Updated February 7, 2023
Public Holidays in October 2023
Are you also like us wondering when the holidays in October fall this year? So, hold your seatbelts, and by the end of this article, you can plan your long trips with your pals or loved ones.
List of Holidays
| Date and Day | List of Holidays in October 2023 | Type of Holiday |
| 2 October 2023, Monday | Gandhi Jayanti | Gazetted |
| 21 October 2023, Saturday | Maha Saptami | Restricted |
| 22 October 2023, Sunday | Maha Ashtami | Restricted |
| 23 October 2023, Monday | Maha Navami | Restricted |
| 24 October 2023, Tuesday | Dusshera | Gazetted |
| 28 October 2023, Saturday | Valmiki Jayanti | Restricted |
| 31 October 2023, Tuesday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti | Restricted |
Detailed Description of National and Gazetted Holidays in October 2023
#1 October 2nd, 2023: Mahatama Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary
Every year on October 2nd, India celebrates the birth anniversary of its father of the nation, Mr. Mahatama Gandhi. From spectacular dance performances to singing choirs, all pay a humble tribute to Bapu ji on his birthday. Also known as Gandhi Jayanti, it marks the international day of Non-Violence and is one of three national holidays of India.
#2 October 24th: Dussehra/ Vijaya Dashami
Dussehra marks the end of the 9-day-long Hindu festival Navratri and Durga Puja. Every year, India celebrates Dussehra on the tenth day of the Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar. The festival emanates the universal message of truth over evil as giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghanath burn in North India. The festival celebrates the win of Lord Rama over the demons in the Triteya Yug of Ramayana. While in Bengal, a procession of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Lord Ganesh, and Kartikeya for immersion in the riverfront.
Restricted Central Government Holidays in October 2023
#1 October 23rd,2023: Maha Saptami
It marks the seventh day of Navratri in North India and Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. North Indian markets brim with fast-special preparations in the week of Navratri, from Sendha Salt preparations like Potato Chips. The people fast for the day and pray to Goddess Saraswati. Devotees eat sweet dishes like Sabu dana khichdi, made from Sabu dana, similar to tapioca. In West Bengal, the Durga Puja celebrations take a full swing with Kalratri Puja. A special sacred meal or blog for distribution amongst the devotees.
#2 October 24th, 2023: Maha Ashtami/Durga Ashtami
The day starts with North Indians feeding kanyas (little girls) with a special sacred meal or Prasada and giving money and gifts. They worship Goddess Lakshmi, Durga, and Lord Narayan. In West Bengal, devotees worship Goddess Durga’s weapons and her eight avatars, or Ashtanayikas. The celebrations end with the Sandhi Puja.
#3 October 25th, 2023: Maha Navami/ Rama Navami
Maha Navmi marks the ninth day of Navratri and the third day of Durga Puja. Also called Rama Navami, the day marks the birth of Lord Rama. It falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu Calendar. The whole of India gets engulfed in the divinity of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Hanumana, and Lakshmana. Some people perform Kanya Pujan on Maha Navmi instead of Maha Ashtami. In West Bengal, the locals celebrate the Goddess Durga’s severe wounding of the demon Mahishasura. Also symbolizing the battle between good and evil, devotees worship her Mahishasuramardhini avatar with great devotion and zeal.
#4 October 28th: Valmiki Jayanti
The day marks the birth anniversary of the renowned Indian poet, philosopher, and author of the epic Ramayana. Also known as Pragat Diwas, Hindus celebrate the day by participating in processions called Shobha Yatras. The sage’s temples shine the brightest with colorful decorations with day-long prayers. The devotees distribute prasad to others in honor of the great sage.
#5 October 31st: Sardar Vallabhbbhai Jayanti
October 31st is an auspicious day for India, especially the Gujaratis. It marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Iron Man of India The nation celebrates the day as National Unity Day since he led his life down to unite Indians against the tyranny of the Britishers. In honor of the first prime minister of India, nationwide cultural programs in his tribute get organized.
A holiday in October brings with them great enthusiasm and devotion. For many, it is the month of going over for long vacations or a fun visit to relatives.
