October 2025 Holiday Calendar – October 2025 is set to be a treat for those who love long weekends, festive breaks, and travel getaways. As the weather shifts gently toward winter and the air fills with celebration, the month offers an exciting stretch of public holidays many of which fall close together.
For office-goers, students, and travel junkies, October brings a rare chance to unwind without dipping too deep into leave balances. Whether you’re looking to plan a family trip, attend a religious celebration, or just relax, this October calendar will help you make the most of your days off.
Festival Season Begins
The beginning of October brings the first wave of holidays. Gandhi Jayanti, a nationwide public holiday in India, falls on Thursday, October 2nd, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Since it lands on a Thursday, many people may choose to take Friday, October 3rd off, turning it into a four-day weekend if Saturday and Sunday are already non-working days. This small window provides a perfect opportunity for a quick getaway or a peaceful break at home. It also sets the tone for a festive month ahead.
Navratri Takes Over
Starting from Sunday, September 28th and running through Tuesday, October 7th, Navratri spans nine nights of devotion, dance, and celebration. While not every day is a public holiday, states like Gujarat, West Bengal, and Maharashtra observe certain days with full or partial holidays, especially for Dussehra preparations. October 5th and 6th, falling on Sunday and Monday, can act as a bridge for those observing the festivities, making it a long and spiritually significant weekend.
Dussehra Brings Joy
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, October 7th. As a pan-India public holiday, it commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolized through the stories of Lord Ram and Goddess Durga. This year, with Dussehra on a Tuesday, many people will consider taking Monday, October 6th off to create a four-day holiday stretch starting from Saturday. Cultural events, family gatherings, and temple visits dominate this time, making it both restful and festive.
Midweek Break Bonus
Mid-October offers a brief pause with Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja, typically observed in southern and eastern parts of India. In 2025, these are expected to fall on October 6th and 7th respectively, coinciding with Dussehra. For people in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Odisha, this creates a powerful midweek break that blends spiritual observance with family bonding time. Offices, schools, and shops often remain closed, encouraging communities to come together in prayer and celebration.
Eid Celebration Alert
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, is expected to fall on Sunday, October 12th in 2025, depending on the lunar calendar. Although it lands on a Sunday, some states might observe an additional day off on Monday, especially where this day holds cultural and religious importance. This slight extension can offer a relaxing weekend for those observing the festival, and a quiet pause for others before the Diwali rush begins.
Diwali Countdown Starts
As the month progresses, the anticipation of Diwali intensifies. This year, Diwali falls on Wednesday, October 29th, but the celebrations typically start days in advance. Dhanteras, which kicks off the five-day festival, will fall on Monday, October 27th. Offices and schools often begin winding down, and families get busy with shopping, cleaning, and decorating. For many, this means taking casual leaves on October 28th and 30th to create a full week of celebration.
Diwali Lights Shine
Wednesday, October 29th marks the main Diwali holiday, one of the most awaited festivals in India. It’s a national holiday, and even the most fast-paced cities slow down to celebrate. Homes are illuminated with diyas, crackers light up the sky, and families come together for prayers and feasts. Some organizations offer extended breaks for the entire Diwali week, while others provide optional leaves, especially on Bhai Dooj, which falls on Friday, October 31st this year.
Extended Weekend Opportunity
With Diwali falling on a Wednesday and Bhai Dooj on Friday, there’s a strong temptation to take Thursday, October 30th off, creating a five-day weekend from Wednesday to Sunday. This is ideal for outstation travel or simply enjoying time at home with family. Travel operators often see a spike in bookings around this time, and many people plan holidays months in advance to make the most of this consecutive holiday run.
School Break Begins
For students, October 2025 becomes even more exciting. Most schools, particularly in central and northern India, give a Diwali vacation that spans 7 to 10 days, sometimes longer. Parents often plan family trips or visits to grandparents during this time. The break also gives children a well-earned pause before the pre-winter academic push begins in November. Educational institutions align their schedules to match the festive mood, making it a relaxed and joyful time for families.
Travel Demand Peaks
With so many holidays clustered together, October sees a sharp increase in travel demand. Tourist destinations, especially hill stations, beaches, and religious sites, report higher footfall. Trains, buses, and flights may get booked out weeks in advance, and hotel prices tend to surge. If you’re planning to travel during any of the extended weekends, early booking is not just a good idea it’s a necessity. The festive spirit combined with ideal weather makes October a dream month for travelers.
Plan Smartly Now
To truly enjoy October 2025, planning is key. Review your office leave calendar, school schedules, and travel options in advance. By strategically taking one or two casual leaves on either side of existing public holidays, you can create multiple long weekends without exhausting your leave balance. It’s the perfect month to strike a balance between celebration and relaxation, without compromising on work or school responsibilities.
Unmissable October Vibes
October 2025 is not just another month it’s a beautifully packed calendar of traditions, joy, and downtime. From Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra to Diwali and Eid, the month flows with cultural richness and personal meaning. Whether you spend it lighting diyas, traveling with family, or simply catching up on rest, this October offers something for everyone. Don’t let these opportunities slip by. Mark your calendar, file your leaves, and prepare to enjoy one of the most festive and fulfilling months of the year.
Disclaimer: The holiday dates mentioned are based on currently available information and may vary by region or official announcements. Please verify local government notifications and calendars before making travel or leave plans to ensure accuracy and avoid any inconvenience.