October 2025, according to the Hindu calendar, is set to be a highly significant month from a religious perspective. This entire month will be filled with fasts, festivals, and celebrations. While the Sharadiya Navratri concludes at the beginning of the month, it will end with a major festival like the Chhath Mahaparv. Festivals such as Dussehra, Karwa Chauth, Deepawali, and Bhai Dooj, along with several fasts like Ahoi Ashtami, Rama Ekadashi, and Sharad Purnima, will all fall within this month. From children to adults, there is something special for everyone in this month.
Here is a complete date-wise list of the festivals and fasts in October 2025:
October 2: Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Symbolizing the victory of truth over falsehood, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 2 this year. On this festival, signifying the triumph of good over evil, people burn effigies of Ravana. It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day.
October 3: Papankusha Ekadashi
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observing a fast on this Ekadashi is believed to liberate one from sins and lead to salvation.
October 4: Shani Pradosh Vrat
This is a special day for worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Shani. It is believed that observing a fast on this day helps complete all pending tasks.
October 6: Sharad Purnima
This day is said to be when the moon’s rays shower nectar. People prepare kheer (a sweet rice pudding) and leave it under the moonlight, later consuming it as Prasad.
October 7: Valmiki Jayanti and Mirabai Jayanti
This day marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, and the devotee of Lord Krishna, Mirabai.
October 8: Beginning of Kartik Month
The Kartik month is considered very auspicious from a religious point of view. Bathing, charity, and worship hold special significance during this time.
October 10: Karwa Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi
On Karwa Chauth, married women observe a fast for the long life of their husbands. Meanwhile, Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha.
October 13: Ahoi Ashtami
Mothers observe a fast for the long life of their children and break their fast after sighting the stars.
October 17: Rama Ekadashi and Govatsa Dwadashi
This day is for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that observing this fast removes poverty from one’s life. Also on this day is Govatsa Dwadashi, where women worship the cow and her calf, wishing for happiness and prosperity in the family.
October 18: Dhanteras
On this day, the God of Wealth, Kubera, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.
October 19: Hanuman Jayanti
Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Hanuman on this date is believed to remove fear and troubles from life. Reciting the Shri Ramcharitmanas, Sunderkand, and Hanuman Chalisa yields special rewards.
October 20: Narak Chaturdashi and Deepawali
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On the same day is Deepawali, considered the victory of light over darkness. Lamps are lit in homes, and Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped.
October 21: Kartik Amavasya
This is a special day for offering ‘Tarpan’ to ancestors and lighting lamps. This day is considered very auspicious for earning merit.
October 22: Govardhan Puja and Annakut
On this day, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of Braj. Special food offerings are made to the Gods on this day.
October 23: Bhai Dooj
Sisters apply a ‘Tilak’ on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life. This is the final day of the Deepawali festivities.
October 25: Vinayak Chaturthi
Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day removes all obstacles and brings success in new ventures.
October 27: Chhath Mahaparv
This four-day festival is dedicated to the Sun God. Women and men observe a waterless fast and offer ‘Arghya’ to the Sun. This festival is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
October 31: Akshay Kushmanda Navami
Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda on this day brings happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. This day is also considered special for charity and meritorious deeds.