The month of October 2025 in the Hindu calendar corresponds mainly to the Ashwina (अश्विन) and Kartika (कार्तिक) months of the Vikram Samvat 2082. This period falls under the Sharad Ritu (autumn season) and is one of the most significant months for Hindus worldwide. It is a time of deep devotion, gratitude, celebration, and spiritual renewal, marked by major festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
The Hindu calendar is a lunar-solar calendar, combining both moon phases (tithi) and solar transits (sankranti). Each festival and vrat in October 2025 carries its own religious, cultural, and astrological importance.
OVERVIEW OF OCTOBER 2025 IN THE HINDU CALENDAR
Lunar Months Covered: Ashwina and Kartika
Vikram Samvat: 2082
Season (Ritu): Sharad Ritu (Autumn Season)
Sun Transit (Sankranti): Kanya to Tula – Tula Sankranti occurs on October 17, 2025
Paksha Periods:
Ashwina Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase) – early October
Kartika Krishna Paksha (Waning phase) – mid-October
Kartika Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase) – late October
MAJOR FESTIVALS AND RELIGIOUS OCCASIONS IN OCTOBER 2025
1 October 2025 – Maha Navami, Saraswati Balidan, Ayudha Puja, Durga Balidan
The ninth day of Navratri, known as Maha Navami, is among the most sacred days in the worship of Goddess Durga. Devotees perform Saraswati Balidan, offering prayers to the Goddess of Wisdom, and in southern India, Ayudha Puja is celebrated by worshipping instruments, tools, and vehicles, symbolizing respect for all forms of work. The ritual of Durga Balidan takes place in Bengal and other eastern regions, marking the symbolic end of evil forces.
2 October 2025 – Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Durga Visarjan, Gandhi Jayanti
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is the celebration of victory—Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. It represents the eternal truth that righteousness always prevails over evil. The day is also observed as Durga Visarjan, when idols of the Goddess are immersed in water, symbolizing her return to Mount Kailash. The same day marks Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reminding devotees of truth and non-violence.
3 October 2025 – Papankusha Ekadashi and Bharat Milap
Papankusha Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a day-long fast and meditate upon Vishnu’s name, seeking liberation from past sins and spiritual merit. In Varanasi, the event of Kashi Bharat Milap is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s reunion with his brother Bharat after 14 years of exile.
4 October 2025 – Shani Trayodashi, Padmanabha Dwadashi, and Pradosh Vrat
This day combines multiple sacred observances. Padmanabha Dwadashi is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu in the form of Padmanabha. Pradosh Vrat, observed during the twilight period, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and grants peace and prosperity. The presence of Shani Trayodashi adds significance, as devotees worship Lord Shani (Saturn) for relief from planetary afflictions.
6 October 2025 – Sharad Purnima, Kojagara Puja, and Satyanarayan Vrat
The full moon of Sharad Purnima is one of the most celebrated nights in the lunar calendar. It is believed that on this night, the moon showers nectar (amrit) on Earth. Devotees perform Kojagara Lakshmi Puja, stay awake all night, and prepare kheer (sweet milk porridge) under moonlight as an offering. Many households perform Satyanarayan Vrat and listen to the katha (story) to invite blessings and harmony.
7 October 2025 – Valmiki Jayanti and Meerabai Jayanti
The day marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the great sage who authored the Ramayana, one of the most revered epics in Hindu literature. It is also celebrated as Meerabai Jayanti, honoring the poet-saint Meerabai, whose life was dedicated to devotion toward Lord Krishna.
10 October 2025 – Karwa Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi
Karwa Chauth is a significant fasting day observed by married women, particularly in North India. They abstain from food and water from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands’ long life and prosperity. The fast is broken upon sighting the moon. On the same day, Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi is observed in honor of Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles from one’s life.
13 October 2025 – Ahoi Ashtami and Kalashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is a vrat observed by mothers for the well-being and long life of their sons. The Ahoi Mata is worshipped during the evening, and stars are offered water after moonrise. Kalashtami, observed on the same day, is dedicated to Lord Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is considered powerful for overcoming fear and negativity.
17 October 2025 – Tula Sankranti, Govatsa Dwadashi, and Rama Ekadashi
Tula Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Libra (Tula Rashi). It signifies balance and harmony in nature. On this day, Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated in many regions, where cows and calves are honored as symbols of nurturing and abundance. Rama Ekadashi, a fast devoted to Lord Vishnu, is observed for spiritual purification and the attainment of divine grace.
18 October 2025 – Dhanteras, Yama Deepam, and Pradosh Vrat
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and good health. It is customary to buy gold, silver, or utensils on this day as a symbol of auspicious beginnings. Yama Deepam is observed by lighting lamps for Lord Yama, the deity of death, seeking protection and peace for ancestors. The Pradosh Vrat adds additional sanctity to the day.
