October 2026 is the festival highlight of the Hindu calendar — opening with grand Dussehra (Oct 2), continuing through the divine moonlight of Sharad Purnima (Oct 5), and the sacred Karthika Masam beginning on Tula Sankranti (Oct 17). The month closes with the deeply moving Karwa Chauth (Oct 28) — married women's fast for husband's long life.

Complete October 2026 Hindu Festivals & Vrat Calendar

DateDayFestival / VratSignificance
Oct 1ThuMahanavami (Navratri Day 9)Devi Siddhidatri puja, Maha-arati
Oct 2FriDussehra / VijayadashamiVictory of dharma; Ravana Dahan
Oct 5MonSharad Purnima / Kojagari Puja + Valmiki JayantiLakshmi visits, divine moonlight; Adi Kavi honored
Oct 7WedKarthika Krishna Paksha beginsWaning moon phase of Karthika
Oct 12MonSankashti ChaturthiGanesha removes obstacles
Oct 17SatTula Sankranti + Karthika Masam beginsSun enters Libra (sidereal); Karthika month
Oct 19MonFirst Karthika SomavaramShiva fasting Monday
Oct 26MonSecond Karthika SomavaramShiva fasting Monday
Oct 27TuePadmini EkadashiVishnu fasting
Oct 28WedKarwa ChauthMarried women fast for husband's long life
Nov 2MonAhoi Ashtami (early Nov)Mothers fast for children's welfare
Nov 5ThuKarthika Pournami (early Nov)Deepotsavam — most sacred Karthika day

1. Dussehra / Vijayadashami — October 2, 2026 (Friday)

Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Major events: Ravana Dahan (effigy burning), weapon worship (Ayudha Puja), Shami tree worship, exchange of gold-coloured leaves. Full guide: Dussehra 2026 Complete Guide.

2. Sharad Purnima / Kojagari Puja — October 5, 2026 (Monday)

Divine night when Lakshmi visits homes that stay awake. Kheer (milk + rice + sugar) is placed under moonlight to absorb the nectar (amrit) said to descend with the full moon rays. Full guide: Sharad Purnima 2026 Kojagari.

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3. Valmiki Jayanti — October 5, 2026

Honors Maharishi Valmiki, the Adi Kavi (first poet) who composed the Ramayana. Special temple visits, recitation of the Bal Kand. Full guide: Valmiki Jayanti 2026.

4. Tula Sankranti — October 17, 2026 (Saturday)

Sun enters Libra (sidereal). Marks the beginning of Karthika Masam — the most spiritually charged month of the year. Daily Karthika Deepam (oil lamp lighting) begins. Full Tula Sankranti guide: Tula Sankranti 2026.

5. Karwa Chauth — October 28, 2026 (Wednesday)

Married Hindu women observe a strict nirjala fast from sunrise until moonrise — the moon is sighted, then offered water and prayers for husband's long life. Full guide with city-wise moonrise times: Karwa Chauth 2026.

NRI Guidance for October 2026

  • Dussehra livestreams: Vijayadashami Ravana Dahan from Delhi Ramleela, Mysore Dasara, Kullu Dussehra are livestreamed.
  • Sharad Purnima: Place kheer outside on a moonlit balcony or window for 30 minutes — works even in NYC, London, Toronto.
  • Tula Sankranti: Light daily Karthika Deepam (oil lamp or ghee diya) starting Oct 17 for full Karthika month blessings.
  • Karwa Chauth: NRI city-wise moonrise times vary widely (NYC: ~8 PM EDT; LA: ~7 PM PDT; London: ~8 PM BST). Always verify locally.
  • Karwa Chauth Sargi: Pre-dawn meal traditionally sent by mother-in-law; NRIs can have video call sargi rituals.

Jai Maa Durga | Om Karthikeyaya Namah