September includes several important national and international observances that are relevant for competitive exams such as Kerala PSC. The month covers important days related to education, democracy, environment, peace, engineering, and language, along with major Indian festivals.
International & Global Observances
September 5 – International Day of Charity
International Day of Charity promotes charitable activities and highlights the importance of helping people and communities in need.
September 7 – International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
The day highlights air pollution and the importance of clean air for people’s health and the environment.
September 8 – International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy and education for individuals and communities. The 2026 theme is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
September 9 – International Day to Protect Education from Attack
The day focuses on the need to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from attacks, especially during conflicts and wars.
September 15 – International Day of Democracy
International Day of Democracy highlights the importance of democracy, human rights, participation, and the rule of law.
September 16 – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Also known as World Ozone Day, it reminds people why protecting the ozone layer is important. The day marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to reduce the use of substances that harm the ozone layer.
September 17 – World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day focuses on the importance of safe healthcare and reducing risks and harm to patients.
September 18 – International Equal Pay Day
International Equal Pay Day highlights the importance of equal pay for work of equal value. It also promotes fairness and equal opportunities in the workplace.
September 20 – World Cleanup Day
World Cleanup Day encourages people to take part in cleaning activities and create awareness about waste management and protecting the environment.
September 21 – International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace promotes peace and non-violence around the world. The 2026 theme is “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
September 23 – International Day of Sign Languages
International Day of Sign Languages raises awareness about the importance of sign languages and the rights and inclusion of deaf people.
September 26 – International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
The day raises awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and supports global efforts to eliminate them and achieve nuclear disarmament.
September 27 – World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day highlights the importance of tourism and its contribution to social, cultural, and economic development.
September 28 – International Day for Universal Access to Information
The day highlights the importance of people’s right to access information. It also promotes transparency and access to reliable information.
September 29 – World Heart Day
World Heart Day creates awareness about cardiovascular diseases and encourages people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
September 29 – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
The day raises awareness about reducing food loss and waste. It highlights the importance of using food resources efficiently for a more sustainable food system.
September 30 – International Translation Day
International Translation Day recognises the important role of translators and language professionals in connecting people and cultures around the world.
Important National Days (India)
September 5 – Teachers’ Day
Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President. The day honours teachers and their contribution to education.
September 14 – Hindi Diwas
Hindi Diwas is observed to mark the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of the Union on September 14, 1949.
September 15 – Engineers’ Day
Engineers’ Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most renowned engineers. The day recognises the contribution of engineers to the country’s development.
September 21 – Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi
Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi marks the death anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru, a well-known social reformer and spiritual leader from Kerala. The day remembers his teachings on equality, education, and social reform. His famous message was “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man.”
Festivals & Cultural Events 2026
September 4 – Janmashtami
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with prayers, fasting, devotional programmes, and cultural events.
September 14 – Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The festival is celebrated with prayers, cultural programmes, and Ganesha idol processions.
September 17 – Vishwakarma Puja
Vishwakarma Puja honours Lord Vishwakarma, traditionally regarded as the divine architect. Workers, artisans, engineers, and craftsmen worship their tools and machinery on this day.
September 25 – Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi is an important Hindu observance and marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in many parts of India.