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October Holiday List 2024: In October, India comes together to celebrate many festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. During this festive season, most of the states in India are decorated with lights, flowers, crafts, candles, lanterns, etc. Also, people observing these festivals exchange gifts and delicacies with each other to enjoy the festivities.
In addition to these festivals, the month of October also holds national and international importance as the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi falls on 2 October. Owing to this, 2 October is a gazetted holiday in India. Now, let us explore other holidays in October.
Must Read: School Holiday List 2024-25: Check the Month Wise Holiday List
Table of Contents
Check Month-wise Holiday List 2024
October Holiday List 2024 for Schools
Check out the October Holiday List 2024 here:
| Date | Day | Name |
| 2 October 2024 | Wednesday | Gandhi Jayanti, Mahalaya Amavasya |
| 10 October 2024 | Thursday | Maha Saptami |
| 11 October 2024 | Friday | Maha Ashtami |
| 12 October 2024 | Saturday | Maha Navami |
| 13 October 2024 | Sunday | Vijaya Dashami |
| 17 October 2024 | Thursday | Valmiki Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja (Bengali) |
| 31 October 2024 | Thursday | Diwali* |
Gandhi Jayanti: 2 October 2024
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October each year to remember and honour the Father of the Nation in India “Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi”. It is a gazetted day in the Republic of India. Mohandas was one of the most prominent freedom fighters of India whose philosophy of ahimsa or non-violence led to the independence of India in 1947. Gandhi’s methods of non-violent resistance have inspired countless social movements across the globe.
Furthermore, Gandhi Jayanti serves as a reminder of his core values, which include satya (truth), religious tolerance, aparigraha (non-possession), and ahimsa (non-violence). This day encourages us to reflect on these values and adopt them in our daily lives. On Gandhi Jayanti, various activities are organized across India to honour his memory. These include prayer meetings, cultural programs, seminars, workshops, cleanliness drives, and community service activities.
Also Read: Long Gandhi Jayanti Speech
Maha Saptami: 10 October 2024
Maha Saptami marks the beginning of the major festivities within the Navratri period. This day symbolises the commencement of the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura. Thus, on this day practising Hindus celebrate the triumph of good over evil, highlighting the power of divine Shakti. Also, Maha Saptami is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures.
To celebrate this auspicious day, schools in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha designate this day as a holiday. Also, schools in Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana keep their gates closed to enable students to celebrate Navratri with their friends and family. To enjoy Maha Saptami, people visit pandals, take part in folk dances and music performances, indulge in feasting, undertake fasting, and participate in community celebrations. The mode of celebration might differ from region to region, but the festive season takes over the minds of practitioners.
Also Read: Top 20 Navratri Quotes, Wishes and Messages
Maha Ashtami: 11 October 2024
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is not universally recognized as a school holiday in India. In some states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha, Maha Ashtami coincides with Dussehra, the final day of Navratri celebrating Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. These states typically declare Dussehra as a school holiday, indirectly including Maha Ashtami. Other states might not grant separate holidays for Maha Ashtami or Dussehra.
Just like Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami is marked by elaborate pujas, fasting, and cultural activities. It is a day to celebrate the significance of good deeds and condemnation of evil desires.
Also Read: Top 9 Navratri Outfit Ideas to Wear
Just like Maha Saptami and Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami has different forms of celebration in different states. Also, the school holiday on this day depends if Dussehra is declared a school holiday or not. Some states like Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate Navami separately as it also signifies the birth of Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Durga. Whereas, states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Odisha grant a holiday on Navami as a part of the Durga Puja holiday.
Also Read: 9 Days of Navratri Devi Names, Their Significance and More
Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra: 13 October 2024
Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra holds great importance among practising Hindus of India and is often celebrated as a school holiday. This day commemorates the triumph of good over evil, marking the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana or Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Across different regions, Dussehra coincides with the culmination of Navratri.
The number of Dussehra holidays declared for schools can vary across states. Some observe both the ninth and tenth days (Maha Navami and Vijayadashami), while others might grant just one day off. Regional traditions and cultural significance influence these decisions.
Also Read: 2-minute Speech on Dussehra in English
Valmiki Jayanti and Lakshmi Puja: 17 October 2024
Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered sage and poet who wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is observed annually on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically falls in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar.
Valmiki is considered the “Adi Kavi” (First Poet) in Sanskrit literature and the Ramayana. His literary works teach us lessons about dharma, duty, righteousness, and perseverance. Also, he championed social justice through his literary works. Owing to his range of writings, he is an inspiration to aspiring writers and poets.
Also Read: Essay on Bhimrao Ambedkar in 500 Words
Diwali: 31 October 2024
Diwali or the Festival of Lights is widely observed as a school holiday in India. This festival marks several religious occasions across different regions. It honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after exile, and the victory of good over evil in various legends. Many families associate the day with prayer, rituals, and spending time together, making a school holiday desirable.
Diwali is celebrated with elaborate decorations, lighting displays, rangoli art, traditional sweets, and festive gatherings. School holidays allow students to fully participate in these cultural traditions and connect with their heritage. Thus, the Festival of Lights promotes community spirit through exchanging gifts, attending social events, and strengthening family ties.
Also Read: Essay on Diwali in English: Samples 100, 150, 250, and 500 Words
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