Holidays in October 2026

October is a month filled with various festivals and celebrations, making it an ideal time to plan a family trip. To help you prepare, we have meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of holidays for October 2026. By marking these dates on your calendar, you can effectively schedule your travels and ensure you make the most of your time off.

Knowing the holiday dates well in advance can be a great advantage when arranging a trip with your family or friends. It allows you to plan activities, book accommodations, and make necessary arrangements with ease. Our list includes both public and bank holidays, providing you with a complete picture of the opportunities to enjoy time with your loved ones and explore exciting destinations in October 2026.

List of Public Holidays in October 2026

In the tenth month of the year, i.e., October, a number of festivals are celebrated in the country. Given this fact, the number of working days in October is fewer than in other months of the year.

Listed below are the festivals that are to be celebrated in October 2026.

Date	Holiday	Region
2 October 2026,Friday	Gandhi Jayanti	National
18 October 2026, Monday	Kati Bihu	Assam
20 October 2026, Tuesday	Maha Navami	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
20 October 2026,Tuesday	Vijaya Dashmi	National except Manipur and Pondicherry
26 October 2026, Sunday	Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti	Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab
29 October 2026, Thursday	Karaka Chaturthi	Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR
31 October 2026, Saturday	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti	Gujarat

List of Bank Holidays in October 2026

Bank holidays are those on which public and private sector banks operating in the country remain closed. As per the country’s central bank, i.e., the Reserve Bank of India, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of a month. In addition to those days, banks in the month of October 2026 shall also remain closed on the dates listed in the table below:

Date	Day	Holiday
2 October 2026	Friday	Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday
4 October 2026	Sunday	Bank Holiday
10 October 2026	Second Saturday	Bank Holiday
11 October 2026	Sunday	Bank Holiday
18 October 2026	Sunday	Bank Holiday
20 October 2026	Tuesday	Dussehra
24 October 2026	Fourth Saturday	Bank Holiday
25 October 2026	Sunday	Bank Holiday

October 2026 Holidays in India – Bank Holidays, Festivals & Significance

October 2026 is one of the most festive months in India, filled with major religious celebrations, national observances, and multiple holidays. It is also a great time for travel, family gatherings, and cultural experiences.

Bank Holidays in October 2026 (Saturdays)

Banks in India will remain closed on the following Saturdays:

• October 10, 2026 – Second Saturday
• October 24, 2026 – Fourth Saturday

Apart from these dates, banks remain operational on other Saturdays. However, ATM services and online banking will continue to function even on bank holidays.

National Holiday in October

Gandhi Jayanti – October 2, 2026

Gandhi Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It is one of India’s three national holidays. The day is marked by prayer meetings, tributes, and remembrance ceremonies. Internationally, it is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring Gandhi’s philosophy of peace.

Why Holidays Are Important

Holidays play a crucial role in maintaining work-life balance. They allow individuals to:

• Take a break from hectic routines
• Spend quality time with family and friends
• Celebrate festivals and cultural traditions
• Plan trips and rejuvenate mentally

Brief Description of October Holidays 2026

Ghatasthapana (Start of Navratri)

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri. A sacred kalash is स्थापित and worshipped for nine days, symbolizing prosperity, growth, and divine energy.

Maha Saptami

Maha Saptami is the seventh day of Durga Puja, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and share bhog as prasad.

Maha Ashtami (Durga Ashtami)

Maha Ashtami is one of the most auspicious days of Navratri. Devotees observe fasting, perform special pujas, and participate in Sandhi Puja, marking the transition to Maha Navami.

Maha Navami

Maha Navami is the ninth day of Navratri, featuring elaborate rituals like Navami Havan. In some regions, traditional offerings are made to the goddess.

Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)

Vijaya Dashami marks the victory of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burned, symbolizing the triumph of Lord Rama. In other regions, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti – October 31

This day honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in unifying India. It is also celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).

Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti

Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is celebrated in northern India to honor Maharaja Agrasen. The day is marked by processions, charity, and community gatherings.

Accession Day (Jammu & Kashmir)

Accession Day commemorates the signing of the Instrument of Accession, which led to the integration of Jammu & Kashmir with India.

FAQs on October 2026 Holidays