Dussehra 2026: From Kolkata's Durga Visarjan to South India's Ayudha Puja, How India Celebrates Vijayadashami Differently

As the vibrant hues of autumn settle across India, the nation gears up for one of its most significant festivals: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara. This year, the auspicious day falls on Tuesday, October 20. While the core essence of the festival – the victory of good over evil – remains universal, its celebrations transform dramatically across different states, reflecting India's rich cultural tapestry. Vijayadashami is primarily celebrated for two major mythological victories: Lord Rama's defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It also marks a day of new beginnings and the veneration of knowledge and tools in certain regions.

North India: The Grandeur of Ramlila and Ravana Dahan

In North and Central India, Dussehra culminates the magnificent Ramlila performances that depict episodes from the epic Ramayana. These dramatic enactments, often spanning ten days or more, showcase the life story of Lord Rama, his exile, and his eventual battle against Ravana. The festivities reach their crescendo on Vijayadashami with the iconic Ravana Dahan, where giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are set ablaze amidst spectacular fireworks. Cities like Delhi, Varanasi (with its month-long Ramnagar Ramlila), and Ayodhya are famous for their elaborate Ramlila productions and the grand burning of effigies. Dussehra 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Ravan Dahan and Puja Timings

East India: Durga Visarjan and Sindoor Khela

For the Eastern states, particularly West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Vijayadashami is known as Bijoya Dashami, marking the emotional culmination of the five-day Durga Puja festival. On this day, devotees bid a tearful farewell to Goddess Durga as her clay idols, along with those of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are carried in grand processions to local rivers or other water bodies for Durga Visarjan (immersion).

A cherished tradition unique to this region is Sindoor Khela, where married women apply vermillion to Goddess Durga's idol and then playfully smear it on each other, wishing for a blissful marital life. The day concludes with warm 'Shubho Bijoya' greetings and the exchange of sweets among family and friends. While most of India observes Dussehra on October 20, Bengal's regional calendar observes Vijayadashami on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

South India: Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham

In South India, Vijayadashami is profoundly linked to Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham. Ayudha Puja, typically observed on Mahanavami (the ninth day of Navratri, which is October 20, 2026, in many calendars), is a unique tradition where people clean, decorate, and worship their tools, instruments, vehicles, and even books. This ritual expresses gratitude towards the means of livelihood and symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance. Farmers worship their ploughs, artisans their tools, and students their books, reflecting the belief that work is worship.

In Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka, the day of Vijayadashami is highly auspicious for Vidyarambham, the formal initiation of young children into the world of learning. The grand Mysore Dasara in Karnataka is renowned for its illuminated Mysore Palace and the spectacular 'Jumbo Savari' procession on Vijayadashami, where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a decorated elephant. Notably, Mysuru's Vijayadashami celebration also falls on Wednesday, October 21. Dussehra 2026 Holiday List: Are Schools, Banks and Government Offices Closed on October 20? Check Details.

Western India: Shami Puja and 'Sona' Exchange

Across Western India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated with various customs. In Maharashtra, Shami Puja and the exchange of Apta leaves, symbolising gold, are significant traditions. People exchange these leaves as a mark of love and respect, signifying prosperity and good fortune. In Gujarat, while Navratri is marked by spirited Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, Vijayadashami brings prayers and reflection on the triumph of Durga and Rama.

Key Timings for Vijayadashami / Dussehra 2026 (New Delhi Reference)

Note: Muhurat timings may vary slightly by city and specific regional calendars. Bengal and Mysuru observe Vijayadashami on October 21, 2026. Ayudha Puja is generally observed on October 20, 2026.

Official Holiday Status

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on October 20, 2026, is a gazetted public holiday across India, meaning government offices, banks, and most businesses will be closed. School holidays around Dussehra vary significantly by state and institution. For example, Telangana schools will have a 13-day break from October 10-22, while Andhra Pradesh schools have a 10-day break from October 12-21, and Delhi-NCR schools may have an Autumn Break from October 17-20/21. It is advisable to check local calendars for precise details.

From the towering effigies of Ravana symbolising the defeat of arrogance to the serene immersion of Durga idols signifying return and renewal, and the heartfelt worship of tools that enable livelihoods, Dussehra 2026 promises a diverse and deeply meaningful celebration of good triumphing over evil across the length and breadth of India. The spirit of festivity, devotion, and community will once again unite the nation in its myriad forms.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 02:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).