 | Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat |
| October 25 | Sunday | Sharad Purnima, Kojagara Puja |
| October 26 | Monday | Valmiki Jayanti, Meerabai Jayanti |
| October 27 | Tuesday | Kartika month begins in North India, Masik Karthigai |
| October 28 | Wednesday | Atla Tadde |
| October 29 | Thursday | Karwa Chauth, Vakratunda Sankashti |
| October 31 | Saturday | National Unity Day |
Indira Ekadashi 2026
Indira Ekadashi will be observed on October 6. It falls during the Krishna Paksha of Ashwina and is associated with Lord Vishnu and prayers for departed ancestors. Devotees traditionally observe a vrat, offer prayers and spend the day in devotional activities. Its timing during Pitru Paksha gives the observance significance for families remembering their ancestors.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026
Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10 and marks the concluding day of Pitru Paksha. The day is traditionally dedicated to Shraddha, Tarpan, charity and food offerings for ancestors.
Shardiya Navratri Begins on October 11
Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana. The nine-day festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is observed through fasting, puja and regional traditions.
The important Navratri dates include Saraswati Avahan on October 16, Saraswati Puja on October 17, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
Saraswati Avahan falls on October 16 and Saraswati Puja on October 17. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped as the deity of knowledge, learning, wisdom, music and the arts.
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall on October 19 in this calendar. Ashtami is one of the most important days of Navratri, while Maha Navami marks the final day of the nine-day devotional period. Kanya Puja is also performed in many families according to regional customs.
Dussehra 2026 Date
Vijayadashami and Dussehra will be observed on Tuesday, October 20. The festival marks the culmination of the Navratri period and is traditionally associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
Sharad Purnima 2026
Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja will be observed on October 25. The Ashwina full moon has an important place in Hindu traditions and is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, prosperity and devotional observances.
Karwa Chauth 2026 Date
Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, October 29. Traditionally observed by married women, the vrat involves fasting through the day and prayers for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. In many families, the fast is broken after sighting the Moon. Moonrise and puja timings differ by city, so devotees should follow their local Panchang.
Why October 2026 Matters
For families planning the festive season, October offers a sequence of observances. Pitru Paksha concludes first, followed by Navratri and its major worship days. Dussehra then marks the festival’s high point, while Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth bring the month to a close with their own vrat, puja and family traditions.
Conclusion
October 2026 brings a steady run of important Hindu festivals, beginning with the closing days of Pitru Paksha and moving into the vibrant celebrations of Shardiya Navratri and Dussehra. With Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth also falling during the month, there is plenty to mark on the calendar. Since vrat dates and puja timings can vary by location, readers should check their local Panchang before observing any time-sensitive ritual.
Written by: Tanya Singh of Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.
