The festive season has begun, filling homes across India with light, devotion, and celebration. After Dussehra marked the start of festivities on October 2, the country now prepares for a series of major Hindu festivals that will continue throughout the month. From Dhanteras to Chhath Puja, October promises a line-up of joy, tradition, and togetherness.
Here’s a complete guide to the upcoming October 2025 festival dates and holiday details.
Dhanteras – October 18, Saturday
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. On this day, people buy gold, silver, and new utensils as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
- Date: Saturday, October 18
- Bank Holiday: Regular working day for most regions; banks closed in Guwahati for Kati Bihu
- Stock Market: NSE and BSE to remain closed
Kali Puja / Chhoti Diwali – October 20, Monday
Kali Puja, celebrated primarily in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, coincides with Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. It honors Goddess Kali and signifies the victory of good over evil.
- Date: Monday, October 20
- Bank & Stock Market: Open and operational
Diwali (Deepawali) – October 21, Tuesday
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with diyas and rangolis, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
- Date: Tuesday, October 21
- Bank Holiday: Pan-India gazetted holiday
- Stock Market: Closed; Muhurat Trading session from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Also Read: Best Place for Diwali in India: Celebrate the Festival of Lights Across Top Cities
Govardhan Puja – October 22, Wednesday
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated a day after Diwali to honor Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rain.
- Date: Wednesday, October 22
- Bank Holiday: Closed in major cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, and others
- Stock Market: Closed for Balipratipada
Bhai Dooj – October 23, Thursday
Bhai Dooj, also called Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers give gifts in return.
- Date: Thursday, October 23
- Bank Holiday: Closed in select cities including Kanpur, Kolkata, Imphal, and Shimla
- Stock Market: Open
Chhath Puja – October 25 to October 28
Chhath Puja is a major festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. It involves fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers during sunrise and sunset.
- Main Day: Saturday, October 25
- Bank & Stock Market: Closed pan-India for the fourth Saturday
- Regional Holidays:
- October 27 (Evening Puja) – Banks closed in Kolkata, Patna, and Ranchi
- October 28 (Morning Puja) – Banks closed in Patna and Ranchi
Conclusion
October 2025 is truly a month full of light, devotion, and unity. From Dhanteras and Diwali to Chhath Puja, every festival brings families closer and fills the air with positivity. So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the season of joy and togetherness.
