Dussehra 2026: Date, Holiday and Vijayadashami

Looking for Dussehra 2025? That date was Thursday, 2 October 2025, which also coincided with Gandhi Jayanti. This page covers Dussehra 2026 and ahead.

Dussehra 2026, At a Glance

Muhurat timings may vary by city. Refer to a local Panchang for your location.

Navratri to Bhai Dooj 2026, Full Festive Cluster Dates

The complete October–November festive window, from Sharad Navratri through Bhai Dooj.

Is Dussehra a Bank Holiday in Your State?

Dussehra is a gazetted public holiday in all states. Bank holiday status by state:

Verify with your specific bank branch. Cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks may have additional local closure rules.

Dussehra to Diwali is 19 days. India's biggest shopping season starts now. If you're planning a festive purchase, gold, electronics, home décor, travel, check your pre-approved personal loan offer before the rush. Compare offers from 30+ banks and NBFCs in 2 minutes. Soft inquiry, zero CIBIL score impact. Check My Pre-Approved Offer →

What Is Dussehra?

Dussehra, also written as Dushara or Dasara, marks the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, the final battle described in the Ramayana. It falls on the tenth day of Sharad Navratri, which is why it is also called Vijayadashami: Vijaya meaning victory, Dashami meaning the tenth lunar day.

The festival is also celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, completing the nine-night Navratri worship cycle. Across the country, it is a day when new ventures are considered auspicious, tools and vehicles are blessed, and communities gather for processions, performances, and fireworks.

How Dussehra Is Celebrated Across India

Mysore (Karnataka), Mysore Dasara: The most famous Dussehra celebration in India. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with over 100,000 bulbs, and a grand procession (Jamboo Savari) carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on a golden-canopied elephant through the city. Karnataka observes this as a 10-day state festival.

Delhi, Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan: Delhi hosts large-scale Ramlila performances in Ramlila Maidan and Subhash Nagar over ten days, culminating in the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghanada on Dussehra evening. Dwarka and Red Fort grounds draw the largest crowds.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra: While the rest of India ends its festivities on Dussehra, Kullu's celebrations begin. Dozens of local deities are brought to the Dhalpur ground for a week-long fair, a UNESCO-recognised cultural event with unique regional traditions.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Ramlila in Varanasi is among the oldest and most elaborate in the country, drawing pilgrims and visitors for ten days. The Ravan Dahan at Nati Imli and Lanka is a massive spectacle, with effigies reaching up to 75 feet.

Kolkata and West Bengal, Durga Puja: In Bengal, Dussehra is Vijayadashami, the final day of Durga Puja. Elaborate pandals are dismantled and the Durga idol is carried to the Ganga for immersion (Sindoor Khela). The farewell rituals are as significant as the festival itself.

Dussehra to Diwali: Festive Financial Planning Calendar 2026

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Future Dussehra Dates: 2026–2031

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