Important Days in October 2024: List of National and International Important Days, Events

As we enter October 2024, the month brings with it a diverse array of important national and international days. These days carry significant cultural, social, and environmental value, highlighting everything from health awareness and human rights to celebrating historical figures and events. Here is a detailed list of the key days and events in October 2024.

October Important Days Complete List

1 October - International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day is celebrated on 1 October to recognise the efforts of millions involved in the production and preparation of coffee, from farmers and roasters to baristas and café owners. It celebrates the coffee industry worldwide.

1 October - World Vegetarian Day
World Vegetarian Day is observed on 1 October to promote vegetarianism and highlight its health and environmental benefits. It was founded by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) in 1977 and later endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.

2 October - Gandhi Jayanti
On 2 October every year, India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti to mark the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence through his principles of non-violence.

2 October - International Day of Non-Violence
Coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, the International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October to spread the message of non-violence. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2007 to commemorate this day.

2 October - Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, is also celebrated on 2 October. Shastri is remembered for his leadership during challenging times and for popularising the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”.

3 October - German Unity Day
German Unity Day, celebrated on 3 October, marks the unification of Germany in 1990. It commemorates the moment when the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic became one nation.

3 October - Navratri Begins
Sharad Navratri begins on 3 October 2024. Navratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrated with great devotion across India. This nine-day festival honours different forms of the goddess.

4 October - World Animal Welfare Day
World Animal Welfare Day, observed on 4 October, aims to raise awareness of the need for better treatment and welfare of animals around the globe. It encourages actions to improve their rights and living conditions.

5 October - World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers’ Day, celebrated on 5 October, recognises the critical role teachers play in education and the development of societies. It marks the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers in 1966.

6 October - German-American Day
German-American Day is celebrated annually on 6 October in the United States to honour the contributions of German immigrants to American society and culture.

6 October - World Cerebral Palsy Day
World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October raises awareness about cerebral palsy and advocates for the rights of those affected by the condition. It promotes inclusion and accessibility for people with cerebral palsy.

7 October - World Cotton Day
World Cotton Day, celebrated on 7 October, recognises the importance of cotton production and its impact on economies worldwide.

7 October (First Monday of October) - World Habitat Day
World Habitat Day, observed on the first Monday of October, which falls on 7 October in 2024, highlights the state of human settlements and the need for adequate housing for all.

8 October - Indian Air Force Day
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8 October to honour the establishment of the Indian Air Force in 1932. The day acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of air force personnel in safeguarding the nation.

9 October - World Postal Day
World Postal Day, celebrated on 9 October, marks the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874. This day raises awareness of the importance of postal services in everyday life.

10 October - National Post Day
In India, National Post Day is observed on 10 October to recognise the contributions of the Indian Postal Department, which has been serving the country for over 150 years.

10 October - World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day on 10 October is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues worldwide. The day emphasises the importance of mental well-being and aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.

10 October (Second Thursday of October) - World Sight Day
World Sight Day falls on 10 October in 2024 and is observed to promote awareness about blindness and vision impairment.

11 October - International Day of the Girl Child
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October, advocates for girls’ rights and gender equality worldwide.

11 October - Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, will be observed on 11 October 2024. It is considered one of the most auspicious days of the festival, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga.

11 October - Mahanavami
Mahanavami, the ninth day of Navratri, is celebrated on 11 October 2024, marking the final day before the grand Dussehra festival.

12 October - Dussehra
Dussehra, celebrated on 12 October 2024, marks the victory of good over evil, symbolised by Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India.

13 October - International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on 13 October to raise awareness about reducing the risks of disasters and promoting global resilience.

13 October - Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Breast Cancer Awareness Day, also on 13 October, aims to spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

14 October - World Standards Day
World Standards Day, observed on 14 October, highlights the importance of standardisation in global trade, manufacturing, and consumer safety.

15 October - Global Handwashing Day
Global Handwashing Day, celebrated on 15 October, promotes the importance of hand hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases.

15 October - World Students' Day
World Students' Day, observed on 15 October, honours former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary.

15 October - World White Cane Day
World White Cane Day celebrates the independence that the white cane provides to the visually impaired, empowering them to move freely and safely.

15 October - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
This day honours families affected by pregnancy and infant loss through remembrance ceremonies and raises awareness about the issue.16 October - World Food Day
World Food Day is celebrated on 16 October to highlight global efforts in eradicating hunger and promoting food security.

16 October - Boss's Day
Boss's Day, celebrated on 16 October, acknowledges the role of employers and managers in organisations.

16 October - World Anaesthesia Day
World Anaesthesia Day on 16 October commemorates the first successful use of anaesthesia in surgery in 1846.

16 October - World Spine Day
World Spine Day on 16 October promotes awareness about spinal health and the prevention of spine-related disorders.

17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October emphasises the need to end poverty in all its forms around the world.

17 October - Valmiki Jayanti
Valmiki Jayanti, celebrated on 17 October, honours Sage Valmiki, the revered author of the Ramayana.

19 October - Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth, observed on 19 October, is a festival where married women fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

20 October - World Statistics Day
World Statistics Day is celebrated on 20 October every five years to acknowledge the significance of statistics in society.

21 October - Police Commemoration Day
Police Commemoration Day on 21 October honours the bravery and sacrifices of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

23 October - Mole Day
Mole Day is celebrated on 23 October to commemorate Avogadro’s Number, a fundamental concept in chemistry.

24 October - United Nations Day
United Nations Day on 24 October marks the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.

24 October - World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day, also observed on 24 October, draws attention to development problems and encourages international cooperation in solving them.

28 October - International Animation Day
International Animation Day on 28 October celebrates the art and industry of animation, showcasing its cultural impact.

29 October - Dhanteras
Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, will be celebrated on 29 October 2024. It is a day for buying gold and other valuable items as a symbol of good fortune.

30 October - World Thrift Day (India)
World Thrift Day in India is celebrated on 30 October to encourage savings and financial security among individuals.

31 October - Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man. It celebrates his contribution to unifying India.

31 October - Halloween
Halloween is celebrated globally on 31 October. It has roots in ancient Celtic traditions and is marked by various activities such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and carving pumpkins. It's a day that blends fun, spookiness, and tradition.