Bhubaneswar, Sept 29: October 2023 is here, bringing a plethora of festivals and global events to our calendars. It's the perfect time to embark on journeys and celebrate with loved ones. To ensure your vacation plans are well-prepared, it's crucial to be aware of all the significant days in this eventful October.
This October promises to be brimming with remarkable national and international events complete with numerous public holidays and exciting happenings. It guarantees an atmosphere of vibrancy and fun.
Below is a comprehensive list of festivals and events for October 2023:
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti 2023
On October 2, the world observes Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence. This day is marked by various events in India and across the globe.
Affectionately known as "Bapu," Mahatma Gandhi's unwavering commitment to "Swaraj" (self-governance) and "Ahimsa" (non-violence) earned him accolades worldwide. Born in 1869 in the town of Porbandar, Gujarat, he championed non-violent resistance and led the freedom struggle against British colonial rule.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2023
October 2 also marks the birth anniversary of India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, born in 1904 in Uttar Pradesh. A man of simplicity, he assumed office in June 1964 following the passing of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Mr. Shastri was renowned for his honesty and humility throughout his life. He famously coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' during the Indo-China war in 1965. As Prime Minister, he voluntarily ceased drawing his salary during the India-Pakistan War in 1965 when the nation faced a food shortage.
Sharad Navratri 2023
Navratri is celebrated twice a year—once in the spring as Chaitra Navratri and once in the autumn as Sharad or Shardiya Navratri. Sharad Navratri spans nine days in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in the Hindu calendar. The festival begins on October 15 and culminates in Dussehra celebrations on October 24.
Sharad Navratri is dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. The festival represents a period of devout worship, with each day carrying special significance.
Durga Puja 2023
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsav, is a five-day celebration starting on Shashti and concluding on Vijayadashami. These five days—Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami—are characterized by decorated homes, new attire, worship of Goddess Durga, and a jubilant atmosphere.
Beyond welcoming their beloved daughter, Durga, the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting demon, Mahishasura.
Dussehra 2023
Dussehra, also referred to as Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated annually to commemorate the victory of good over evil when Lord Ram defeated Ravana. The term "Dussehra" derives from two Sanskrit words—'dasha,' meaning ten, and 'hara,' signifying defeat. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation, often involving the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath.
According to Hindu mythology, this day marks Lord Rama's conquest over Ravana, the ten-headed King of Lanka. Each of Ravana's ten heads symbolizes distinct qualities, including pride, hate, lust, fear, attachment, anger, ego, greed, insensibility, and envy.
In October 2023, these festivals and events offer a vibrant collection of cultural celebrations, historical commemorations, and spiritual observances to enjoy and participate in.
