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Important National and International Days in October
October is the tenth (10th) month of the year as per the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and the sixth (6th) of seven months to possess a length of 31 days.
The 8th month as per the old Roman calendar, October, maintained its name (from the Latin ōctō implying “eight”) after January and February were appended into the calendar that the Romans had primarily created.
In Ancient Rome, one of three Mundus patet (open world) days fell on October 5, Meditrinalia October 11, Armilustrium October 19, and Empricalia/Ludi Plebeii November 4. These days marked the summer’s end and the beginning of winter or the Roman and Celtic New Year.
October’s birthstones are the opal and tourmaline. Its birth flower is the calendula. October is also the month of the Holy Rosary.
Historical names for October include the Wooly-bully Moon, Windy Moon, and Shedding Moon.
In Ireland, the traditional harvest festival is held on October 31, which is also the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day).
In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn leaves typically begin to change color in October. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring begins during this month.
October Symbols:
- Octobers birthstones are the opal and tourmaline.
- The calendula is October’s birth flower.
- Holy Rosary is celebrated in October.
October’s astrological sign is Libra (the Scales) until October 22 and Scorpio (the Scorpion) from October 23 onwards.
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.
Important National and International Days in October
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 elder persons and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 14 December, 1990. This day provides an opportunity to promote a society for all ages and to acknowledge the contributions of older persons to our world.
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.
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2 October – Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India that commemorates the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is also known as the “Father of the Nation”.
He was born on 2 October, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He is an inspiration in the lives of famous world leaders and our lives also.
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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, General Assembly adopted a resolution of establishing the International Day of Non-Violence to spread the message of non-violence including education and public awareness.
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2 October (1st Monday of October) – World Habitat Day
World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October month throughout the world.
The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 to remind the world that we all have the responsibility to ensure that our one common home is a decent place for all humanity.
On 3 October 1990, the five re-established states of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) joined the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) to form the unified Federal Republic of Germany.
The official name for German Unity Day is Tag der Deutschen Einheit, which means “Day of German Unity”.
3 October – German Unity Day
German Unity Day (German: Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is the national day of Germany, celebrated on 3 October as a public holiday.
It commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990, when the goal of a united Germany that had existed since the 1871 unification of most of the German states was finally achieved.
This day marks the beginning of a new era for Germany. After being divided into East and West Germany following World War II, the country was finally reunited in 1990.
The fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 symbolized the end of the Cold War and opened up the possibility for German reunification.
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4 October – World Animal Welfare Day
Every year on October 4, World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated to raise awareness about animal welfare and the importance of treating animals with compassion.
The day also aims to highlight the work of organizations that are working to improve the lives of animals around the world.
There are many ways you can get involved in World Animal Welfare Day. You can start by learning more about animal welfare and the issues that animals face.
You can also donate to or volunteer with organizations that are working to help animals. And, of course, you can always show your support for animal welfare by being kind to the animals in your own life.
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 a national observance in the United States that celebrates the German-American heritage of the United States.
It is observed on October 6, which is the anniversary of the arrival of the first German immigrants to the United States in 1683.
German-American Day was created by Congress in 1983, and it is observed by the President of the United States.
German-American Day is also celebrated in many cities and towns across the United States with German-themed events and activities.
7 October – World Cotton Day
It is observed on October 7 globally to provide an opportunity to recognise the importance of cotton worldwide and to mark the importance of cotton in the global economy.
The day also aims to highlight the challenges faced by cotton farmers and workers, and to promote sustainable production practices.
7 October – Holy Rosary Day
Today is Holy Rosary Day, a day when Catholics around the world pray the rosary. Rosaries are prayers that honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.
It is composed of a set of beads, each representing a different prayer. Catholics believe that by praying the rosary, they can bring peace to the world and draw closer to God.
Today, take some time to pray the rosary. You may want to pray with a friend or family member, or you can pray on your own.
