Plan Your Long Weekend in October 2025: Witness the Different Festivities Across the Country!

The festivities, long holidays and pleasant weather in October make it a special month for every traveller. If you also eagerly wait to celebrate festivities with your loved ones or explore a tourist destination, a long weekend in October 2025 is the best time to do so. The month is also the peak season to travel across the country, so start exploring your options to make your travel plans and book your accommodation well in advance.

Before we dive into the best destinations for festivals, food, and nature, let’s learn about the list of long weekends in October 2025.

Long Weekends in October 2025

Mahanavmi and Dussehra Weekend in October 2025

• Mahanavmi – 1st October – Wednesday
• Dussehra – 2nd October – Thursday
• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti – 2nd October – Thursday
• 3rd October –  Friday (Take a leave)
• 4th October – Saturday (Weekend)
• 5th October – Sunday (Weekend)

Kati Bihu, Dhanteras and Diwali Weekend in October 2025

• Kati Bihu – 18th October – Saturday
• Dhanteras – 18th October – Saturday
• 19th October –  Sunday (Weekend)
• Diwali – 20th October – Monday

Festivals in October

Mahanavmi (1st October, 2025)

October 2025 begins with an auspicious occasion for Hindus with the Mahanavmi, the ninth and concluding day of Mahanavratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, on 1st October. The day is celebrated to honour Maa Siddhidatri, believed to grant boons to deities.

In South India, the day is observed as Ayudha Puja, and in North and East India, Kanya Pujan is performed. The day is also marked by Saraswati Puja, Hawan and Durga Puja rituals in most parts of the country.

Dussehra (2nd October, 2025)

Also known as Vijayadashmi, Dussehra is celebrated every year at the end of Mahanavratri on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin and the seventh day in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Different parts of the country celebrate the festival with different rituals. In north India, it is also the concluding day of Ramleela, where the effigies of Ravana and his two brothers, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath, are burnt in the evening. 

So, if you are planning to explore the Dussehra celebration in India across the country, make the best use of the long weekend in October 2025 during the festival. To know where you should travel, read the post till the end.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (7th October, 2025)

Celebrated mainly by the Balmiki religious group to commemorate the birth of the ancient Indian poet and philosopher, Saint Valmiki, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The auspicious day, also known as Pargat Diwas, falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Ashwin month in late September or early October. 

Saint Valmiki is revered as the author of the Indian epic poem Ramayana and is also worshipped as the avatar of God by the members of the Balmiki sect.

Kati Bihu (18th October, 2025)

Kati Bihu or Kangali Bihu festival in Assam is observed on the sankranti of the Assamese month of Ahin and Kati. During this time of the year, the paddy stored in the barn is almost exhausted, and there is still time for the harvest of the paddy. The locals mark the day by planting basil (Tulsi) seedlings in their houses, lighting candles at the roots of Tulsi during the evening and seeking blessings of Goddess Tulsi for the good harvest and well-being of their family. 

People also light special sky lanterns known as the “Akash Bati” to guide their ancestors towards heaven.

Dhanteras (18th October, 2025)

Also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the Diwali festival. The day is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar. People worship Dhanvantari, who is believed to have emerged from the ocean with a pot full of amrit (a nectar bestowing immortality) in one hand and the sacred text of Ayurveda in the other during the Samudra Manthan. For similar reasons, the day is also celebrated as the “National Ayurveda Day”.

To mark the celebrations of Dhanteras, people worship Goddess Lakshmi by lighting diyas in the evening, singing devotional songs, offering traditional sweets to the goddess and purchasing valuable items.

Diwali (20th October, 2025)

The festival of Lights, Diwali, is a Hindu festival celebrated across the country and outside the country by the Indian diaspora with great enthusiasm. Other religions like Jainisim and Sikhism also celebrate the festival with variations in the rituals. The festival is considered a symbol of the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. 

Diwali festival also marks the day of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya from his exile after fourteen years and is celebrated by lighting diyas, firecrackers and Lakshmi Puja. A long weekend in October 2025 during the festival will add to the festivities, as you can plan a trip with your family and friends to witness the unique Diwali celebrations across the country.

Gowardhan Puja (22nd October, 2025)

Also known as Annakut or Annakoot (mountain of food), Gowardhan Puja is another Hindu festival, celebrated on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month and after Diwali. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Govardhan Hill and prepare a large variety of vegetarian food to offer to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude.

