What's Special in October 2026? Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra & More; Complete List Of Important Days & Events

The month of October is important for national and international observances, awareness days, commemorative events and major festivals in India. The month begins with International Coffee Day and International Day of Older Persons on October 1, followed by Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti on October 2.

October will also see major Indian festivals including Shardiya Navratri, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Valmiki Jayanti and Karwa Chauth. Internationally, the month features observances such as World Teachers' Day, World Mental Health Day, World Food Day, United Nations Day and World Cities Day.

Here is a complete date-wise list of important days, national and international events, festivals and awareness days in October 2026.
Important Days in October 2026: Full List
Date
Day/Event
Significance
October 1
International Day of Older Persons
Highlights the rights, contributions and well-being of older people.
October 1
International Coffee Day
Recognises the global coffee sector and the people involved in its production.
October 1
World Vegetarian Day
Promotes awareness of vegetarian diets and lifestyles.
October 2
Gandhi Jayanti
Marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
October 2
International Day of Non-Violence
UN observance associated with Gandhi's legacy of non-violence.
October 2
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti
Marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
October 2-8
National Wildlife Week
Promotes awareness and conservation of India's wildlife and biodiversity.
October 3
World Temperance Day
Raises awareness about responsible attitudes towards alcohol and substance use.
October 4-10
World Space Week
Celebrates space science, technology and their contribution to humanity.
October 4
World Animal Day
Promotes animal welfare and awareness.
October 5
World Teachers' Day
Recognises teachers and their contribution to education.
October 6
World Habitat Day
Focuses on adequate housing and sustainable human settlements.
October 6
World Cerebral Palsy Day
Raises awareness about cerebral palsy and inclusion.
October 7
World Cotton Day
Highlights cotton's economic and social importance.
October 8
Indian Air Force Day
Commemorates the establishment of the Indian Air Force.
October 9
World Post Day
Marks the role of postal services worldwide.
October 9
World Sight Day
Raises awareness about eye health and preventable vision loss.
October 10
World Mental Health Day
Promotes awareness of mental health issues worldwide.
October 10
National Post Day
Marks the importance of India's postal network.
October 11
International Day of the Girl Child
Promotes girls' rights, opportunities and equality.
October 13
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Promotes disaster preparedness and reduction of disaster risks.
October 14
World Standards Day
Recognises the importance of international standards.
October 15
World Students' Day
Observed in India on the birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
October 15
International Day of Rural Women
Recognises the role of rural women in communities and economies.
October 15
Global Handwashing Day
Promotes handwashing as an important public-health measure.
October 16
World Food Day
Raises awareness about hunger, food security and global food systems.
October 16
World Anaesthesia Day
Marks the development and importance of anaesthesia in healthcare.
October 17
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Focuses on global efforts to end poverty.
October 20
World Statistics Day
Highlights the importance of reliable statistics and data.
October 21
Police Commemoration Day
Observed in India to honour police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice.
October 23
International Day of the Snow Leopard
Raises awareness about snow leopard conservation.
October 24
United Nations Day
Marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force.
October 24
World Development Information Day
Highlights the importance of information and public awareness for development.
October 24-30
Disarmament Week
Promotes awareness around disarmament and international security.
October 27
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Highlights the importance of preserving audiovisual records.
October 29
International Day of Care and Support
Recognises the importance of care and support systems.
October 31
National Unity Day / Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and promotes national unity.
October 31
World Cities Day
Highlights sustainable urban development and challenges facing cities.

The UN's official observance calendar confirms key October dates including International Coffee Day, International Day of Older Persons, International Day of Non-Violence, World Space Week, World Teachers' Day, World Cotton Day, World Post Day, World Mental Health Day, International Day of the Girl Child, World Food Day, United Nations Day, World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, International Day of Care and Support and World Cities Day. United Nations
Major Indian Festivals in October 2026
October will be particularly important for India's festival calendar, with the second half of the month dominated by Navratri and Dussehra celebrations.
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The date is also observed internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence. United Nations
October 6: Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi falls on October 6, 2026, during the Pitru Paksha period. It is an important Hindu fasting day associated with prayers and remembrance of ancestors. Drik Panchang
October 10: Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya in several traditions, falls on October 10. It marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha. Drik Panchang
October 11: Sharad Navratri Begins
Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms. Drik Panchang
October 19: Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami will be observed on October 19, marking two of the most significant days during Navratri. Drik Panchang
October 20: Dussehra / Vijayadashami
Dussehra or Vijayadashami falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival marks the culmination of Navratri and is associated with the victory of good over evil. The Economic Times
October 21: Mysore Dasara and Vidyarambham
Several regional celebrations continue after Vijayadashami. Mysore Dasara and Vidyarambham Day are listed for October 21 in the 2026 Hindu festival calendar. Drik Panchang
October 22: Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on October 22. Drik Panchang
October 25: Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja
Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja fall on October 25, 2026. Drik Panchang
October 26: Valmiki Jayanti
Valmiki Jayanti will be observed on October 26, marking the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki. Drik Panchang
October 29: Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth falls on October 29, 2026. It is traditionally observed by married Hindu women through fasting and prayers for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Drik Panchang
October 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
For quick reference, the most important dates are:
October 1: International Coffee Day, International Day of Older Persons
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, International Day of Non-Violence
October 4-10: World Space Week
October 5: World Teachers' Day
October 8: Indian Air Force Day
October 9: World Post Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya
October 11: International Day of the Girl Child, Sharad Navratri begins
October 13: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
October 15: World Students' Day, Global Handwashing Day
October 16: World Food Day
October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 19: Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami
October 20: Dussehra/Vijayadashami
October 21: Police Commemoration Day, Mysore Dasara
October 22: Papankusha Ekadashi
October 24: United Nations Day
October 25: Sharad Purnima, Kojagara Puja
October 26: Valmiki Jayanti
October 27: World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
October 29: Karwa Chauth, International Day of Care and Support
October 31: National Unity Day, World Cities Day
Note: Religious festival dates can vary by region, local tradition and Panchang calculation. The dates above are based on the 2026 calendars referenced above; official holiday schedules can also differ between states and institutions. For example, the Government of India's holiday listings confirm Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Dussehra on October 20 as central-government holidays. ursc.gov.in
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