Festival Calendar October 2026

Festivals In October 2026

Sheetala Ashtami - Sheetala Ashtami is also known as Basoda, which is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala. This festival will be celebrated on 1st October 2026. Goddess Sheetala is worshipped on this day for the protection from disease and the good health of the family. The food is consumed without fire on this day. Goddess Sheetala protects one from diseases like chickenpox, rashes, and epidemic diseases. On this day, curd, sugar, cold food, turmeric, and neem leaves are offered to the Goddess. Devotees take a bath early in the morning and pledge to maintain cleanliness. Remembering the goddess on this day is believed to improve health and bring happiness to the family.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya - This day marks the last day of Pitru Paksha which will fall on 2nd October 2026. Shraddh for the ancestors whose death anniversary is unknown is performed on this day. Taking a holy bath, performing tarpan and offering food in the name of ancestors has a special significance on this day. The Shraddh performed on this day directly reaches to the ancestors, and their grace and blessing protect the family. Sarva Pitru Amavasya teaches us to express respect and gratitude towards ancestors.

Pitra Visarjan, End of Pitru Paksha - The day marks the end of Pitru Paksha, which will be observed on 3rd October 2026, where descendants bid farewell to their ancestors. The ancestors return after receiving the Shraddh, tarpan and donations from their descendants. Offering sesame seeds, water, and Pind Daan has a special significance on this day. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings for peace and happiness from their ancestors. This festival shows dedication and devotion to our roots and ancestral traditions.

Ghatasthapana (Navratri) - 3rd October 2026 marks the beginning of Navratri, the nine-day festival, which begins with Ghatasthapana. During these days, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Kalash is installed in the temples which contain water, mango leaves and coconut. Devotees decorate the temples at their home, install the idol of the Goddess and light akhand jyoti. The beginning of the Navratri festival symbolises power, positive energy and new beginnings. These days are dedicated to inner strength, spiritual practice, devotion, and good deeds.

Navratri Day 2 (Maa Brahmacharini) - Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri, which will be observed on 4th October 2026. She represents penance, self-control and spiritual power. On this day, devotees offer white flowers, lotus, and bel leaves to the Goddess. Chanting mantras and meditation are believed to enhance spiritual practice and mental strength. Blessings of Goddess Brahmacharini bring knowledge, success, and mental peace in one's life. This is the day to strengthen self-confidence and courage.

The Third Day Navratri (Goddess Chandraghanta) - The third day of Navratri is dedicated to the Goddess Chandraghanta, which will be observed on 5th October 2026. A half moon adorns her forehead, which is why she is known as Goddess Chandraghanta. She represents peace, courage, and bravery. On this day, devotees offer flowers, milk-based sweets and a ghee diya to the Goddess. Worshipping her removes fear, obstacles and negative energies from life. She blesses the devotees with good fortune and boosts confidence. This is the day to maintain courage and balance.

The Fourth Day of Navratri (Goddess Kushmanda) - 6th October marks the fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, who is considered the creator of the universe and is worshipped in the form of Ashtbhuja. Devotees offer malpua, pumpkin, and red flowers to the Goddess. Worshipping her with faith and devotion brings energy, health and success in one's life. The day brings positivity, courage and happiness.

The Fifth Day of Navratri (Goddess Skandamata) - 7th October marks the fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, who is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She blesses devotees with a pure and innocent heart. Offering yellow flowers and bananas to the Goddess is considered auspicious and brings the joy of having children and success. Worshipping Goddess Skandamata on this day enhances intelligence, humility and love in the family.

The Sixth Day of Navratri (Goddess Katyayani) - 8th October marks the sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Katyayani, who symbolises determination and inner strength. She is considered the Goddess of marriage and love. Unmarried girls observe fasts for a suitable life partner. Offering red flowers, adornment items for married women and honey is considered highly auspicious. Worshipping her is believed to bring victory over enemies, courage, and fulfilment of desires.

