India's biggest festivals line up back-to-back from October through November

India is set to witness an unprecedented run of major festivals spanning October and November, with celebrations beginning immediately after the conclusion of Pitripaksh, the fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors. The festive season will commence with Sharadiya Navratri and extend through a succession of major observances that will be marked across the country with considerable fanfare.

Among the festivals scheduled during this period are Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Douj—occasions that hold deep cultural and religious significance for millions of Indians. Each festival carries distinct traditions and customs, reflecting the diversity of Hindu religious practice across the subcontinent.

The back-to-back nature of these celebrations makes this a particularly important period in India's festival calendar. Families typically prepare well in advance for these occasions, which often involve significant expenditure on new clothes, decorations, gifts and festive purchases.

Markets and retailers across India generally see a substantial uptick in consumer spending during this window, as households stock up on essentials and luxury items ahead of the festivities. The exact dates of these observances are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and may vary slightly depending on regional customs and local astronomical calculations.