According to the mythological legends in Bhagavata Purana, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to provide shelter to the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains.

Bhai Dooj (23rd October, 2025)

A festival dedicated to the bond of brother and sister, Bhai Dooj is known by different names across the country (Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, Yama Dwitiya and Bhratri Dwitiya). 

Observed soon after the Diwali festival, the sisters invite their brothers for a meal prepared with love and perform aarti, apply tikka and pray for their wellbeing.

Chhath Puja (28th October 2025)

Dedicated to honour the Sun God (Surya), Chhath Puja is a significant festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and other regions where the Bihari diaspora reside. In this festival, women fast, perform rituals on the banks of holy rivers and worship Chhati Mata for the well-being of their children and family.

Special arrangements are made by the authorities by creating artificial ghats around the holy rivers across the country for the people to celebrate the festival.

Places to visit in India on A Long Weekend in October 2025

Whether you wish to witness festivities or take a break from your daily routine, here is a list of places to visit in India on a long weekend in October 2025:

1. Kolkata, West Bengal

October is considered the best time to visit Kolkata due to its pleasant weather and festivities. Known for its iconic colonial monuments, bustling bazaar and culinary delicacies, Kolkata immerses in the festivities of Durga Puja during Mahanavratri, which falls in September or October. 

During a long weekend in October 2025, you can book a stay at budget-friendly hotels in Kolkata. These hotels offer comfortable accommodations and easy access to tourist attractions.

Key Attractions: Kali Temple, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Church and Birla Mandir.

2. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Famously known for the Ram Janambhoomi and ancient temples, shrines and historical monuments, Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit on a long weekend in October 2025 during Diwali. The city is decorated and lit with diyas on the occasion, making it an incredible experience to witness in a lifetime.

While staying at family-friendly hotels in Ayodhya, you can explore the vibrant shrines, ghats and timeless monuments with your loved ones and enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay. However, since it is a long weekend in October 2025 on Diwali, it is recommended to book your stay well in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Key Attractions: Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Kanak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat and Naya Ghat.

3. Goa

One of the favourite tourist destinations in the country, Goa is blessed with some of the best beaches. Known for its relaxing atmosphere, serene landscapes, water sports activities, historical monuments, carnivals, nightclubs and local delicacies, it is the perfect place to visit on a long weekend in October 2025. The pleasant weather in October lets you explore the beaches and forts and do adventurous activities like water sports, hiking and cycling.

Although it is a peak tourist season for tourists to visit, you can still book budget-friendly hotels in Goa equipped with modern amenities like swimming pools, in-house restaurants and more.

Key Attractions: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Flea Market, Immaculate Conception Church, Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Chapora Fort.

4. Amritsar, Punjab

Known as the spiritual and cultural capital of Punjab, Amritsar is a popular tourist destination in North India. The landmarks in this heritage city are filled with history, devotion, food and vibrant energy. Famous for its Punjabi juttis, phulkari dupattas and Amritsari Kulcha, it is a haven for food and shopping lovers. 

A long weekend in October 2025 during Diwali is the perfect time to book your stay at hotels in Amritsar and enjoy the festivities at the famous Golden Temple.

Key Attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Sadda Pind, Ram Tirath Temple, Durgiani Temple and Sun City Amusement & Water Park.

5. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Known as the “Land of Gods”, Kullu is a must-visit place for every traveller. Its lush green forests, mighty mountains, and magnificent Beas River add a breathtaking landscape to the valley. Kullu is also famous for hosting the International Mega Dussehra festival in October. The celebrations take place in the Dhalpur Maidan, where devtas (gods) from different regions come to meet the god Raghunath. 

The festival has its historic significance dating back to the 17th century when the local king Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as a mark of penance. From that time onwards, god Raghunath was declared as the ruling deity of the valley. The festival attracts a large number of national and international tourists to witness the mystic event. 

With a long weekend in October 2025 during Dusshera, you can also immerse yourself in the festivities by booking your hotels in Kullu well in advance.

Key Attractions: Bijli Mahadev Temple, Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, Great Himalayan National Park, Naggar Castle and Basheshwar Mahadev Temple.

Thus, a weekend in October 2025 is a great time to witness the festivities and enjoy a relaxing getaway. You can book your stay at Treebo Club’s website or app and enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay on your stay. So, start planning your itinerary and get ready to experience some of the incredible rituals and customs of the country.