Important Days and Dates in October 2024 List: October is the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar. Various important national and international days and festivals fall in this month. Check out the list below to plan the complete month.    

Important Days and Dates in October 2024: October is the 10th month of the year and has 31 days. Originally, it was the eighth month of the Roman calendar until 153 BCE. The October name is derived from the Latin “Octo”, which means eight. As per the Anglo-Saxons, it was called Winterfylleth, meaning “fullness of winter”. 

The month of October is full of festivals and joy. Festivals and events across the country are celebrated with full enthusiasm. Some events are focused on a particular theme. Here, we are providing the list of events (national and international) that fall in October 2024. 

List of Important Days and Dates in October 2024

 1 October – International Day of the Older Persons

International Day of the Older Persons is observed on 1 October every year to raise problems faced by elderly persons and to promote the development of a society for all ages. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 14 December 1990 and designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons.

1 October – International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day is celebrated on 1 October every year to recognise millions of people across the world from farmers, roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners, etc. who do hard work to create and serve the beverage in the consumable form.

1 October – World Vegetarian Day

World Vegetarian Day is observed on 1 October annually. It was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and in 1978 was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union.

2 October – Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He is an inspiration in the lives of famous world leaders and our lives too.

2 October – International Day of Non-Violence

International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi who had played an important role in India’s Independence. On 15 June 2007, the General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing the International Day of Non-Violence to spread the message of non-violence including education and public awareness.

2 October- Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti

On October 2 every year, the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri who served as the second Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966

3 October – German Unity Day

German Unity Day is celebrated on 3 October every year to mark the anniversary of the nation’s unification. On 3 October 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Democratic Republic of Germany were united as one single federal Germany.

3 October – Navratri

Navratri is an annual festival celebrated to honour Goddess Durga. It occurs twice a year and is known as Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. In 2024, Sharad Navratri will begin on 3rd October.

4 October – World Animal Welfare Day

World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated on 4 October to raise awareness among people about taking actions worldwide for the rights of animals as well as their welfare. It is necessary to improve welfare standards worldwide.

5 October – World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 October every year in the whole world to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers in 1966. No doubt this Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, education, recruitment, employment, etc.

6 October – German-American Day

German-American Day is observed on 6 October every year. This day is celebrated as the German-American heritage.

6 October – World Cerebral Palsy Day

World Cerebral Palsy Day, observed on 6th October, raises global awareness and advocates for the rights of people with cerebral palsy. Established in 2012, it promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for those affected by the condition.

7 October – World Cotton Day

It is observed on October 7 globally to provide an opportunity to recognise the importance of cotton worldwide.

7 October (First Monday of October): World Habitat Day

World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October month throughout the world. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1985 and in 1986, the first time it was celebrated across the globe.

8 October – Indian Air Force Day

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8 October all over India. On 8 October 1932, Indian Air Force Day was established.

9 October – World Postal Day 

World Postal Day is celebrated on 9 October every year to raise awareness among people about the role of the postal sector for people and businesses every day. In 1874, the Universal Postal Union was established in Bern, Switzerland and its anniversary was declared as World Postal Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.

10 October- National Post Day

Every year October 10 is observed as National Post Day in India. It is observed to recognize the role played by the Indian Postal Department for more than 150 years. The British brought postal service to India. Lord Dalhousie established it in 1854. It is currently the most commonly used postal system in the world and is run by the Ministry of Communications. India has 9 postal zones, 23 postal circles, and one Army Post Office. India’s post offices use a 6-digit PIN Code system that was implemented there in 1972. 

10 October – World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year to raise awareness about the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play in preventing it. This day is organised by the World Federation for Mental Health. It is also supported by WHO, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and the United for Global Mental Health.

10 October (Second Thursday of October): World Sight Day

World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October month. In 2024, it falls on 10 October. The aim of celebrating World Sight Day is to increase awareness about attention to vision impairment and blindness.       

11 October – International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl Child is observed on 11 October to raise voices for girls and stand up for their rights. 

11 October – Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami will be observed on 11th October 2024. This marks the eighth day of Navratri and is considered to be quite auspicious. 

11 October – Mahanavami

Mahanavami on 11th October marks the ninth day of Navratri, celebrating Goddess Durga

12 October – Dussehra 

In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on 12th October. This day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. 

13 October – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is observed annually on 13 October to raise awareness about the risk of disaster reduction. In 1989, the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction was started by the United Nations General Assembly. 

13 October – Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13th October aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection and treatment. Established in the early 2000s, this day honours those affected by the disease and emphasises the importance of regular screenings and education for better outcomes.

14 October – World Standards Day

World Standards Day is observed on 14 October every year to raise awareness among regulators, industry, and consumers to show the importance of standardization to the global economy.                             

15 October – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day   

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on 15 October annually in the United States. This day is a day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death. It is observed with remembrance ceremonies and candle-lighting vigils.

