Holidays in October 2024
October is a month that brings with it a sense of festivity and reverence in India. Two significant holidays, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, will be celebrated during this month in 2024, marking moments of historical importance and cultural significance. These holidays in October 2024 provide an opportunity for celebrations all over the nation.
List of Holidays in October 2024
| Date | Day | Holiday | Celebrate in |
| 2nd October 2024 | Wednesday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | All India |
| 12th October 2024 | Saturday | Dussehra | All India |
Let’s discuss each in detail:
1. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: 2nd October 2024, Wednesday
Every year, on the 2nd of October, we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti to honor the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, renowned as Mahatma Gandhi.
People celebrate the day to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings, advocating for non-violent civil disobedience to attain political and social change. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or the insistence on truth, left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom worldwide.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday, and people come together to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation. The celebration typically includes prayer meetings, cultural programs, and events highlighting Gandhi’s principles and values. Schools and educational institutions often organize special assemblies to educate students about the life and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi.
Many people also participate in cleanliness drives and community service projects, reflecting Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and community welfare. Additionally, political leaders and citizens gather at Gandhi’s samadhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi to actively offer floral tributes during memorial ceremonies.
Upcoming Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: 2024–2030 (Days)
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2024 | 2nd October 2024 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | 2nd October 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | 2nd October 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | 2nd October 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | 2nd October 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | 2nd October 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 2nd October 2030 | Wednesday |
2. Dussehra: 12th October 2024, Saturday
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People celebrate it on the tenth day of Ashwin month, usually in September or October.
Dussehra marks the celebration of Lord Rama’s win against the demon king Ravana, a tale from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The legend narrates how Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his imprisoned wife, Sita, with the assistance of the god Hanuman. This festival also signifies the ending of the nine-day Navaratri festival, where people worship the goddess Durga for her powerful and divine feminine energy.
The festival is celebrated with a lot of excitement and energy nationwide. One widely embraced tradition is the performance of Ram Lila, a lively portrayal of events from the Ramayana.
States like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar organize big parades. These parades showcase statues of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama. People join in these parades with a lot of happiness, often wearing traditional clothes. The air is full of music, dance, and bright colors as communities gather to enjoy the special celebration.
Upcoming Dussehra: 2024–2030 (Dates)
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2024 | 12th October 2024 | Saturday |
| 2025 | 2nd October 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | 20th October 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 9th October 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | 27th September 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | 16th October 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 6th October 20230 | Sunday |
Final Thoughts
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra have deep meaning in Indian history. They highlight the importance of non-violence, truth, and the victory of good over evil. Holidays in October have a special opportunity to come together, enjoy festivities like Dussehra, and reflect on important values that shape the nation. Whether participating in community service inspired by Mahatma Gandhi or joining lively celebrations, it’s a time for unity, fun, and contemplation of enduring principles.
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