India is a land where every month is marked by celebrations, rituals, and traditions. Among all, September and October stand out as two of the most festive months of the year. The season brings together the joy of harvest festivals, the devotion of Navratri, the grandeur of Durga Puja, and the cultural significance of Dussehra. Whether you are a traveler seeking vibrant cultural experiences, or someone looking to understand India’s diverse traditions, this period offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Indian festivities.
The months of September and October not only highlight religious observances but also showcase the unity of India’s diversity. From Kerala’s Onam to Odisha’s Nuakhai, and from Gujarat’s Garba nights during Navratri to West Bengal’s artistic Durga Puja pandals, every corner of the country glows with unique traditions. In this article, we bring you a complete festival calendar for September and October 2025 with detailed insights into each celebration.
Festivals in September 2025
September marks the transition from monsoon to autumn in India, a time when nature feels refreshed and communities come together to celebrate harvests, devotion, and prosperity. From Kerala’s world-famous Onam to Odisha’s agrarian festival of Nuakhai, this month is filled with vibrant traditions. Below is a detailed look at all major festivals of September 2025 in India.
1. Nuakhai (1 September 2025)
Region: Western Odisha, Chhattisgarh border areas
Nuakhai, literally meaning “new food,” is the agrarian festival of Western Odisha where farmers offer the first harvest of paddy to the local deity. It is a time of gratitude, family reunions, and cultural performances. Households prepare traditional dishes, exchange greetings called Nuakhai Juhar, and celebrate with folk songs and Sambalpuri dances.
Travel Insight: Sambalpur and Bargarh are the best destinations to experience Nuakhai, where large community gatherings and cultural programs showcase the rich tribal and folk heritage of Odisha.
2. Anant Chaturdashi (5 September 2025)
Region: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh
Anant Chaturdashi is the concluding day of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It marks the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols in rivers and seas amidst chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya. Devotees also worship Lord Vishnu in his infinite form (Anant). The festival beautifully blends devotion, rituals, and a grand public spectacle.
Travel Insight: Mumbai’s Girgaon Chowpatty and Pune’s riversides are iconic spots to witness massive Ganpati processions, drums, dance, and fireworks on this day.
3. Onam (5 – 14 September 2025)
Region: Kerala
Onam is Kerala’s grand harvest festival celebrated over ten days. It is linked with the return of the mythical King Mahabali and showcases Kerala’s cultural richness. The highlights include Pookalam (floral rangolis), Vallamkali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), and the grand vegetarian feast known as Onam Sadya served on banana leaves.
Travel Insight: To experience the best of Onam, visit Kochi, Thrissur, or Alleppey for snake boat races, and villages across Kerala for authentic Sadya feasts and folk dances. Tourists also love exploring Kerala’s backwaters during this festive season.
4. Milad-un-Nabi / Eid-e-Milad (7 September 2025)
Region: Pan India, especially Hyderabad, Lucknow, Bhopal
This festival commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees participate in processions, distribute food to the poor, and engage in prayers and community gatherings. The celebration emphasizes values of compassion, peace, and charity.
Travel Insight: Hyderabad’s old city and Lucknow’s historic mosques are among the best places to witness Eid-e-Milad processions and Islamic devotional gatherings.
5. Vishwakarma Puja (17 September 2025)
Region: Eastern & Northern India (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh)
Dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, this festival is especially significant for artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and factory workers. Workplaces, factories, and shops are decorated, and tools, machines, and vehicles are worshipped for prosperity and safety.
Travel Insight: Kolkata and Ranchi witness widespread celebrations, with workshops and industries conducting rituals to honor the divine architect.
Other Observances in September 2025
- Ganesh Visarjan (5 September 2025): The final day of Ganesh Chaturthi marked by idol immersion ceremonies across India.
- Kalamassery Agricultural Festival (26 August – 2 September 2025, Kerala): A blend of agriculture, cultural programs, and exhibitions near Kochi.
- Vizag Food Festival (5 – 7 September 2025, Andhra Pradesh): A coastal food carnival showcasing diverse cuisines and cultural acts.
Festivals in October 2025
October is considered the heart of India’s festive season. With the arrival of autumn, the air is filled with devotion, rituals, and cultural gatherings. The month is dominated by Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra—festivals that symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Alongside these, October also brings Karwa Chauth, Sharad Purnima, and Valmiki Jayanti, which hold strong cultural and spiritual significance.
