Festivals in October (2024) I Holidify

October 2025 offers a diverse array of festivals and events across India, Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, attracting Indian travelers seeking unique cultural and natural experiences. Here are some notable events:

Festivals in October: India

1. Yemshe Festival

Celebrated by the Pochury tribe of Nagaland, Yemshe Festival is a harvest festival which starts from the last week of September to the first week of October where all the Pouchuries come together to celebrate the year’s hard work with fun and frolic. The village spokesman announces the arrival of the Yemshe festival after which the arrangements and festivities begin. The head of the family perform the rituals of the Yemshe Festival whose materials are then fastened to the entrance of each house. Couples exchange gifts and indulge in feasts and wine. This is called the Big Yemshe when people get to know each other and also get engaged.

When: Last week of September - First week of October
Where: Kohima, Nagaland

2. Durga Puja

Durga Puja: Fairs and Festivals in October in India: 2017

Decorated pandals with sculptures of Durga (Source)

Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals in India. Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The best place to witness the festival in West Bengal, especially Kolkata. Durga Puja in Kolkata is a carnival. The festivities are grand here. One could go ‘pandal-hopping‘ here for there are beautifully decorated pandals with idols of Durga all around the city. Read more about Durga Puja celebrations in the City of Joy here.

When: 28 September – 2 October, 2025
Where: Various parts of India

3. Mysore Dasara

Mysore Palace during Dasara Indian Festivals in October 2017

Mysore Palace during the Dasara celebrations (Source)

The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace which is illuminated with nearly 1 lakh light bulbs on all days of the festival. Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of Karnataka are performed. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and is the most important part of the Dasara celebrations. Mysore Dasara is celebrated during the Navratas.

When: 22 September - 2 October, 2025
Where: Mysore, Karnataka

4. Jodhpur RIFF- Rajasthan International Folk Festival

India Fairs and Festivals in October 2015

Mehrangarh Fort forms the backdrop for some mesmerizing performances at RIFF (Source)

Jodhpur RIFF is a partnership project involving two of India’s leading heritage trusts: Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation. The festival has been endorsed by UNESCO as a “Peoples’ Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.” The festival brings together local folk artists and musicians from across the globe at the spectacular fort in the Blue City, the Mehrangarh Fort. Check out their website for updates.

When: 2 - 6 October 2025
Where: Mehrangarh fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Website: http://www.jodhpurriff.org/

5. Pushkar Fair, India

One of the world's largest camel fairs, this event combines livestock trading with cultural festivities, including folk music, dances, and competitions like the longest mustache and camel races. Travelers can stay in nearby accommodations or luxury tents set up for the fair. Engaging with local artisans and attending cultural performances offers an immersive experience.

When: 30 October – 5 November, 2025
Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan

6. Diwali, India

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), and fireworks light up the sky. Families perform rituals, exchange sweets, and decorate their homes with rangoli designs. In cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, public events and illuminations are particularly spectacular.

When: 21 October, 2025
Where: Nationwide, India

Festivals in October: Worldwide

7. Oktoberfest, Germany

A man drinking beer in Oktoberfest — Source

The world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest features traditional Bavarian music, dance, food, and, of course, beer. Visitors enjoy a variety of beers in large tents, each offering a unique atmosphere. Entry to the festival grounds is free, but reserving a table in the beer tents is recommended. Traditional attire like lederhosen and dirndls enhance the experience.