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October 21, 2025 Holiday:

Diwali/Deepavali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world. This festival of lights symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During Diwali, homes are adorned with diyas, candles, and colorful decorations, while families gather to share sweets, exchange gifts, and worship together. The festivities also involve fireworks, puja ceremonies, and traditional rituals, such as the worship of the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Overall, Diwali is a time for spiritual renewal, family bonding, and merriment, filling the air with warmth, love, and festive cheer.

Learn more about Diwali/Deepavali
Holidays on October 21, 2025:

"Back to the Future" Day

Join us on October 21st, 2025, for "Back to the Future" Day, a nostalgic tribute to Marty McFly and Doc Brown's time-traveling adventures. more >>

International Day of the Nacho

International Day of the Nacho - October 21, 2025. Discover the truth behind this non-existent holiday and get creative with your snack game! more >>

National Pets for Veterans Day

National Pets for Veterans Day (10/21/2025) - Discover how furry friends bring joy, comfort, and healing to our nation's heroes. more >>

Trafalgar Day

Trafalgar Day, October 21, 2025: Commemorating the British Royal Navy's victory over the French and Spanish fleets, honoring bravery and sacrifice. more >>

Apple Day

Apple Day, October 21, 2025: Join the festive gathering to appreciate the beauty of the apple harvest, with apple pressing, games, and treats. more >>

Celebration of the Mind Day

Discover the truth behind "Celebration of the Mind Day" on October 21st, 2025. Is it a real holiday or a mistake? more >>

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, 10/21/2025: Indulge in rich, velvety pumpkin cheesecake creations, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy treats. more >>

World Bolognese Ragu Day

Discover the truth about World Bolognese Ragu Day on 10/21/2025. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

Check Your Meds Day

Check Your Meds Day, 10/21/2025: Take control of your medication regimen, review prescriptions, and promote open communication with your healthcare provider to prevent medication errors and adverse reactions. more >>

Birthdays on October 21:

Kim Kardashian

45 Years Old

Reality TV star and entrepreneur who built a global brand through social media and savvy business deals, known for her curvaceous figure and glamorous lifestyle.

Carrie Fisher

Died in 2016, aged 60

Iconic actress and writer behind the beloved Star Wars character Princess Leia, and a witty, unapologetic advocate for mental health awareness.

Judy Sheindlin

83 Years Old

Presiding over her courtroom with wit and wisdom, this no-nonsense jurist has become a household name, doling out justice and advice on her popular TV show.

Benjamin Netanyahu

76 Years Old

The 9th Prime Minister of Israel, a dominant figure in Israeli politics, known for his strong leadership and controversial policies. He has been a central figure in shaping Israel'...

Dizzy Gillespie

Died in 1993, aged 75

A virtuosic trumpet player and composer who revolutionized jazz with his lightning-fast solos and iconic puffy cheeks, creating a new language for the instrument. He's synonymous w...

Steve Lukather

68 Years Old

A legendary musician and founder of the iconic rock band Toto, known for his soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing on hits like "Africa" and "Hold the Line".

Andrew Scott

49 Years Old

A talented Irish actor renowned for his captivating performances in TV shows like Fleabag and Sherlock, bringing complex characters to life with his nuanced portrayals.

Oswald Avery

Born in 1877

Pioneering microbiologist who discovered DNA as the genetic material, revolutionizing our understanding of life and paving the way for major advances in genetics and biotechnology.

Alfred Nobel

Died in 1896, aged 63

A Swedish chemist and engineer who invented dynamite and established a prestigious award recognizing outstanding contributions in fields like literature, peace, and science.

Ursula K. Le Guin

Died in 2018, aged 88

A celebrated author of fantasy and science fiction, crafting imaginative worlds and exploring complex social themes, particularly in the Earthsea series and The Left Hand of Darkne...

Celia Cruz

Died in 2003, aged 77

A legendary singer who brought Afro-Cuban rhythms to the global stage, known for her powerful voice, vibrant stage presence, and iconic hits like "La Negra Tiene Tumbao".

Steve Cropper

84 Years Old

A legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of soul and R&B music, penning iconic hits like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Green Onions".