1. Navratri (21 – 29 October 2025)
Region: Gujarat, Maharashtra, North India
Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. Each day is devoted to a different avatar of the Goddess, with rituals, fasting, and devotional songs. The festival is most famous for the vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dance nights in Gujarat, and elaborate temple rituals across northern India.
Travel Insight: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are the best cities to experience Navratri in Gujarat, while Mumbai also hosts massive Garba nights. In North India, Varanasi and Delhi’s temples offer a deeply spiritual Navratri experience.
2. Durga Puja (21 – 29 October 2025)
Region: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha
Durga Puja, coinciding with Navratri, is the biggest cultural festival in eastern India. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is famous for its pandals (artistic temporary structures), elaborate clay idols, cultural performances, and community feasts. The final day, Vijaya Dashami, is marked with immersion of idols and emotional farewells.
Travel Insight: Kolkata is the epicenter of Durga Puja, with thousands of pandals showcasing incredible creativity. Silchar, Agartala, and Cuttack also host major celebrations with artistic displays and lights.
3. Karwa Chauth (6 October 2025)
Region: North India (Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh)
Karwa Chauth is a festival where married women observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon. Women dress in traditional attire, apply henna, and gather for prayers in the evening.
Travel Insight: Best observed in Punjab and Delhi, where the cultural and social aspects of Karwa Chauth are celebrated with enthusiasm in both households and community gatherings.
4. Sharad Purnima / Kojagiri Purnima (6 October 2025)
Region: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Bengal
Sharad Purnima marks the bright full moon night of autumn and is associated with the belief that moonlight has special healing properties on this night. Families prepare kheer (rice pudding) and leave it under the moonlight to absorb its essence. In Bengal, it is celebrated as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.
Travel Insight: Nashik, Pune, and Kolkata are popular cities to experience Sharad Purnima rituals, with community prayers and cultural gatherings.
5. Valmiki Jayanti (9 October 2025)
Region: Pan India (esp. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi)
Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana. Devotees take out processions, hold prayers, and read excerpts from the Ramayana. The festival also emphasizes literature and the moral teachings of the epic.
Travel Insight: Ayodhya and Varanasi hold special significance during Valmiki Jayanti with temple rituals and cultural programs.
6. Dussehra / Vijayadashami (30 October 2025)
Region: Nationwide
Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In many parts of India, the festival concludes with the burning of large effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, accompanied by fireworks. In Mysuru, Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated as a royal festival with grand processions and decorated elephants.
Travel Insight: Mysuru, Varanasi, Kota, and Delhi are among the best destinations to experience Dussehra in unique styles—ranging from royal processions to dramatic Ramlila performances.
Quick Festival Calendar – October 2025
| Date | Festival | Where Celebrated |
|---|---|---|
| 6 October 2025 | Karwa Chauth | North India (Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, UP) |
| 6 October 2025 | Sharad Purnima / Kojagiri Purnima | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bengal, Odisha |
| 9 October 2025 | Valmiki Jayanti | Pan India (UP, Bihar, Delhi) |
| 21 – 29 October 2025 | Navratri | Gujarat, Maharashtra, North India |
| 21 – 29 October 2025 | Durga Puja | West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha |
| 30 October 2025 | Dussehra / Vijayadashami | Nationwide (esp. Mysuru, Varanasi, Delhi, Kota) |
Conclusion
September and October 2025 will be a vibrant time for India, where every state celebrates its unique cultural heritage through festivals of devotion, harvest, and tradition. From Kerala’s world-famous Onam and West Bengal’s grand Durga Puja to Gujarat’s lively Navratri Garba and the nationwide celebrations of Dussehra, these months beautifully showcase India’s diversity. Festivals not only bring communities together but also attract travelers from around the world who wish to witness the colorful tapestry of Indian traditions. Whether you are a devotee, a culture enthusiast, or a traveler, September and October are truly the best months to experience India at its most festive spirit.
Discover the major festivals of September & October 2025 in India. From Onam to Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra, explore rituals, cultural significance, and travel insights in this detailed guide.
Tags: upcoming festivals in india, september festivals india, october festivals india, onam 2025, navratri 2025, durga puja 2025, dussehra 2025, indian culture, indian travel, indian traditions