Important Days in October 2025: National and International Dates List

October is a month rich with observances, celebrations, and awareness campaigns around the world. From commemorations of peace and nonviolence to festivals of light and cultural faith, the 31 days carry deep meaning for many communities. For students, professionals, or content creators, knowing these important days provides opportunities for learning, reflection, event planning, or thematic content.

In this post, we present a comprehensive list of National and International Important Days in October 2025. We’ll highlight global observances (designated by the United Nations or other global bodies), as well as national and cultural festivals particularly in India (since many readers may relate to them). For each date, we include its significance, possible themes, and suggestions for how individuals or organizations might mark the day.

How This List Is Organized?

• Global / International Days — Observed worldwide, often under UN or NGO backing
• National / Regional / Cultural Observances — Days specific to countries, states, religions, or traditions
• Festivals / Religious Holidays — Especially Indian festivals, since many are in October
• Practical Tips — For remembering, celebrating, creating content, or raising awareness

Overview: Why October Matters

Before diving into the dates, here are a few reasons October is significant:

• It hosts major international awareness days (e.g. World Mental Health Day, UN Day).
• In India, many Hindu festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Govardhan Puja, Chhath fall in October (or overlap with late September / early November).
• It’s also breast cancer awareness month, mental health awareness, food security awareness, etc.
• For content planners or social media managers, October gives chances for themed campaigns (education, health, sustainability, culture).

With that in mind, here is a day-by-day (or grouped) guide to October 2025.

Important Days in October 2025

Below is a curated list (not exhaustive) of key international, national, and cultural observances during October 2025. Dates, observances, and names are based on multiple verified sources.

Date	Observance(s)	Significance / Notes
October 1	International Day of Older Persons World Vegetarian Day International Coffee Day	The UN-designated International Day of Older Persons raises awareness about the issues faced by the elderly, celebrating their contributions to society. World Vegetarian Day promotes plant-based diets and awareness of vegetarian lifestyles. International Coffee Day acknowledges the global coffee industry, farmers, and culture around coffee.
October 2	Gandhi Jayanti (India) International Day of Non-Violence Dussehra / Vijayadashami (some regions)	Gandhi Jayanti marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a national holiday in India, celebrating his contributions to nonviolence and India’s freedom struggle. Also declared International Day of Non-Violence by the UN in memory of Gandhi. Dussehra / Vijayadashami (in many parts) is a Hindu festival marking the victory of good over evil (Rama defeating Ravana).
October 3	World Smile Day (some sources)	Celebrated to promote kindness and smiles. (Less formal / localized)
October 4	World Animal Welfare Day	World Animal Welfare Day advocates for humane treatment of animals and raising awareness of animal rights.
October 5	World Teachers’ Day	Recognizes the essential role of teachers in shaping society. UNESCO and global education bodies observe this day.
October 6	World Habitat Day World Cerebral Palsy Day	World Habitat Day (UN) is often observed to reflect on sustainable habitat, urban planning, and human settlements. World Cerebral Palsy Day raises awareness of cerebral palsy and supports persons with disability.
October 7	World Cotton Day Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti	World Cotton Day is designated by the UN to highlight the importance of cotton and the challenges of the cotton industry. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth of the sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, and is observed in several Indian states.
October 8	Indian Air Force Day	A national observance in India to honor the Air Force’s service and personnel.
October 9	World Post Day Indian Foreign Service Day	World Post Day acknowledges the role of postal services worldwide. Some sources also list Indian Foreign Service Day.
October 10	World Mental Health Day National Post Day	World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health awareness, advocacy, and support. National Post Day (in India) recognizes the postal services.
October 9 to 10	Karva Chauth	Karva Chauth is a traditional Indian festival where married women fast for their husband’s longevity.
October 11	International Day of the Girl Child	Promotes girls’ rights, education, and empowerment globally.
October 12	World Arthritis Day World Sight Day	World Arthritis Day raises awareness about arthritis and rheumatic conditions. World Sight Day focuses on global eye health and vision care.
October 13	UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction	A day to promote awareness and action to reduce natural disaster risks globally.
October 14	World Standards Day	Recognizes the efforts of national and international standards organizations in improving quality, safety, efficiency.
October 15	World Students’ Day Global Handwashing Day World White Cane Day	World Students’ Day commemorates Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s birthday; focuses on student welfare and education. Global Handwashing Day promotes hand hygiene and disease prevention. World White Cane Day advocates for the independence of persons who are visually impaired.
October 16	World Food Day World Anaesthesia Day	World Food Day, supported by the UN FAO, highlights food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture. World Anaesthesia Day recognizes the significance of anesthesiology in healthcare.
October 17	International Day for the Eradication of Poverty	Established by the UN to mobilize global efforts against poverty and promote social inclusion.
October 18	Dhanteras	Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali, celebrating wealth, prosperity, and the purchase of precious items.
October 20	World Statistics Day National Solidarity Day (India)	World Statistics Day emphasizes the importance of data and statistics in policymaking and development. National Solidarity Day in India is observed by some sources (less widely recognized).
October 20/21	Diwali / Deepavali (National Holiday in India)	One of the biggest Hindu festivals, Diwali (Festival of Lights) signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It’s a major holiday celebrated with lamps, fireworks, worship of Goddess Lakshmi, family gatherings.
October 22	Govardhan Puja Vikram Samvat New Year (in Gujarat)	Govardhan Puja (Annakut) is a Hindu observance after Diwali, worshipping Govardhan Hill and Krishna’s protection of villages. In some Gujarati communities, this day also marks the New Year (Vikram Samvat). Some states declare Diwali holiday on this date as well.
October 23	Bhai Dooj	A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, often the second day after Diwali.
October 24	United Nations Day World Polio Day World Development Information Day ITBP Raising Day (India)	United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter and the global mission for peace and cooperation. World Polio Day raises awareness for polio eradication. World Development Information Day highlights dissemination of information for development. ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) Raising Day is observed in India.
October 25 to 28	Chhath Puja	Chhath Puja is a popular Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, observed with fasting and prayers.
October 26	J&K Accession Day (observed in Jammu & Kashmir)	Celebrates the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to the Indian Union in 1947.
October 27	World Day for Audiovisual Heritage	Enlightens public about preserving film, audio recordings, television, radio—cultural heritage at risk.
October 29	World Stroke Day	Awareness of stroke prevention, recovery, and care.
October 30	World Savings Day	Encourages saving habits and financial literacy.
October 31	National Unity Day (Ekta Diwas, India) World Cities Day Halloween	National Unity Day in India (Ekta Diwas) commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and unity. World Cities Day (UN) emphasizes sustainable urbanization. Halloween is observed culturally in many countries.

