Navaratri and Durga Puja: The Nationwide Spectacle
October 2026 is dominated by Sharad Navaratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, Goddess Durga. In 2026, it runs from October 11 to October 19. While celebrated nationwide, the festivities take on distinct regional flavours. In Gujarat
and Maharashtra, nights come alive with energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. In eastern India, particularly West Bengal, the same period is observed as Durga Puja. From October 16 to October 21, beautifully crafted idols of the goddess are worshipped in elaborate temporary structures called pandals. Kolkata becomes an open-air art gallery, with millions of people pandal-hopping through the night. This is peak travel season for eastern India, and accommodation in Kolkata is often fully booked a year in advance.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami): The Grand Finale
The tenth day, following Navaratri, is Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, which falls on October 20, 2026. This day celebrates the victory of good over evil, marking Lord Rama's defeat of the demon king Ravana. Across North India, this is symbolised by the burning of colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghanada. Two of the most iconic Dussehra celebrations are in Mysore, Karnataka, and Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Mysore Dasara, a grand 11-day festival concluding on October 21, features the famous Jumboo Savari, a royal procession with decorated elephants. Kullu Dussehra is a unique week-long festival starting on Vijayadashami itself, where deities from surrounding villages are brought to the Kullu valley in a grand procession. Both cities experience a massive influx of tourists, making last-minute bookings nearly impossible.
Rajasthan's Royal Melodies: RIFF and Marwar Festival
Jodhpur in Rajasthan becomes a cultural hub in the latter half of October. The city hosts two major festivals back-to-back, drawing global and domestic tourists. First up is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), a five-day event from October 22 to October 26, 2026. Held at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, this acclaimed music festival showcases a blend of Rajasthani folk artists and international musicians. Immediately following RIFF is the Marwar Festival, on October 24 and 25, 2026. This festival is a celebration of the Marwar region's folk heritage, dedicated to the heroism and romance of Rajasthan's Rajput rulers. With venues including Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, both festivals offer a royal backdrop. Jodhpur's hotels, from heritage properties to budget guesthouses, are in extremely high demand during this period.
Tips for Your October Travel
The message is clear: if you wish to experience India's festive spirit in October, planning is not optional—it is essential. Start by booking your flights and train tickets as soon as they become available, typically 120 days in advance for trains. For accommodation, your window is even smaller. Popular hotels in festival hotspots like Kolkata, Mysore, and Jodhpur can be sold out six to twelve months prior to the dates. Don't just book a room; check its location relative to the main festival grounds. In cities like Kolkata, traffic restrictions during Durga Puja can make travel difficult, so staying close to the areas you want to explore is wise. Similarly, for events at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, accommodation in the old city can be more convenient. For a hassle-free trip, consider booking your stay and local transport well before the summer of 2026 begins.
