October 2023 Festival Calendar: From Gandhi Jayanti and Durga Puja to Navratri and Dussehra – Explore the Full Schedule
Here’s a complete list of all festivals falling in October. From Gandhi Jayanti to Dussehra and Durga Puja to Navratri, check out full October 2023 calendar.
October holds great significance for Hindu devotees and Indians, as it is marked by a series of joyful and auspicious occasions. India, known for its vibrant and diverse culture, celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich heritage. In the month of October 2023, there is a cluster of festivals to anticipate, including Dussehra and Navratri Puja. This article will guide you through the dates and significance of these celebrations.
Also Read:- Navratri 2023: When is Shardiya Navratri? Know start and end date
Festivals in October 2023 Calendar:
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti – October 2
Mahalaya – October 14
Shardiya Navratri – October 15 to October 24
Durga Puja – October 20 to October 24
Dussehra – October 24
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday – October 31
Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is observed on October 2 every year, commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. This date is also recognized globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary coincides with October 2. Born in 1904 in Uttar Pradesh, he assumed the role of Prime Minister of India in June 1964 following the passing of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who had held the office until his demise in May 1964.
Also Read:- Pitru Paksha 2023 Date?
Mahalaya
Mahalaya signifies the commencement of Debi Paksha, which is the period dedicated to the Goddess. This observance takes place on the concluding day of Pitru Paksha, symbolizing the arrival of Goddess Durga. Devotees of Maa Durga celebrate Mahalaya one week prior to the commencement of Durga Puja festivities.
Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri occurs during the period between the Pratipada and Navami tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, spanning nine days. Throughout this nine-day festival, followers of Maa Durga honor the Goddess and her nine incarnations, known as Navdurgas.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a five-day annual festival that pays homage to Maa Durga and commemorates her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. Devotees believe that Goddess Durga, also known as Mahishasura Mardini, descends to her earthly realm during this period to bestow blessings upon them. While the festival holds immense importance for Bengalis, it is celebrated with equal grandeur in other states such as Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, occurs on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, signifying the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. Hindu mythology recounts the story of Lord Ram’s conquest over the demon king Ravana as one of its origins. Another legend narrates that Maa Durga vanquished Mahishasura after a fierce battle spanning more than nine days on this auspicious occasion.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian independence nationalist who served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950. His birth anniversary falls on October 31.
