October 2021

October starts the last quarter and brings the year to a close as the holiday season kicks in. Here are a few significant days we celebrate around the world. 

October is also National Learning and Development Month, ​National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, National Book Month, and many other important occasions to celebrate and honor. 

1 October - International Coffee Day, Chinese National Day, ​International Day of Older Persons, World Vegetarian Day

International Coffee Day recognizes millions of people across the world from farmers, roasters, baristas, and coffee shop owners, etc. who do hard work to create and serve the beverage in the consumable form.

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

2 October - Gandhi Jayanti, International Day of Non-Violence, Guardian Angels Day, Frugal Fun Day

International Day of Non-Violence marks 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.

3 October - National Unity Day, World Communion Sunday, National Boyfriend Day, Mean Girls Day

German Unity Day is celebrated to commemorate the unification of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic into a single federal Germany on the same date in 1990. A public holiday, the day is characterized by concerts, communal meals, speeches by politicians, and fireworks.

4 October - World Animal Welfare Day, World Habitat Day, National Child Health Day, Labour 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 welfare. It is necessary to improve welfare standards worldwide.

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 it was celebrated across the globe for the first time.

5 October - World Teachers' Day, National Get Funky Day, National Fruit at Work Day, National Do Something Nice Day

World Teachers' Day is celebrated every year worldwide 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.

7 October - World Cotton Day, National Depression Screening Day, National Inner Beauty Day, Navratri

It is observed globally to provide an opportunity to recognize the importance of cotton worldwide. Sharada Navrati—which translates to nine nights—is an autumnal Hindu holiday, held in honor of the divine feminine: “Devi”. 

The holiday’s exact customs vary by region—associated in some with the victory of the Durga Puja over a buffalo demon, and in others with Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana— but in each the theme of divine victory of Good over Evil features prominently.

9 October - World Post Day, Leif Erikson Day, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, I Love Yarn Day

World Postal Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the role of our daily mail service for people and businesses. In 1874, the Universal Postal Union was established in Bern, Switzerland and its anniversary is declared as the World Postal Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.

11 October - National Coming Out Day, National Kick Butt Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, International Day of the Girl Child 

On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will “come out” to friends or family about their sexuality - big moment! The history of the LGBTQ+ movement is a beacon of light - its champions are honored, and it underlines the personal being political - a chance to celebrate the liberation spirit. 

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

13 October - International Day for Disaster Reduction, English Language Day, ​National Fossil Day, National No Bra Day

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is observed annually 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. 

15 October - International Day of Rural Women, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, National Mushroom Day, Global Handwashing Day

International Day of Rural Women is dedicated to the millions of women living in remote, rural places and celebrates the achievements and contributions of these women towards rural development and agriculture. 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed 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. 

Mushrooms are a staple in a vegetarian’s diet due to their nutritious value and hearty consistency — plus they make a delicious side dish for a juicy piece of steak. That means everyone can have fun celebrating National Mushroom Day.

Global Handwashing Day is observed every year since 2008 - 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 - a great reminder during these COVID times.