Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, across India. Also known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra is one of the major Hindu festivals and marks the victory of good over evil.
In many parts of India, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Navratri celebrations. The day is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while in other traditions it commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Here are the key details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Dussehra |
| Other Name | Vijayadashami / Dasara |
| Date | October 20, 2026 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Holiday | Yes |
| Holiday Type | Gazetted Holiday |
| Country | India |
Dussehra is listed as a gazetted holiday in India’s 2026 holiday calendar.
Is Dussehra a Holiday in 2026?
Yes. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, is a gazetted holiday for Dussehra in India. Government offices and many schools, banks, and businesses are generally closed on the day, although individual institutions can have their own schedules.
Dussehra is observed as a public holiday in many parts of the country, but local celebrations and additional holidays around the festival can vary by state.
Dussehra 2026 Date and Day
The date of Dussehra in 2026 is:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin. The exact religious observances are determined according to the local Panchang.
Vijayadashami 2026
Vijayadashami and Dussehra refer to the same festival day in many parts of India.
In 2026, Vijayadashami falls on October 20 in most Indian calendars. For example, the New Delhi Panchang places Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20, with the Dashami tithi continuing into October 21.
Some regional calendars, particularly the Bengal Durga Puja tradition, observe Bijoya Dashami on October 21 because of the way the Dashami tithi is applied to the regional observance.
For general India-wide holiday information, however, October 20, 2026 is the listed Dussehra holiday.
Why is Dussehra Celebrated?
Dussehra represents the victory of good over evil.
In the Ramayana tradition, the festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. According to this tradition, Rama defeated Ravana after a major battle and rescued Sita.
Dussehra is also connected with Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This is particularly significant in traditions associated with Durga Puja.
Because of these different traditions, Dussehra is celebrated in different ways throughout India.
How is Dussehra Celebrated?
Dussehra celebrations vary widely from region to region.
Common celebrations include:
- Burning large effigies of Ravana
- Ram Lila performances
- Religious prayers and ceremonies
- Dussehra fairs and cultural events
- Processions
- Durga idol immersion in some regions
- Family gatherings
- Visiting temples
- Exchanging gifts and sweets
In northern India, large Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad effigies are commonly burned during evening celebrations.
In Mysuru, Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with large processions and traditional events. Other regions have their own distinctive customs.
Dussehra 2026 Holiday Calendar
Here is a simple October 2026 festival calendar around Dussehra:
| Date | Day | Festival / Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2026 | Saturday | Durga Puja festivities |
| October 18, 2026 | Sunday | Maha Saptami |
| October 19, 2026 | Monday | Maha Ashtami |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra / Vijayadashami |
| October 21, 2026 | Wednesday | Bengal Bijoya Dashami |
The India-wide holiday listing identifies October 20 as Dussehra, while some regional Durga Puja calendars observe Bijoya Dashami on October 21.
Is October 20, 2026 a Government Holiday?
Yes. October 20, 2026, is listed as Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi) in the 2026 gazetted holiday list.
Government offices are generally closed on a gazetted holiday. Banks, schools, colleges, and private companies may follow their respective holiday calendars, so it is advisable to check the applicable local schedule.
Dussehra 2026 Long Weekend
Dussehra falls on a Tuesday in 2026.
Because it is not immediately adjacent to the weekend, Dussehra 2026 does not create a standard three-day weekend by itself. However, employees who have Monday, October 19, or Wednesday, October 21 off may be able to create a longer break depending on their workplace holiday policy.
Dussehra and Navratri 2026
Dussehra is closely connected with Sharad Navratri.
Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, and the festival period leads to Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20 in the general India calendar.
Navratri focuses on the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms, while Dussehra is associated with the victory of good over evil through different regional traditions.
Dussehra 2026 Puja Muhurat
Religious timings such as Vijay Muhurat vary according to location.
For example, the New Delhi Panchang lists the Vijay Muhurat on October 20, 2026, from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM local time. People performing specific Dussehra rituals should use the Panchang for their own city rather than applying one timing across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Is Dussehra a holiday in 2026?
Yes. Dussehra on October 20, 2026, is listed as a gazetted holiday in India.
What day is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra falls on Tuesday in 2026.
Is Dussehra and Vijayadashami the same?
Yes. Dussehra is commonly known as Vijayadashami or Dasara. Regional traditions may use different names and celebrate the day in different ways.
When is Vijayadashami 2026?
Vijayadashami is generally observed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in the India-wide calendar. Some regional Durga Puja traditions observe Bijoya Dashami on October 21.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil. In the Ramayana tradition, it represents Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while in Durga traditions it is connected with Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Final Thoughts
Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It is a gazetted holiday in India and marks an important day in the Hindu festival calendar.
From Ram Lila and Ravana effigy burning to Durga Puja and regional processions, Dussehra is celebrated in many different ways across India. If you are planning your October 2026 holiday calendar, be sure to include October 20 as the main Dussehra date.