Karnataka Festivals and Holidays in October 2026
Here’s our Karnataka festivals and holidays in October 2026 guide—your quick calendar with important dates, weekday details and tithi-based observances. October is one of the most festive months in Karnataka because it brings the grand Navaratri and Dasara season, especially in Mysuru, Bengaluru, temple towns and village communities across the state. Key highlights this month include Gandhi Jayanthi, Mahalaya Amavasye, Navaratri, Mahanavami / Ayudha Pooja, Vijayadashami, and local Dasara-related celebrations. Use this Karnataka holiday list for October 2026 to plan temple visits, Mysuru Dasara travel, family functions, school schedules and crowd-friendly darshan timings. Festival dates may vary slightly based on local panchanga, temple customs and official holiday notifications, so please recheck local temple notices or Karnataka Government holiday updates before final planning.
Government, Local & Restricted Holidays — October 2026 (Karnataka)
As per the official Karnataka Government (DPAR) Holiday List 2026. October includes Gandhi Jayanthi, Dasara holidays, one Kodagu local holiday, and a few festival notes falling on weekly holidays.
🏛️ Public Holidays (State)
- 02 Oct 2026 (Friday) Gandhi Jayanthi Government offices closed statewide. DPAR 2026
- 20 Oct 2026 (Tuesday) Mahanavami / Ayudha Pooja Statewide General Holiday during Dasara season. DPAR 2026
- 21 Oct 2026 (Wednesday) Vijayadashami Statewide General Holiday for Dasara / Dussehra. DPAR 2026
📍 Local Holiday (District-specific)
- 18 Oct 2026 (Sunday) Tula Sankramana Local holiday declared for Kodagu District only. Kodagu Only
- Note Other districts may follow normal holiday/working schedule Check district administration notices for local event-based closures. District Notice
🗓️ Restricted / Optional (check your office list)
- October 2026 No separate Restricted Holiday entry for October 2026 Employees should follow their department / office optional leave circular. Check Office
- 10 Oct 2026 (Saturday) Mahalaya Amavasya Not listed separately because it falls on Second Saturday. DPAR Note
- 25 Oct 2026 (Sunday) Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi Not listed separately because it falls on Sunday. DPAR Note
Important Festivals in October 2026 – Karnataka
Dates are largely tithi-based and may vary slightly by local panchanga, temple tradition and district notices. “Public/Local/Observance” badges are added where they match Karnataka holiday practice or common festival importance.
Gandhi Jayanthi Public Holiday
National holiday observed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi with prayer meetings, cleanliness drives and school programmes.
Statewide government holiday across Karnataka.Mahalaya Amavasya Observance
Important day for pitru tarpana and ancestor-related rituals before the start of Navaratri season.
Observed in homes, temples and river/teertha places; falls on Second Saturday.Navaratri Begins Major
Nine-day worship of Goddess Durga, Chamundeshwari and other Devi forms begins with special pujas and decorations.
Temples, homes and Dasara celebration venues across Karnataka.Tula Sankramana Kodagu Local
A sacred Kodagu observance connected with the Cauvery river and Talacauvery rituals.
Kodagu district; especially Talacauvery and Bhagandeshwara temple region.Durga Ashtami Observance
A major Navaratri day for Devi worship, special alankara, kumkumarchane and evening temple programmes.
Devi temples, Chamundeshwari temples and community pandals statewide.Mahanavami / Ayudha Pooja Public Holiday
Tools, vehicles, books, machines and workplaces are worshipped; an important Dasara holiday in Karnataka.
Statewide government holiday; temples and markets may be crowded.Vijayadashami / Dasara Public Holiday
The concluding day of Dasara, celebrated with victory rituals, shami puja, processions and cultural events.
Statewide holiday; Mysuru Dasara attracts very large crowds.Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari Major Event
The famous Dasara procession in Mysuru with Chamundeshwari worship, cultural tableaux and grand public celebrations.
Mysuru city; plan travel early due to high crowd and traffic restrictions.Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi Observance
Birth anniversary observance of Maharshi Valmiki, the revered sage associated with the Ramayana tradition.
Community events and government programmes; falls on Sunday in 2026.Sharad Purnima / Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Observance
Full moon observance after Navaratri; some families perform Lakshmi puja and special evening prayers.
Homes and Lakshmi temples; local tradition may vary.Additional Village Festivals / Local Jatres
October in Karnataka is strongly connected with the Navaratri and Dasara festive season. Many villages, towns and temple committees organise special Devi pujas, alankara, cultural programmes, processions, music events and community gatherings during this period. In Mysuru, Dasara attracts huge crowds, while many other districts celebrate local temple utsavas in their own traditional style.
Village-level celebrations in October may increase around Mahalaya Amavasya, Navaratri, Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami / Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami. You may see local events such as bhajana, harikatha, dollu kunitha, yakshagana, pallakki utsava, rathotsava and annadāna in temple towns and village centres. In Kodagu, Tula Sankramana is also very important, especially around Talacauvery and Bhagandeshwara temple areas.
Practical tips for October jatres: confirm the temple committee notice, Gram Panchayat update or district administration circular before travel, especially for Dasara processions and crowded Devi temple events. For family visits, prefer early morning darshan or weekday slots to avoid heavy rush. If you are planning Mysuru Dasara travel, book transport and stay early, check traffic restrictions, and keep extra time for parking, security checks and procession-route diversions.
Disclaimer
Dates, tithi, muhurta and holiday status may vary by temple panchang and DPAR notices. Please confirm with local temple/district office and your institution calendar before planning.