The Seventh Day of Navratri (Goddess Kalaratri) - The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, which will be observed on 9th October 2026. She is the destroyer of evil forces. Despite her terrifying look, she is the calmest and most worshipped Goddess. On this day, devotees offer incense, fragrances, and jaggery to the Goddess. This is the day to overcome fears and ignite your inner strength. Goddess Kalaratri protects their devotees and removes obstacles.

The Eighth Day of Navratri (Maa Mahagauri) - 10th October marks the eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri, who is an extremely gentle, peaceful, and radiant form of Goddess Durga. Her blessing removes all the obstacles in life and fulfils wishes. This day has great significance for Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped as the manifestations of the Goddess and offered food. The blessings of Goddess Mahagauri bring good fortune, happiness in married life and prosperity.

The Ninth Day of Navratri (Maa Siddhidatri) - The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, which will be observed on 11 October 2026. She blesses devotees with immense power, perfection, spiritual energy and knowledge. Devotees perform Kanya Pujan and Havan, bringing good fortune at home and family. Worshipping Goddess Siddhidhatri opens doors for success and brings new opportunities in life.

Durga Visarjan / Vijayadashami (Dussehra) - 12th October marks the end of Navaratri, which is known as Vijayadashmi. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, and on this auspicious day, Lord Ram killed Ravan. In many regions, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed with great joy and enthusiasm. Worshipping weapons and vehicles on this day is considered significant to maintain victory and protection in life. This festival shares the message to follow the path of truth, courage, and righteousness.

Papankusha Ekadashi - Papankusha Ekadashi fast will be observed on 13th October, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and observing a fast on this day is believed to free one from all the sins and lead to salvation. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vamana is considered auspicious. This ekadashi conveys the message of discipline, devotion and self-purification in life.

Pradosh Vrat - Pradosh Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which will fall on 14th October 2026. Worshipping them on this day is believed to remove all the obstacles and fulfil desires. This fast falls on the Trayodashi tithi, and worshipping Lord Shiva during pradosh kaal brings happiness, prosperity, and improves health.

Sharad Purnima - This day is considered the most significant day of the year, which will be celebrated on 15th October 2026. It is believed that during the night of this day, the moon showers the amrit. Consuming kheer that has been kept under the moonlight is believed to cure diseases and bring health benefits. This day is also significant as the Maharas Leela of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to the moon to receive the blessings of happiness and prosperity in life.

Skanda Shashti - On this auspicious day, Lord Kartikeya is worshipped, which will be observed on 16th October 2026. Performing prayers and rituals is considered highly auspicious. Devotees observe fasts for courage, victory, health, and the prosperity of their children. Worshipping Lord Kartikeya, chanting mantras, or visiting temples is believed to bring fruitful results. His blessings are said to grant renewed strength, power and success in one's life.

Saraswati Puja / Tula Sankranti - On this day, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped, who is the Goddess of knowledge. Saraswati Puja falls on 17th October 2026. Worshipping books and musical instruments is considered auspicious. Worshipping her with faith and devotion grants knowledge, art and wisdom. On this day, the Sun enters from Virgo to Libra, which is known as Tula Sankranti. This is a favourable time for new beginnings. This is a great day to enhance education, business and new ventures.

Valmiki Jayanti / Mirabai Jayanti - 25th October 2026 marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki and Bhakta Shiromani Mirabai. This falls on the Purnima tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. In 2026, the Purnima tithi will begin on October 25th at 11:55 AM and end on October 26th at 9:41 AM. Maharishi Valmiki was the first poet of Sanskrit literature and the author of the Ramayana. Mirabai personifies the unwavering love and devotion to Lord Krishna. Singing bhajans, reciting scriptures and acts of charity or service are considered auspicious.

Karva Chauth / Vakratunda Sankashti - Karva Chauth is celebrated on the Chaturthi tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month. This fast is observed for happiness and prosperity in married life. The Chaturthi tithi will begin at 1:06 AM on 29th October and end at 10:09 PM on 30th October. On this day, married women observe a fast without food and water and pray for the long life of their husbands. The fast breaks after sighting of the moon on the same day. Varkratunda Sankashti Vrat also falls on this day, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. ​​Seeing the moon offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and doing charity are considered highly auspicious.

Hindu Festival Calendar 2026