Important Days And Dates In OCTOBER
According to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, October is the tenth month and the sixth month to have 31 days in a year, and the eighth month according to the calendar of Romulus. The name October is derived from the Latin and Greek words 'octo' meaning "eight", as it was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar before January and February were added. October is usually associated with spring in some parts of the Southern Hemisphere and autumn in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
In India, October is also known for several holidays and celebrations. It is a month filled with numerous festivals, such as Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October, Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja, which is of great significance to the Hindus and is celebrated enthusiastically.
Gandhi Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated not only in India but also in other parts of the world. While the United Nations also recognised the day as the International Day of Nonviolence, one of Gandhi's visions of nonviolent resistance was a means of bringing about social and political change. He played an instrumental role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, for which Gandhi is revered in India as the "Father of the Nation". Gandhi Jayanti is a day of remembrance and reflection on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings of peace, unity and harmony.
The day marks the birth anniversary of the second Prime Minister of India, the Late Lal Bahadur Shastri. He was born on 2 October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh. His real name was Lal Bahadur Srivastava, and he was designated with the title 'Shastri' during his graduation. People celebrate this day to remember the immense dedication and contribution of Bahadur to the freedom of India. On this day, people adorn the idols of Lal Bahadur Shastri with flowers, garlands and candles. Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti holds a special significance in India and is celebrated with utmost devotion, joy and enthusiasm.
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in different parts of India. In some parts of India, Durga Puja is also known as Navratri, where Navratri is a 9-day festival, and Durga Puja is a 5-day festival. Goddess Durga is worshipped in this festival where it is believed that during this period, the goddess descends on earth with her 4 children. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja is a unified festival where people celebrate this festival with their family and friends.
Dussehra is one of the significant Hindu festivals, which is usually celebrated in October or November across the country. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama destroyed the demon king Ravana; others associate it with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, and some believe the victory of Goddess Durga demon Mahishasur. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped in some places, and Goddess Kali is worshipped in some places on this auspicious festival. The highlight of Dussehra is Ravana Dahan, a symbolic ritual that symbolises the victory of good over evil. People celebrate this day with great joy, enthusiasm and devotion with the exchange of gifts, sweets, and traditional food.
Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by Hindu women. It falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (October–November). It is majorly celebrated in the Northern and Western regions of India.
On this auspicious festival, married women keep a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and prosperity of their husband's life. They are allowed to break their fast after seeing and worshipping the moon.
On the day of Karwa Chauth, women traditionally dress in cultural attire, apply henna on their hands, and perform the rituals before the moonrise.
After the celebration, a meal is also organised, that is enjoyed by family and friends. Karwa Chauth marks the love, devotion and bond between husband and wife, and Hindu married women celebrate it with great enthusiasm and joy.
Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is the first day of the 5 days of the Diwali festival. The word Dhanteras is originated from the Sanskrit word where "Dhan", means wealth, and "teras" represents the thirteenth day. Preceding the Diwali festival, Dhanteras sets people with joy and enthusiasm.
Dhanteras is intertwined with various folklore where some are related to Goddess Lakshmi, some to Lord Dhanvantari and some to Lord Yama. Buying gold, silver or any new item on Dhanteras is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Worshipping Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Yama will bring an abundance of positivity between you and your family.
Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights", is one of the important festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists as well.
It is usually celebrated in October or November based on the Hindu lunar calendar, and in 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, November 31. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
It is a five-day festival that commences with Dhanteras, the second day as Chhoti Diwali, the third day as Diwali, the fourth day as Govardhan Puja and the fifth day as Bhai Dooj.
Each of the five days holds a unique significance and tradition. People decorate their homes with colourful lights and rangolis on this day, as well as burst crackers, exchange gifts and sweets, and enjoy lip-smacking feasts.
Diwali is a festival where families and friends come together to celebrate and spread love, happiness and positivity.
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