Highlights & Deep Dives on Select Dates

Here are some observances in October 2025 that deserve a bit more exploration because of their wide reach, cultural significance, or importance for social causes.

Gandhi Jayanti / International Day of Non-Violence (October 2)

Gandhi Jayanti is a nationwide holiday in India, honoring the birth of Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869). It’s marked by solemn ceremonies, prayer sessions, cleanliness drives (inspired by his emphasis on sanitation), and educational events.

On the same date, the International Day of Non-Violence was established by the UN in 2007, chosen to align with Gandhi’s philosophy. This day is meant to promote nonviolence in conflict resolution, activism, and communal relationships globally.

World Teachers’ Day (October 5)

Teaching is often undervalued, yet educators shape generations. October 5 saw tribute to teachers around the world in 2025, with events in schools, virtual seminars, recognition programs, and social media campaigns under the hashtag #WorldTeachersDay.

World Mental Health Day (October 10)

Mental health continues to be a critical area, especially post-pandemic times. Observed annually, October 10 in 2025 facilitated dialogues, webinars, journalism features, and community support programs focusing on destigmatizing mental illness, promoting access to care, and encouraging conversations on emotional well-being.

International Day of the Girl Child (October 11)

Since 2012, October 11 highlights the rights and challenges facing girls globally—education, health, child marriage, inequality, violence. In 2025, many NGOs, UN agencies, and schools conducted campaigns, essay contests, and public awareness initiatives.

World Food Day (October 16)

Food insecurity and sustainable agriculture remain pressing global challenges. On October 16, 2025, governments, NGOs, farmers, and communities joined hands to promote zero hunger, better nutrition, and climate-smart agriculture practices. Panels, exhibitions, digital campaigns under FAO’s theme made this day impactful.

Dhanteras (October 18)

Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities and is an auspicious day for invoking wealth, good health, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras falls on October 18.

Diwali (October 20/21)

One of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali in 2025 fell on October 20/21. It is a national holiday in India, marked by lighting diyas (lamps), fireworks, worship of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Ganesha (auspicious beginnings), exchanging gifts, sweets, and family gatherings.

The festivities typically start early morning or evening, with preparations days ahead. In many places, local government or community events accompany celebrations (e.g., lighting ceremonies, cultural programs).

Govardhan Puja (October 22)

Also known as Annakut, Govardhan Puja is often observed the day after Diwali. Devotees create Chappan Bhog (56 food offerings), worship a mound of food or representation of Govardhan Hill, and perform aarti. It symbolizes nature’s bounty and Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath.

Bhai Dooj (October 23)

Celebrated after Diwali, Bhai Dooj honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for the long life of their brothers and perform tilak ceremonies; brothers gift and pledge protection.

United Nations Day (October 24)

UN Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force (24 October 1945). Globally, member states, academic institutions, and NGOs observe it with events promoting the UN’s goals—peace, development, human rights, international cooperation.

World Polio Day / World Development Information Day (October 24)

Also on October 24, World Polio Day aims to increase awareness of polio eradication efforts. Meanwhile, World Development Information Day draws attention to the need for accessible and timely development information for decision-making.

Chhath Puja (October 25 – 28)

Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Sun’s consort). In 2025, Chhath is celebrated from October 25 to October 28.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (October 27)

This day recognizes the vulnerability of film, audio, video, and other audiovisual records. Its aim is to promote preservation, digitization, and access—especially in nations where such heritage is at risk.

National Unity Day / Ekta Diwas (October 31, India)

Also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, this day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875–1950), who contributed significantly to unifying India. It’s observed with pledges, parades, and unity runs across India.

Additionally, World Cities Day (UN) is observed to highlight urban development, inclusive cities, and sustainable infrastructure.

Regional & State Holidays in India (October 2025)

In addition to the above, India’s states observe various regional public holidays and festivals in October 2025. Here are notable ones:

• October 1 – Maha Navami (various states)
• October 2 – Dussehra / Vijayadashami (celebrated in many states)
• October 6 – Lakshmi Puja (Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal)
• October 7 – Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (in several states)
• October 18 – Kati Bihu (Assam)
• October 20/21 – Diwali (national)
• October 22 – Govardhan Puja (some states), Vikram Samvat New Year (Gujarat)
• October 23 – Bhai Dooj (some states)
• October 27 / 28 – Chhath Puja (Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of north India)

Because India’s states have varying religious calendars and local observances, local government calendar announcements should be consulted for precise holiday status in each region.

Conclusion

October 2025 is loaded with moments of reflection, celebration, and activism. Whether you’re a teacher, content creator, NGO, student, or simply someone who enjoys marking meaningful days, this month offers a rich tapestry: from honoring elders and educators, promoting mental health and food security, to celebrating festivals of light and cultural unity.