Holidays in October 2026 in India

Planning your holidays in October 2026 in India? October brings the festive season, with Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra and several regional celebrations creating opportunities for family outings, religious visits and short holidays.

Whether you're checking the October 2026 public holiday list, planning a long weekend, looking for school holidays or deciding where to travel, knowing the dates in advance can make your plans easier.

The two main nationwide holidays in October 2026 are Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2, and Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20. Regional festivals and additional holidays vary by state. As of October 10, Gandhi Jayanti has passed, so the main upcoming travel opportunity is around the Dussehra and Durga Puja period.

Holidays in October 2026 in India: Quick Overview

Important: This is a guide to major holidays and observances, not a guarantee that every date is a day off in every state. School closures, government office holidays and bank holidays follow different calendars. The precise Durga Puja observances can also vary by region.

1. Gandhi Jayanti – October 2, 2026

Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is observed across India on October 2 every year.

In 2026, it fell on a Friday, creating a long weekend from October 2 to October 4 for people who follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend. Although this weekend has passed, it was the month's first major holiday opportunity.

2. Navratri and Durga Puja – October 2026

Navratri and Durga Puja are among the most important festivals of October, particularly in eastern and northern India.

Sharad Navratri begins around October 11 in the commonly followed 2026 calendar. Durga Puja celebrations then bring cultural programmes, decorated pandals, traditional rituals and festive gatherings to cities such as Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.

The main dates and regional holidays may differ, so check the local festival calendar before making travel or leave arrangements.

3. Dussehra – October 20, 2026

Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is observed in different ways across India. Some places are known for Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burning, while others focus on Durga Puja, Vijayadashami rituals and cultural celebrations.

For travellers, Dussehra is also an opportunity to explore local festivals, heritage attractions and seasonal events.

4. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti – October 26, 2026

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti commemorates the revered sage associated with the composition of the Ramayana.

The day is recognised in central government calendars as a restricted holiday and is a public or institutional holiday in certain states and regions. It is not a nationwide mandatory day off for everyone.

Check your state government or workplace calendar before planning a trip around October 26.

5. Karwa Chauth – October 29, 2026

Karwa Chauth, also known as Karaka Chaturthi in some holiday calendars, is observed by many Hindu women, especially in northern India.

The observance traditionally involves fasting and prayers for a spouse's well-being. It is a regional or restricted holiday rather than a nationwide public holiday.

Long Weekends in October 2026

If you're searching for long weekends in October 2026 in India, your options depend on your state, employer and weekly schedule.

October 17–20: Dussehra Long Weekend

Saturday, October 17, through Tuesday, October 20, can create a four-day break in places where Monday, October 19, is a holiday and employees already have weekends off.

Some states have additional Durga Puja holidays on October 21, potentially extending the break. This is not a uniform nationwide holiday arrangement.

October 24–26: Regional Holiday Opportunity

Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, are followed by Monday, October 26. If your state or institution observes a holiday for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti or another regional occasion, this could create a three-day break.

Before booking tickets, confirm that the holiday applies to your state, office or school.

Bank Holidays in October 2026

Bank holidays in October include national holidays, regional festivals and regular weekend closures.

The usual all-India weekend bank closures are Sundays, the second Saturday and the fourth Saturday. In October 2026, the Saturday dates are October 10 and October 24; additional festival-related closures vary by banking centre.

For example, bank branches may have different closure dates during Durga Puja and Dussehra depending on the state.

If you need to visit a bank, complete important branch-based work in advance and check the applicable holiday list. UPI, ATMs and online banking may continue to be available during branch closures, although some transactions or settlement processes can be affected.

Best Places to Visit in India During October 2026

October offers a mix of festive destinations, heritage cities and post-monsoon escapes. The best choice depends on whether you want to experience a festival, explore historical places or enjoy nature.

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata is a popular Durga Puja destination, with elaborate pandals, artistic installations, cultural programmes, and local food. Plan your pandal-hopping route in advance because popular areas can become crowded.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bhubaneswar is worth considering for Durga Puja celebrations, temple heritage and local culture. Visitors can combine evening pandal hopping with daytime trips to Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Old Town or Dhauli.

Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru is known for its Dasara celebrations, palace illumination and cultural events. Check the current 2026 programme before travelling to see which events are scheduled during your dates.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

If you prefer hills to festival crowds, Darjeeling offers tea gardens, mountain scenery and opportunities to explore local markets and viewpoints. Weather and mountain visibility can vary, so check the forecast before your trip.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is an option for travellers looking for green landscapes, coffee estates and a slower-paced holiday after the monsoon. Confirm local weather and road conditions before planning outdoor activities.

October Holiday Travel Tips

A little planning can make a festive-season trip much easier.

Book ahead: Popular festival destinations may experience higher demand for hotels and transport.

Check local calendars: A holiday in one state may be a normal working day in another.

Plan around crowds: For Durga Puja and Dussehra, choose nearby attractions and avoid trying to cover an entire city in one evening.

Check weather conditions: October weather varies significantly across India, particularly in hill stations and coastal regions.

Confirm opening times: Temples, museums and tourist attractions may follow special schedules during festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holidays in October 2026

What are the public holidays in October 2026 in India?

Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2, 2026, and Dussehra falls on October 20. Other holidays and observances, including Durga Puja days, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti and Karwa Chauth, vary by state and institution.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra, or Vijaya Dashami, is listed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the central government holiday calendar. Some regional Durga Puja observances continue on October 21 or later.

What are the long weekends in October 2026?

The October 17–20 period can provide a four-day break where October 19 is a local holiday. In some states, regional holidays may extend the break. October 24–26 may also form a long weekend where October 26 is a holiday.

Are banks closed on October 19 and 20, 2026?

Bank closures depend on the state and banking centre. October 19 has regional Durga Puja-related bank holidays in several locations, while October 20 is the main Dussehra holiday in many parts of India. Check the applicable bank holiday calendar before visiting a branch.

Are school holidays in October 2026 the same across India?

No. School holidays differ by state, education board and institution. Durga Puja breaks can be longer in some eastern states, while other schools may observe only selected festival dates.

Is Diwali in October 2026?

No. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. October is mainly associated with Gandhi Jayanti, Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra.

Which places are best to visit during October holidays in India?

Kolkata for Durga Puja, Bhubaneswar for festivals and heritage, Mysuru for Dasara, and destinations such as Darjeeling and Coorg for nature-focused holidays are options to consider.

Planning an October Trip to Bhubaneswar?

If you're visiting Bhubaneswar for Dussehra, Durga Puja or sightseeing, plan your accommodation around the areas you want to explore.

For travellers looking for accommodation in Patrapada, SJ Corporate offers rooms with Wi-Fi and guest support. It can be considered as one option for visitors combining a Bhubaneswar stay with local sightseeing.

Make the Most of October 2026

October brings a mix of public holidays, regional celebrations and opportunities to travel across India. The key is to know which dates apply to you, choose a destination that suits your plans and book transport and accommodation in advance.

Whether you're exploring Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, experiencing Dussehra in Mysuru or discovering the temples and heritage of Bhubaneswar, a little planning can help you make the most of the festive season.

Check your local holiday calendar, confirm event schedules and plan your October getaway around the dates that work best for you.