October 2026: Complete List of Vrats, Navratri, Dussehra, and Karva Chauth Dates
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From a spiritual and cultural standpoint, October 2026 is set to be one of the most vibrant and action-packed months of the year. Spanning major autumn observances rooted in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin and Kartik, the period features a grand succession of ancestral rites, goddess worship, major harvest celebrations, and traditional fasts. Whether you are planning your festive travel, spiritual observances, or family gatherings, here is the complete day-by-day calendar of fasts and festivals for October 2026.
Major Vrats and Festivals in Early October 2026
The month begins with solemn ancestral tributes and transitions quickly into vibrant celebrations:
October 2, 2026 – Gandhi Jayanti: Commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with nationwide reflections on truth, non-violence, and cleanliness.
October 3, 2026 – Jitiya Vrat, Mahalakshmi Vrat Conclusion, and Kalashtami: Mothers observe the rigorous Jitiya fast for the long life and well-being of their children, while concluding the Mahalakshmi fast and observing Kalashtami in honor of Lord Kaal Bhairav.
October 6, 2026 – Indira Ekadashi: Dedicated to seeking salvation and peace for departed ancestors through fasting, charity, and prayers to Lord Vishnu.
October 8, 2026 – Guru Pradosh Vrat & Monthly Shivaratri: A spiritually potent Thursday Pradosh fast dedicated to Lord Shiva, accompanied by evening and nighttime Shiva lingam worship.
October 10, 2026 – Sarva Pitru Amavasya: The concluding day of Pitru Paksha, where final prayers, Pind Daan, and charity are offered for all known and unknown ancestors.
Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra Calendar
The heart of October features the grand celebration of Sharadiya Navratri and the triumph of righteousness:
October 11, 2026 – Sharadiya Navratri Begins, Ghatasthapana & Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti: Kalash installation marks the formal beginning of nine days of Navadurga worship, alongside honoring the ideals of Maharaja Agrasen.
October 14, 2026 – Kapardish Chaturthi: A dedicated day of worship to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles and inviting prosperity.
October 15, 2026 – Upanga Lalita Vrat: Fasting and prayers dedicated to Goddess Lalita Tripursundari for fulfilling sincere wishes.
October 16, 2026 – Saraswati Invocation & Durga Puja Commences: Traditional invocations, Bilva invitation, and Akaal Bodhan mark the official start of public Durga Puja festivities.
October 17, 2026 – Navpatrika Puja & Tula Sankranti: Nine sacred plants are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess on Maha Saptami, alongside charitable acts as the Sun enters Libra (Tula).
October 19, 2026 – Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami & Sandhi Puja: Devotees perform Kanya Pujan, ritual havan, and powerful Sandhi Puja at the mystical junction of Ashtami and Navami.
October 20, 2026 – Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Ayudha Puja & Durga Visarjan: Celebrating the victory of good over evil with weapon worship and the emotional immersion (Visarjan) of Goddess Durga idols.
Mid to Late October Fasts and Auspicious Days
As the month draws to a close, several other prominent celebrations follow:
October 21, 2026 – Buddha Jayanti: Remembering the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, focusing on peace, compassion, and non-violence.
October 22, 2026 – Papankusha Ekadashi: Observing a sacred fast to wash away past wrongdoings and advance on the spiritual path through Lord Vishnu's worship.
October 23, 2026 – Bhauma / Venus Pradosh Vrat: A Friday Pradosh fast observed for marital harmony and household prosperity.
October 25, 2026 – Sharad Purnima & Kojagar Puja: Celebrating the harvest moon by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi at night and observing traditional night-vigils.
October 26, 2026 – Valmiki Jayanti: Honoring Maharishi Valmiki, the revered author of the epic Ramayana.
October 29, 2026 – Karva Chauth & Vakratunda Chaturthi: Married women observe a strict day-long fast for the long life and robust health of their husbands, coinciding with prayers to Lord Ganesha on Vakratunda Chaturthi.
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