When the leaves begin to turn crimson and the autumn air welcomes in a new season, October arrives with traditions and celebrations. From traditional days to cultural days and patriotic ceremonies, this month truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a getaway, organising events, want a reason to celebrate traditions, understanding the significance of the October holidays is essential for many such reasons.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the various October holidays in 2024, enlightening you on their historical significance, cultural relevance, and bank holidays respectively.
List of the October Holidays
The complete table below provides a detailed overview of the announced, restricted, and regional holidays in October 2024, ensuring that you are aware and prepared for the coming month.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Celebrated In |
| 2 October 2024, | Wednesday | Gandhi Birthday | Many states across India |
| 3 October 2024 | Thursday | Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti | Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan |
| 10 October 2024 | Thursday | Maha Saptami | Across the country |
| 11 October 2024 | Friday | Maha Navami | Many states across India |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Dusshera | Many states across India |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Ayudha Puja | Many states across India |
| 17 October 2024 | Thursday | Kati Bihu | Assam |
| 17 October 2024 | Thursday | Pargat Diwas (Valmiki Jayanti) | Many states across India |
| 26 October 2024 | Saturday | Accession Day | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 31 October 2024 | Thursday | Naraka Chaturdashi | Several states |
| 31 October 2024 | Thursday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday (Diwali) | Gujarat, Across the country |
List of Bank October Holidays
The table below shows the bank holidays for October 2024, which are officially declared by the Reserve Bank of India, can help you to keep yourself up-to-date and plan your activities ahead while helping yourself with the below set of dates. be aware of the dates on when banks and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Celebrated in |
| 2 October 2024 | Wednesday | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | Many states across India |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Across the country |
| 10 October 2024 | Thursday | Maha Saptami | Across the country |
| 11 October 2024 | Friday | Maha Ashtami | Many states across India |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Maha Navami | Many states across India |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Vijaya Dashami | Many states across India |
| 26 October 2024 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Across the country |
| 31 October 2024 | Thursday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday | Gujarat |
Knowing October Bank Holidays
Understanding bank holidays is crucial for various reasons, especially if you’re planning to avail financial services or conduct transactions during this period.
Here’s why knowing bank holidays is essential:
1. Bank holidays in October can pose as a obstacle if it disrupts your schedule, work, appointments, opening new investment/savings venture, running errands, and travel plans if any. Knowing these dates can help you change your work schedule, plan important meetings, plan errands, book travel, and take advantage of the holidays in these days.
2. The holidays give you a chance to relax, recharge, and spend time with your friends and family. Can also help you plan fun activities, pursue your hobbies, visit family and friends, and also help you find out about public service dates. If you know the dates, you can prepare better and make the most of your free time.
3. Knowing the dates can help you avoid disruptions with public transportation, and allows them to enjoy long weekend getaways, avoid crowds, and book travel deals.
Also Read: SBI Bank Holiday 2024
Description of the October Holidays
Getting to know more about the October holidays can be essential to beware for the culture
Given below are the descriptions of the holidays:
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd)
This day is the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement and a colonizer of non-violent civil disobedience. Celebrations include prayer meetings, tributes, and acts of community service can be seen in a few places in India.
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti (October 3rd)
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Maharaja Agrasen, who is an ancient Indian king known for his principles of non-violence, equality, and social welfare. The celebration can be seen in some parts of India .
Maha Saptami (October 10th)
Maha Saptami is celebrated on the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival, which marks the beginning of the main celebrations. It involves elaborate rituals and the unveiling of the goddess Durga’s idol.
Dussehra (October 12th)
Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil. The Dussehra Holiday commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and the goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Diwali (October 19th)
This is also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated full of vibrant lights, fireworks, traditional sweets, and gatherings with family and friends. It also symbolizes “the victory of light over the darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
Naraka Chaturdashi (October 31st)
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated a day before Diwali. It pays tribute to the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Also Read: Making the Best of Long Weekends in 2024
In Conclusion,
The October holidays in 2024 are full of various cultures, traditions, and historical milestones. From Dussehra to Diwali, October is full of vibrant colors and rituals. As you plan your activities, remember to stay mindful of bank holidays and their potential impact on your financial transactions and business operations. By understanding these dates and their significance, you can make informed decisions and ensure a seamless experience.
FAQs on October Holidays
Q. Why is Mahalaya Amavasya celebrated?
A. Mahalaya Amavasya is celebrated to honor ancestors and mark the beginning of the Durga Puja festival.
Q. When is Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?
A. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2nd.
Q. What is the importance of Ayudha Puja?
A. Ayudha Puja is important for worshipping tools, weapons, and instruments, symbolizing respect for one’s means of livelihood.
Q. Is there an Indian holiday in October?
A. Yes, India has several holidays in October, including Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dusshera.
Q. Is 15 October a holiday in India?
A. October 15 is not a national holiday in India, but regional holidays may apply.
Q. Why is 26 October a holiday in India?
A. October 26 is a holiday in Jammu and Kashmir to mark Accession Day, celebrating the state’s accession to India in 1947.