If you are not acquainted with how to pray the rosary, there are many guides online to help you learn. And even if you don’t consider yourself religious, the act of praying can be a calming and centering experience.
8 October – Indian Air Force Day
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict.
It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II.
After India gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served the Dominion of India and continued until 1950 when it was renamed as the Indian Air Force.
The primary goal of the IAF is to safeguard the national airspace and to provide aerial support to the Indian Army and Indian Navy during wartime or other contingencies. It also provides relief during natural calamities and other emergencies.
The IAF is currently in the process of modernising its equipment and infrastructure in order to keep pace with the changing regional and global security scenario.
The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world with over 1,70,000 personnel and more than 1,500 aircraft.
The IAF has a rich history and has been involved in various conflicts such as the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Indian occupation of Goa, the Sino-Indian War, and the Kargil War.
It has also played a major role in peacekeeping operations such as Operation Vijay (1999), Operation Meghdoot (1984), and Operation Cactus (1988). The IAF has also been a key player in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.
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 is declared the World Postal Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.
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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 to help 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.
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11 October – International Day of the Girl Child
International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations; it is also called the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl.
The purpose of the day is to highlight the need for action to address the inequalities and disadvantages faced by girls around the world, with a specific focus on ensuring their rights to education, health care, safety, and freedom from violence and exploitation.
The day also celebrates the progress made in recent years in advancing the rights of girls and highlights the work that still needs to be done to fully realize their rights.
In recent years, the day has been used as a platform to launch global initiatives and campaigns such as the Global Partnership for Girls’ Education and the Global Fund for Girls.
The Day of the Girl Child was first observed on October 11, 2012.
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. It promotes a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.
The day also recognizes the role of communities, governments and other organizations in reducing disaster risks and raising awareness about the importance of preparedness and resilience.
13 October (2nd Thursday of October) – World Sight Day
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
This year’s World Sight Day falls on Thursday, October 12th. This means that everyone should have access to basic eye care services, regardless of their economic status.
There are many ways you can get involved in World Sight Day. One way is to donate to an organization that provides eye care services to those in need.
Another way is to spread the word about the importance of eye care, and share information about how people can get help if they need it.
14 October – World Standards Day
World Standards Day is observed on 14 October every year to raise awareness among the 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.
One of the main aims of Global Handwashing Day is to encourage more people to wash their hands with soap at key times, such as after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease, and it can help to protect both individuals and communities from a range of illnesses, including cholera, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
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.
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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 Food and Agriculture Organisation was established and launched by the United Nations in 1945.
16 October: World Anaesthesia Day
World Anaesthesia Day (WAD) was established by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) in 1985 and falls on 16 October each year.
The day recognises the important role anaesthesia plays in surgical care, and also raises awareness of the challenges faced by patients who do not have access to safe anaesthesia.
In order to mark World Anaesthesia Day, the WFSA produces a range of resources which are made available to its member societies and anaesthesia providers around the world.
These resources include an annual report on the state of anaesthesia care globally, infographics and social media tools.
16 October: Boss Day
Boss Day is celebrated on October 16 in the United States and Canada. It is a day for people to show appreciation for their bosses.
There are many ways to celebrate Boss Day. Many people take their boss out to lunch, or bring them a gift. Some people even give their boss a card or write them a thank you note.
If you are looking for a way to show your boss how much you appreciate them, consider giving them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or a gift basket full of their favorite things.
Boss Day is a great opportunity to show your boss how much you appreciate them. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that your boss will truly appreciate.
16 October: World Spine Day
It is observed on 16 October to highlight the burden of spinal pain and disability around the world.
There are a number of ways that you can participate in World Spine Day. You can learn more about the importance of spinal health and how to keep your spine healthy.
You can also share information about World Spine Day with others and encourage them to participate.
Spinal health is important for everyone, but it is especially important for children. Children are still growing and their spines are not fully developed. This means that they are more susceptible to injury and health problems.
World Spine Day is a great opportunity to teach children about the importance of spinal health and how to keep their spine healthy. There are a number of resources available to help you do this.
