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Deepavali (ദീപാവലി), the festival of lights, falls on October 17, 2026 (Saturday). This is also Vrishchikam 1, marking the beginning of the Vrishchikam month. Deepavali is celebrated with lighting oil lamps (Nilavilakku), bursting crackers, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wealth.
Thulam (തുലാം) is the seventh month in the Malayalam calendar, corresponding to mid-October. It marks the transition into cooler, pleasant weather in Kerala after the monsoon season. The month represents balance and harmony in nature and is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings, weddings, housewarmings (Grihapravesha), and important ceremonies.
October 2026 spans two Malayalam months: Thulam (തുലാം) from October 1-16 (Thulam 15 to 30) and Vrishchikam (വൃശ്ചികം) from October 17-31 (Vrishchikam 1 to 15). The transition occurs on Deepavali day, making it doubly auspicious and significant in the Malayalam calendar.
Deepavali (ദീപാവലി), also known as Diwali, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Kerala, families light traditional oil lamps (Nilavilakku), perform Lakshmi Puja for prosperity, prepare special sweets like Aval Vilayichathu and Unniyappam, and celebrate with fireworks. The festival marks new beginnings and is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures and businesses.
October 2026 has 5 Sundays (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th). Major holidays include Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 (Friday) and Deepavali on October 17 (Saturday). Banks will be closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (October 10 and 24), as well as on Gandhi Jayanti and Deepavali. Government offices and educational institutions also observe holidays on these days.
According to traditional Kerala astrology, several days in October 2026 are considered highly auspicious. Days with nakshathrams like Rohini, Uthram, Atham, and Pooram are beneficial for weddings, property purchases, and Grihapravesha ceremonies. Deepavali day (October 17) and the days following it are excellent for new business ventures, vehicle purchases, and starting important projects.
Welcome to the comprehensive Malayalam Calendar for October 2026 (ഒക്ടോബർ 2026 മലയാളം കലണ്ടർ). This traditional Kerala calendar provides detailed information about Malayalam dates, festivals, nakshathram (നക്ഷത്രം), thithi (തിഥി), and auspicious days for the month of October 2026. This month is especially significant as it features Deepavali (ദീപാവലി), the grand festival of lights celebrated across Kerala and India.
October 2026 corresponds to Thulam-Vrishchikam months in the Malayalam calendar system, marking the transition from Libra (Thulam) to Scorpio (Vrishchikam) zodiac period. The year is Kollam Era 1202. This month witnesses one of the most significant festival celebrations - from Thulam, representing balance and harmony, to Vrishchikam, which begins on the auspicious day of Deepavali, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity.
Deepavali (ദീപാവലി), also known as Diwali, is one of the most important festivals celebrated across India and by Malayalees worldwide. In 2026, Deepavali falls on October 17 (Saturday), which is also Vrishchikam 1, making it doubly auspicious. This festival of lights commemorates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The celebrations include lighting traditional oil lamps (Nilavilakku), bursting fireworks, performing Lakshmi Puja for wealth and prosperity, preparing special sweets and snacks, and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
The transition from Thulam to Vrishchikam on Deepavali day holds special significance in the Malayalam calendar. Thulam (തുലാം), the Libra month, represents balance, harmony, and pleasant weather as Kerala enjoys the post-monsoon period. Vrishchikam (വൃശ്ചികം), the Scorpio month beginning on Deepavali, is considered highly auspicious for new ventures, investments, and starting important projects. This transition symbolizes moving from equilibrium to transformation and growth.
Each day in October 2026 is associated with a specific nakshathram (നക്ഷത്രം) or birth star, which plays a crucial role in determining auspicious times for various activities. Important nakshathrams this month include Rohini (രോഹിണി), Uthram (ഉത്രം), Atham (അത്തം), Chithira (ചിത്തിര), and Thiruvonam (തിരുവോണം). Understanding nakshathrams helps in planning weddings, housewarmings (Grihapravesha), vehicle purchases, starting new businesses, and other important life events according to traditional Kerala astrology and Panchangam.
October 2026 includes several bank holidays: the 2nd Saturday (October 10) and 4th Saturday (October 24) are regular bank holidays. Additionally, banks remain closed on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) and Deepavali (October 17). Government offices and educational institutions observe holidays on these days, making it an extended period for festival celebrations and family time.
October 2026 is rich with traditional practices centered around Deepavali celebrations. Families clean and decorate their homes, draw intricate Kolam (rangoli) designs at the entrance, light traditional oil lamps throughout the house, and perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening. Special dishes are prepared including Aval Vilayichathu (beaten rice with jaggery), Unniyappam (sweet fritters), Chakka Payasam (jackfruit pudding), and various savory snacks. New clothes are worn, and families exchange gifts and sweets with neighbors and relatives.
According to traditional Kerala astrology, several days in October 2026 are considered highly auspicious. Deepavali day (October 17) is excellent for new business ventures, shop openings, and financial investments. Days with nakshathrams like Rohini, Uthram, and Pooram are favorable for weddings and engagement ceremonies. Days with Atham and Chithira nakshathrams are beneficial for property purchases, signing important documents, and Grihapravesha (housewarming) ceremonies. The days following Deepavali are particularly auspicious for vehicle purchases and starting new educational courses.
October marks the pleasant post-monsoon season in Kerala. The weather in October 2026 is expected to be cool and comfortable, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The lush greenery following the monsoon season creates a beautiful landscape perfect for outdoor celebrations and travel. This is considered the best time to visit Kerala's hill stations, backwaters, and beaches. The comfortable climate makes outdoor Deepavali celebrations particularly enjoyable with fireworks displays and family gatherings.
The calendar includes bilingual content in Malayalam and English, making it accessible to Malayalees worldwide, including younger generations who may be more comfortable with English.
Deepavali holds immense cultural significance in Kerala's diverse religious landscape. While it primarily celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, in Kerala, it also commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. The festival transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by Hindus, and many others enjoy the festivities. It represents Kerala's cultural values of victory of good over evil, the importance of family bonds, and the celebration of prosperity and abundance.
This comprehensive Malayalam calendar serves multiple purposes: checking daily nakshathram for planning auspicious events, tracking Malayalam dates alongside English dates for festival preparations, identifying bank holidays and government holidays for planning, understanding the cultural and religious significance of each day, and finding auspicious timings for important life events. The color-coded design helps quickly identify Sundays (pink/red tones), festival days (golden/orange), and special days like Deepavali (vibrant gradient). The sidebar provides detailed information about important observances, nakshathrams, and bank holidays.
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