15 October – Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day is observed on 15 October every year and it was founded by the Global Handwashing Partnership. This day provides an opportunity to design, test and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. In 2008, the first Global Handwashing Day was celebrated. 

15 October – World White Cane Day

World White Cane Day is celebrated on 15 October by the National Federation of the Blind. White cane for blind people is an essential tool that gives them the ability to achieve a full and independent life. With the help of a white cane, they can move freely and safely from one place to another.

15 October – World Students’ Day

World Students’ Day is observed on 15 October annually to mark the birth anniversary of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This day honours and pays respect to him and his efforts in the field of science and technology and also the role of the teacher that he played throughout his scientific and political careers.

16 October – World Food Day

World Food Day is celebrated every year on 16 October to inspire people about healthy diets. On this day, the Food and Agriculture Organisation was established and launched by the United Nations in 1945.

16 October: World Anaesthesia Day

World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated on October 16 to mark the first successful demonstration of diethyl ether anaesthesia in 1846.

16 October: Boss Day

National Boss Day or Boss’s Day is celebrated on 16 October to appreciate the work of their employers. The day also acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and challenges faced by the managers or superiors in an organisation.

16 October: World Spine Day

It is observed on 16 October to highlight the burden of spinal pain and disability around the world.

17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on 17 October every year. This day marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 20 November 1989. 

17 October – Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti, celebrated on 17th October, honours the revered sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana.

19 October – Karva Chauth

In 2024, Karva Chauth will be celebrated on 19th October. It is a significant festival for married women in India who fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. 

20 October – World Statistics Day

World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years on October 20. The first such day was observed on October 20, 2010. This year the world witnessed the third World Statistics Day. The day was created by the United Nations Statistical Commission to acknowledge the importance of data authenticity and credibility across the globe. 

21 October – Police Commemoration Day

The day is observed on October 21 to honour police officials who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. 

23 October – Mole Day

Mole Day is observed on 23 October every year. This day commemorates Avogadro’s Number which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry. This day was created to generate interest in chemistry.

24 October – United Nations Day

United Nations Day is observed on 24 October every year to mark the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force. Since 1948, this day has been celebrated and in 1971 it was recommended by the United Nations General Assembly to be observed by the Member States as a public holiday.

24 October – World Development Information Day

World Development Information Day is celebrated on 24 October every year to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

28 October- International Animation Day

International Animation Day, celebrated on 28th October, recognizes the art and craft of animation, highlighting its cultural impact and creativity. 

29 October – Dhanteras

Dhanteras 2024 will be celebrated on 29th October. This day marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. It is a day dedicated to honouring Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari and is traditionally associated with buying new items, especially gold and silver, to bring prosperity and good fortune into the home.

30 October – World Thrift Day

World Thrift Day is observed on 30 October every year in India and worldwide it is observed on 31st October. This day is devoted to the promotion of savings all over the world.

31 October – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed on 31 October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He had played an important role in unifying the country.

31 October – Halloween 

Halloween, celebrated on 31st October, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

October Important Days and Dates
October DatesName of Special Days in October
1 OctoberInternational Day of the Older Persons
1 OctoberInternational Coffee Day
1 OctoberWorld Vegetarian Day
2 OctoberGandhi Jayanti
2 OctoberInternational Day of Non-Violence
2 OctoberLal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti
3 OctoberGerman Unity Day
3 OctoberNavratri
4 OctoberWorld Animal Welfare Day
5 OctoberWorld Teachers’ Day
6 OctoberGerman-American Day
6 OctoberWorld Cerebral Palsy Day
7 OctoberWorld Cotton Day
7 OctoberWorld Habitat Day (First Monday of October)
8 OctoberIndian Air Force Day
9 OctoberWorld Postal Day
10 OctoberNational Post Day
10 OctoberWorld Mental Health Day
10 OctoberWorld Sight Day (Second Thursday of October)
11 OctoberInternational Day of the Girl Child
11 OctoberDurga Ashtami
11 OctoberMahanavami
12 OctoberDussehra
13 OctoberInternational Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
13 OctoberBreast Cancer Awareness Day
14 OctoberWorld Standards Day
15 OctoberPregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
15 OctoberGlobal Handwashing Day
15 OctoberWorld White Cane Day
15 OctoberWorld Students’ Day
16 OctoberWorld Food Day
16 OctoberWorld Anaesthesia Day
16 OctoberBoss Day
16 OctoberWorld Spine Day
17 OctoberInternational Day for the Eradication of Poverty
17 OctoberValmiki Jayanti
19 OctoberKarva Chauth
20 OctoberWorld Statistics Day
21 OctoberPolice Commemoration Day
23 OctoberMole Day
24 OctoberUnited Nations Day
24 OctoberWorld Development Information Day
28 OctoberInternational Animation Day
29 OctoberDhanteras
30 OctoberWorld Thrift Day
31 OctoberRashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day
31 OctoberHalloween

So, these are the important Days and Dates in October 2024 which may also help in the preparation for several exams and also enhance your general knowledge.

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