17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on October 17. The day was established by the United Nations in 1993 to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution around the world.
It also serves as a reminder of the commitments made by member states of the UN to work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which include the goal of halving the number of people living in extreme poverty by the year 2015.
The day is observed by various events and activities around the world, including the distribution of food and other essential items to those who are living in poverty.
In some countries, the day is also used to raise awareness about the issues of poverty and to encourage people to donate money or time to charitable organizations that work to help those in need.
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
Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21 to honour the policemen who have sacrificed their lives while serving the nation.
It is also a day to remember all those who continue to serve in the police force with dedication and commitment.
This day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the important role that policemen play in protecting our lives and property.
It also reminds us of the risks they take every day to keep us safe. We should all be grateful for their service and remember them in our prayers.
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. Many schools and chemistry clubs celebrate Mole Day with various events and activities.
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 is celebrated and in 1971 it was recommended by the United Nations General Assembly to observe 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.
The day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
30 October – World Thrift Day
World Thrift Day or World Saving Day is an annual event celebrated on October 31 to promote saving money.
The day also highlights the importance of financial literacy and encourages people to develop good saving habits.
World Thrift Day was first celebrated in 1924 by the International Savings Bank Institute (now known as the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute). The day is now observed in many countries around the world.
In some countries, World Thrift Day is used as an opportunity to promote government saving schemes and initiatives.
In others, banks offer special promotions and interest rates on savings accounts. World Thrift Day is a good time to start thinking about your own personal finances and how you can save money.
31 October – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed every year on 31st October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
It was on this day in the year 1931 when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel united all 562 princely states of India into one Nation. National Unity Day is celebrated across India with a lot of patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
The main aim behind celebrating this day is to promote the feeling of unity and brotherhood among all citizens of India, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.
31 October – Assassination of Indira Gandhi
Since 31 October marks the assassination of Indira Gandhi, this day is also known as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day.
Many schools and colleges organize rallies and programs to honor Indira Gandhi, especially in Congress-run states.
Important National and International Days in October In A Nutshell
| Date And Month | Name of Important Days |
| 1 October | International Day of the Older Persons |
| 1 October | International Coffee Day |
| 1 October | World Vegetarian Day |
| 2 October | Gandhi Jayanti |
| 2 October | International Day of Non-Violence |
| 2 October | World Habitat Day (1st Monday of October) |
| 3 October | German Unity Day |
| 4 October | World Animal Welfare Day |
| 5 October | World Teachers’ Day |
| 6 October | German-American Day |
| 7 October | World Cotton Day |
| 7 October – | Holy Rosary Day |
| 8 October | Indian Air Force Day |
| 9 October | World Postal Day |
| 10 October | World Mental Health Day |
| 11 October | International Day of the Girl Child |
| 13 October | International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction |
| 13 October | World Sight Day – (2nd Thursday of October) |
| 14 October | World Standards Day |
| 15 October | Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day |
| 15 October | Global Handwashing Day |
| 15 October | World White Cane Day |
| 15 October | World Students’ Day |
| 16 October | World Food Day |
| 16 October | World Spine Day |
| 16 October | Boss Day |
| 16 October | World Anaesthesia Day |
| 17 October | International Day for the Eradication of Poverty |
| 20 October | World Statistics Day |
| 21 October | Police Commemoration Day |
| 23 October | Mole Day |
| 24 October | United Nations Day |
| 24 October | World Development Information Day |
| 30 October | World Thrift Day |
| 31 October | Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day |
| 31 October | Assassination of Indira Gandhi |
You May Like To Check Out Other National and International Days
- International Days January: Important National and World Days
- National and International Days in February
- Important National and International Days in March
- World Days April: National And International Days
- Important National and International Days in May
- List of important National and International Days in June
- Important National And International Days In July
- Important National and International Days in August
- Important National And International Days In September
- World Days November: National And International Days
- National And International Days In December
