1 October
International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1. The day aims to raise awareness of the impact of an aging population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity and to elevate consciousness about points which are affecting the aged, like COVID-19, senescence and elder abuse. More information...
2 October
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. More information...
Photo: United Nations Photo/Flickr CC2.0
6 October
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with Cerebral Palsy and their families, and the organisations that support them, in more than 75 countries. Our vision is to ensure that children and adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. More information...
9-16 October (official day 10 Oct)
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. More information...
13 October
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. More information...
Photo: IAPB/VISION 2020/Flickr CC2.0
24 October (date varies)
Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.
In Australia, the Hindu Council hosts a yearly celebration at Parramatta Park in western Sydney. More information...
Photo: Khokarahman/Wikimedia Commons CC4.0