Dussehra 2026 Holiday List: Are Schools, Banks and Government Offices Closed on October 20? Check Details

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India's most significant festivals, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. In 2026, this auspicious occasion falls on Tuesday, October 20. Millions across the country will mark the day with fervent prayers, cultural events, and traditional rituals, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga's vanquishing of Mahishasura.

With the festive season approaching, a crucial question for many families, students, and employees is about holiday statuses. Let's delve into the state-wise details for closures on this important day. Dussehra 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Ravan Dahan and Puja Timings.

Dussehra 2026: Date and Significance

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be observed on Tuesday, October 20. This day marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival, which begins on October 11. The festival holds dual significance: in North India, it symbolises Lord Rama's decisive victory over Ravana, leading to the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghanad. In eastern and southern states, it celebrates Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, concluding the grand Durga Puja festivities with the immersion of idols.

The auspicious Vijay Muhurat for the day is from 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM, while the Aparahna Puja time, ideal for rituals like Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, and Seema Avalanghan, is from 01:14 PM to 03:30 PM (timings are for New Delhi and may vary slightly by location).

Are Schools Closed for Dussehra 2026?

Yes, Dussehra on October 20, 2026, is widely observed as a school holiday across India, though the duration of festive breaks varies significantly by state and individual institution.

Here's a look at some key states:

• Telangana: Schools will enjoy an extended 13-day Dasara vacation from October 10 to October 22, with classes resuming on October 23. This comprehensive break includes Saddula Bathukamma, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami.
• Andhra Pradesh: Students in Andhra Pradesh will have a 10-day Dasara break from October 12 to October 21, with schools reopening on October 22.
• Karnataka: Schools in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, are expected to observe an extended Dussehra vacation from October 10 to October 21.
• Delhi-NCR: Schools typically observe an Autumn Break from October 17 to October 19, followed by the Dussehra holiday on October 20, potentially resulting in a continuous four-day break for some institutions.
• Uttar Pradesh & Haryana: October 20, 2026, is listed as the Dussehra holiday. Some schools or education authorities might declare additional closures around October 19 and October 21.
• West Bengal: Schools will have extensive Durga Puja holidays from October 15 to October 26, encompassing Maha Navami on October 20 and Dashami on October 21.
• Kerala: A Vijayadasami-related holiday is scheduled for October 21.

Parents and students are strongly advised to check official circulars from their respective schools or state education departments for precise holiday schedules.

Bank Holidays on Dussehra 2026

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is a gazetted public holiday in India, meaning banks will observe closures across most states.

• October 20, 2026 (Dussehra/Vijaya Dashmi/Mahanavami): Banks in most major cities across India will remain closed, with exceptions noted for Gangtok and Imphal. This includes states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
• October 19, 2026 (Dussehra/Maha Navami/Ayutha Pooja/Durga Puja): Banks will also be closed in several states and cities, including Agartala, Aizawl, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, and Shillong.
• October 21, 2026 (Vijaya Dasami/Durga Puja): Further bank closures are slated for Agartala, Bengaluru, Gangtok, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Customers should plan their banking activities accordingly, utilising digital banking services for urgent transactions during these holidays. Stock Market Holiday on Dussehra 2026: Are NSE and BSE Open on October 20? Check Details.

Government Office Closures for Vijayadashami 2026

Being a gazetted holiday, central and most state government offices, along with post offices, will remain closed on Tuesday, October 20, for Dussehra.

Regional Celebrations of Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated with vibrant regional variations. In Mysore, Karnataka, it is known as "Dasara" and culminates in a grand procession featuring the Goddess Chamundeshwari. In West Bengal, it marks the end of Durga Puja, with jubilant idol immersions. North India stages elaborate 'Ramlila' performances leading up to the burning of Ravana effigies. These diverse observances underscore the rich cultural tapestry of India's festive traditions.

Dussehra 2026 promises to be a day of immense cultural and spiritual significance across India. While the official holiday on October 20 is widely observed, the surrounding days often bring extended breaks, particularly for educational institutions. Ensure you check local holiday calendars to confirm specific closures in your region and make the most of this auspicious period.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).