Fairs and Festivals in October in India

Here is a curated list of Fairs and Festivals in October in India: 2017. These celebrations from different corners of the country give us a reason to travel and cherish the experience.

1. Yemshe Festival

When: Last week of September - First week of October

Where: Kohima, Nagaland

Yemshe is the main festival of the Pochury tribe (Source)

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.

The celebration of the Yemshe with rituals is called the small Yemshe, when a rich family hosts the ritual Purification feast. The feast continues and there are a number of rituals and specific arrangements that are made until the last day of the feast which is the feast cleansing day.

2. Durga Puja

When: October 20- 24, 2023

Where: Various parts of India

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.

3. Mysore Dasara

When: October 15– 24, 2023

Where: Mysore, Karnataka

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.

4. Jodhpur RIFF- Rajasthan International Folk Festival

When:  October 25 – 30, 2023

Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Website: http://www.jodhpurriff.org/

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.

Are you travelling this month? Here is the list of Best places to visit in October in India.

Relevant Links:

Fairs and Festivals in February in India

Fairs and Festivals in March in India

Fairs and Festivals in April in India

Fairs and Festivals in May in India

Fairs and Festivals in June in India

Fairs and Festivals in July in India

Fairs and Festivals in August in India

Fairs and Festivals in September in India 

Fairs and Festivals in October in India

Fairs and Festivals in November in India

Fairs and Festivals in December in India