The Hindu Festival Calendar October 2026 is packed with important religious festivals, vrat, Ekadashi and traditional observances. The month begins with the final days of Pitru Paksha and then moves into the festive season with Sharad Navratri, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Dussehra.
Later in the month, devotees will observe Papankusha Ekadashi, Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth. According to recent festival calendars, Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, while Dussehra falls on October 20.
Hindu Festival Calendar October 2026
Here are some of the major Hindu festivals and religious observances in October 2026:
| Date | Day | Festival / Observance |
|---|---|---|
| October 6 | Tuesday | Indira Ekadashi |
| October 8 | Thursday | Masik Shivratri |
| October 10 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya |
| October 11 | Sunday | Sharad Navratri Begins |
| October 16 | Friday | Saraswati Avahan |
| October 17 | Saturday | Saraswati Puja |
| October 19 | Monday | Durga Ashtami & Maha Navami |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Vijayadashami / Dussehra |
| October 22 | Thursday | Papankusha Ekadashi |
| October 25 | Sunday | Kojagara Puja / Sharad Purnima |
| October 29 | Thursday | Karwa Chauth |
Dates can vary slightly by location and regional Panchang traditions, particularly for tithi-based rituals and puja timings.
Indira Ekadashi – October 6, 2026
Indira Ekadashi falls on October 6. Ekadashi fasting is traditionally observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu. Devotees may keep a fast, perform Vishnu Puja and recite religious texts according to their family traditions.
Masik Shivratri – October 8
Masik Shivratri will be observed on October 8. Devotees traditionally worship Lord Shiva and perform Shivling Abhishek during the night. The Nishita Kaal is considered an important period for Shivratri worship.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya – October 10
Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya in several traditions, falls on October 10. It marks the concluding phase of Pitru Paksha. Many families perform ancestral rituals, tarpan and other customary observances on this day.
Sharad Navratri Begins – October 11
One of the biggest highlights of the month is Sharad Navratri, beginning on October 11.
The nine-day festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The first day is associated with Maa Shailputri, followed by Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
The Government of India’s Incredible India platform also lists Navratri celebrations from October 11 to 19.
There has been some confusion about October 10 and October 11 because the Pratipada tithi begins on the night of October 10. However, the first Navratri and Ghatasthapana are observed on October 11 according to the commonly followed calendar.
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami – October 19
October 19 is especially important because Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami are listed together in several 2026 calendars.
Devotees may perform special Durga Puja, havan and Kanya Puja according to their regional and family traditions.
Dussehra 2026 – October 20
Vijayadashami or Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20.
The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. In many parts of India, the day is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while Shakti traditions also connect Vijayadashami with Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
The Government of India’s national holiday calendar lists Dussehra on October 20, 2026.
Papankusha Ekadashi – October 22
Papankusha Ekadashi falls on October 22. Devotees traditionally observe fasting and worship Lord Vishnu on this Ekadashi.
Sharad Purnima – October 25
Sharad Purnima, also called Kojagiri or Kojagara Purnima in different regions, will be observed on October 25.
The full moon is traditionally considered spiritually significant. In several parts of India, devotees perform Lakshmi-related worship and prepare traditional milk or kheer offerings.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Government of India’s Incredible India portal lists Kojagiri Mahotsav in Sagar on October 25, featuring Maha Aarti and Deepdaan at Lakha Banjara Lake.
Karwa Chauth – October 29
The month concludes with Karwa Chauth on October 29. Traditionally observed by many married Hindu women, the vrat involves fasting and evening worship, with the Moon playing an important role in the customary rituals.
October 2026: A Major Hindu Festival Month
October 2026 brings together several important phases of the Hindu religious calendar—from the conclusion of Pitru Paksha to Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth.
For devotees planning puja, fasting or other time-sensitive rituals, it is advisable to check the local Panchang because exact tithi, sunrise, moonrise and muhurat timings can vary by city.
Conclusion
The Hindu Festival Calendar October 2026 is especially significant because the month contains some of India’s most widely celebrated festivals. Navratri begins on October 11, Dussehra falls on October 20, Sharad Purnima is on October 25 and Karwa Chauth is on October 29.
From fasting and temple worship to Garba, Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations, October 2026 will be an important month for Hindu religious and cultural traditions across India.