A Guide to October's Festivals: Celebrating Hindu Traditions

October is a month brimming with vibrant Hindu festivals that embody spirituality and cultural significance. From the radiant full moon of Sharad Purnima to the illuminating celebration of Diwali, this month offers a unique opportunity to explore traditions that promote peace, prosperity, and happiness. Each festival—from Navami to Govardhan Puja—carries deep-rooted meanings and rituals that connect communities and individuals to their spiritual heritage. 

Table of Contents

1. Celebrating October: A Month of Divine Festivals
2. Sharad Purnima: Embracing the Full Moon's Blessings (October 17, 2024)
3. Navami: Honouring the Divine Feminine (October 12, 2024)
4. Vijayadashami: The Triumph of Good Over Evil (October 13, 2024)
5. Ekadashi: A Day of Spiritual Reflection and Fasting (October 25, 2024)
6. Dhanteras: Welcoming Wealth and Prosperity (October 28-29, 2024)
7. Diwali: The Festival of Lights and New Beginnings (October 31, 2024)
8. Govardhan Puja: Celebrating Divine Protection (November 2, 2024)
9. Conclusion: The Spiritual Essence of October’s Celebrations

Celebrating October: A Month of Divine Festivals

Ties have special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Our Teej festivals are celebrated according to these. Tithi is a major part of the Panchang which is decided according to the position and degrees of the moon. The month of October is very important from the religious point of view as many major festivals and fasts fall in this month. Let us know the major dates coming in October 2024 and their religious significance.

Sharad Purnima: Embracing the Full Moon's Blessings (October 17, 2024)

Sharad Purnima is considered very auspicious in Hinduism. On this day the moon is in its fullness and its light is considered to be especially beneficial on earth. On this day, kheer is made at night and kept under the open sky, which is consumed as prasad the next morning. It is also considered special for Lakshmi Puja.

Navami: Honouring the Divine Feminine (October 12, 2024)

Durga Puja concludes on the Navami of Sharadiya Navratri. On this day, Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. Kanya Puja is also performed on the day of Navami in which nine girls are fed and blessings are taken.

Vijayadashami: The Triumph of Good Over Evil (October 13, 2024)

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major festival of Hinduism. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana which is celebrated as Ravana Dahan. Arms worship also has significance on Vijayadashami.

Ekadashi: A Day of Spiritual Reflection and Fasting (October 25, 2024)

Papankusha Ekadashi is considered a very important fast. By fasting on this day, all the sins of a person are destroyed and he attains salvation. Lord Vishnu is specially worshipped on Ekadashi.

Dhanteras: Welcoming Wealth and Prosperity (October 28-29, 2024)

Dhanteras is celebrated as the beginning of the Diwali festival. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari are worshipped on this day. People buy new utensils, jewellery and money on this day which brings prosperity and happiness to their home.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights and New Beginnings (October 31, 2024)

The festival of Diwali symbolises moving from darkness to light. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and houses are decorated with lamps. The day of Diwali is very important for traders and householders as it is considered a festival of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali is celebrated on Pradosh Vyapini Amavasya. Udaya Tithi has nothing to do with it. Amavasya starts with the sunset on October 31 and Pradosh Kaal is happening till 5:13 pm on November 1. Therefore, the date of Amavasya will be considered as October 31.

Govardhan Puja: Celebrating Divine Protection (November 2, 2024)

On the day of Govardhan Puja, Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul from the wrath of Indra by lifting Govardhan mountain. On this day, Govardhan mountain is worshipped and Annakut Prasad is organised. It is believed that by the festivals celebrated on these dates and the special worship rituals associated with them, a person achieves spiritual and spiritual development.

Conclusion: The Spiritual Essence of October’s Celebrations

According to the Vedic calendar, this year the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha falling in the month of Kartik is starting from 06:16 pm on 1 November 2024. It will end the next day on 2 November at 08:21 pm. In such a situation, on the basis of Udayatithi, the festival of Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on 2 November 2024.

The auspicious time of Govardhan Puja on 2 November 2024 is from 6 am to 8 am. After this, worship can also be done between 03:23 minutes to 05:35 minutes in the afternoon. On this day, people make idols of Govardhan mountain and Lord Shri Krishna in their homes, which is duly worshipped in the evening. Along with this, Kadhi and Annakut rice are offered to the Lord.