19 October 2025 – Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja, and Masik Shivaratri
Kali Chaudas, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is observed a day before Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Kali or Lord Hanuman to eliminate negativity and fear. It is believed that an early morning oil bath before sunrise removes impurities and evil influences. The day also includes Masik Shivaratri, a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva.
20 October 2025 – Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, and Sharda Puja
The day of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights celebrated across India with great enthusiasm. Homes are decorated with lamps, rangolis, and flowers. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The night symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is also the day of Kali Puja in Bengal and Deepavali in Tamil Nadu. Sharda Puja and Kedar Gauri Vrat are also performed, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Parvati respectively.
22 October 2025 – Govardhan Puja, Annakut, and Gujarati New Year
The day following Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakut, commemorating Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. Devotees prepare and offer various food items to the deity. It also marks the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas), a day for new beginnings and business prosperity.
23 October 2025 – Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja
Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform tilak ceremonies and pray for their brothers’ longevity and success. The day is also dedicated to Chitragupta Puja, honoring the divine record keeper of human deeds.
25 October 2025 – Nagula Chavithi and Vinayaka Chaturthi
On Nagula Chavithi, devotees worship serpents (nagas), symbolizing fertility, protection, and strength. Vinayaka Chaturthi is also observed for Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and bless new ventures.
26 October 2025 – Labh Panchami
Labh Panchami is considered an auspicious day for reopening business accounts after Diwali. The word “Labh” means benefit, and worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha brings good fortune and progress.
27 October 2025 – Chhath Puja, Soora Samharam, and Skanda Shashti
Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizing purity and gratitude. Devotees fast and offer arghya (water offering) to the setting and rising sun. In Tamil Nadu, Soora Samharam and Skanda Shashti are observed to commemorate Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman.
29 October 2025 – Jalaram Bapa Jayanti and Kartika Ashtahnika Begins
This day marks the birth anniversary of Saint Jalaram Bapa, revered in Gujarat for his devotion and charity. The Kartika Ashtahnika Parva also begins for followers of Jainism.
30 October 2025 – Gopashtami and Masik Durgashtami
Gopashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s transition from tending calves to herding cows, symbolizing maturity and responsibility. Devotees perform Gau Puja (Cow Worship) on this day. Masik Durgashtami is also observed for Goddess Durga’s blessings and protection.
31 October 2025 – Akshaya Navami and Jagaddhatri Puja
Akshaya Navami is regarded as the day when Satya Yuga began. Any religious act performed on this day brings unending spiritual merit. In Bengal, Jagaddhatri Puja is performed with grandeur, celebrating another manifestation of Goddess Durga as the sustainer of the universe.
IMPORTANT VRATS AND LUNAR DATES IN OCTOBER 2025
October 3 – Papankusha Ekadashi: Fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu for spiritual purification.
October 4 – Pradosh Vrat: Observed in honor of Lord Shiva during the twilight period.
October 6 – Sharad Purnima Vrat: Full moon fast for Goddess Lakshmi and divine blessings.
October 10 – Sankashti Chaturthi: Fast for Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and hardships.
October 13 – Ahoi Ashtami: Observed by mothers for the well-being of their children.
October 17 – Rama Ekadashi: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu for liberation and peace.
October 18 – Dhanteras / Pradosh Vrat: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva for prosperity.
October 19 – Masik Shivaratri: Monthly fast and night worship of Lord Shiva.
October 21 – Diwali / Darsha Amavasya: Festival of lights celebrating victory of good over evil.
October 23 – Bhai Dooj: Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
October 27 – Chhath Puja: Worship of the Sun God for health, prosperity, and gratitude.
October 30 – Gopashtami: Cow worship symbolizing devotion and prosperity.
October 31 – Akshaya Navami: Day of eternal merit marking the start of Satya Yuga.
ASTRONOMICAL AND ASTROLOGICAL DETAILS
Ganda Mool Nakshatra Periods:
October 7 (04:01) to October 8 (22:44)
October 15 (12:00) to October 17 (13:57)
October 25 (07:51) to October 27 (13:27)
Sunrise and Sunset Timings:
Sunrise ranges between 6:22 AM and 6:35 AM
Sunset ranges between 6:10 PM and 5:45 PM
Lunar Phases:
Full Moon (Purnima): October 6
New Moon (Amavasya): October 21
The month of October 2025 in the Hindu calendar is one of devotion, thanksgiving, and spiritual rejuvenation. From the grand celebrations of Navratri and Dussehra to the luminous Diwali and sacred Chhath Puja, each festival embodies a distinct facet of India’s religious and cultural richness. The sequence of vrats, pujas, and rituals encourages self-discipline, moral balance, and an appreciation for the eternal cycles of nature.
This month’s spiritual energy symbolizes the victory of truth over untruth, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
As the diyas of Diwali illuminate homes and hearts, may October 2025 bring light, prosperity, and inner peace to all.