Events from History on October 21:
220 years ago
British Fleet Triumphs at Trafalgar, Nelson Falls (Cape Trafalgar, España, Spain) 1805
The roar of cannons echoed across the waters off Cape Trafalgar as Lord Nelson's British fleet clashed with the combined French and Spanish armada. The fate of the Napoleonic Wars hung in the balance, and Nelson's tactical genius proved the decisive factor. With his iconic signal "England expects that every man will do his duty" flying from the HMS Victory, Nelson's ships broke through the enemy line, firing broadsides that shattered the enemy's formation. Though fatally wounded, Nelson lived to hear of his magnificent triumph, but succumbed to his injuries soon after. The British emerged victorious, cementing their dominance of the seas and crushing Napoleon's ambitions.
425 years ago
In the misty mountains of Japan, powerful clans clashed in a battle that would shake the nation's foundations. Tokugawa Ieyasu, a cunning and ambitious warlord, led his forces against the rival clans of Ishida Mitsunari and Mori Terumoto in the epic Battle of Sekigahara. The outcome was far from certain, but Ieyasu's clever strategy and superior numbers ultimately proved decisive. As the dust settled, Ieyasu emerged victorious, paving the way for him to become the supreme ruler of Japan, marking the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate that would dominate Japanese politics for centuries to come.
31 years ago
North Korea, led by Kim Il-sung, was on the path to building a nuclear bomb, striking fear into the hearts of the international community. But on October 21, 1994, a historic agreement changed the course of history. The United States, with President Bill Clinton at the helm, negotiated a groundbreaking deal with North Korea, requiring the rogue state to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for economic aid and normalization of relations. This agreement, known as the Agreed Framework, aimed to ensure the Korean Peninsula remained nuclear-free, easing global tensions.
The battle for Aachen, a major industrial hub in western Germany, raged on for three intense weeks, as American forces fought to claim their first major German city. The Allies, led by General Courtney Hodges, launched a relentless artillery barrage and ground assault, slowly but surely pushing the German defenders back. As the city's infrastructure crumbled, the remaining German troops finally surrendered on October 21, 1944, marking a significant milestone in the Allied advance into Germany.
146 years ago
Thomas Edison's most brilliant idea was taking shape, quite literally! On this day, the Wizard of Menlo Park submitted his groundbreaking design for an incandescent light bulb to the US Patent Office. This innovator's creative spark would soon illuminate homes, revolutionize daily life, and make the world a brighter place - literally! His ingenious bulb design used a carbon filament thatburned for hours using relatively little electricity, paving the way for widespread adoption of electric lighting.
928 years ago
Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemund of Taranto, and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, spearheaded the Crusader army as they surrounded the fortified city of Antioch, preparing for a grueling siege. The Christians, driven by a fervent desire to reclaim the Holy Land, faced the formidable walls of Antioch, a strategic stronghold held by the Muslim forces. The Crusaders' determination to vanquish the infidels and claim the city for Christendom would be tested by the treacherous terrain, scarce resources, and the unyielding resistance of the defenders.
Notable Deaths on October 21:
1969Jack Kerouac Groundbreaking American author who pioneered the Beat Generation with his countercultural novels
2015Marty Ingels American actor with a long career in film and television
2003Elliott Smith Acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist with hauntingly beautiful music
2023Bobby Charlton English footballer and manager who played for Manchester United
2014Ben Bradlee Legendary journalist uncovering the world's stories
2012George McGovern American historian and politician who worked to promote social and economic justice
2012Yash Chopra Indian filmmaker known for his romantic comedies and epic dramas
1992Jim Garrison American legal expert who served as a judge and advocated for justice reform
2014Nelson Bunker Hunt Successful businessman building lucrative ventures
2013Major Owens Impactful politician dedicated to public service
1995Maxene Andrews American singer who performed with her sisters as a trio
1984François Truffaut French film visionaries pioneer
2020Frank Bough English TV presenter with a long career in broadcasting
2007Paul Fox Infectious English rock drummer and singer-songwriter with energetic beats
2023Bobi Portuguese dog who gained international fame
2013Colonel Robert Morris Talented musician blending music and poetry
2006Sandy West Funky American punk rock drummer and singer-songwriter
2021Bernard Haitink Dutch conductor and violinist who performed internationally
1995Shannon Hoon Talented American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for emotional performances
2023Bill Hayden Australian politician who served as Governor-General