About Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated on Ashvina Shukla Dashami, the day after the nine nights of Navratri. Its name speaks of victory, and the day honours the triumph of righteousness in two great traditions. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day and freed Sita. In the Devi tradition, it marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, and in Bengal the day brings Durga's farewell with immersion and sindoor khela.
In North India, Ramlila performances end with towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad being set alight at dusk. Rajasthan's Kota Dussehra fair, Himachal Pradesh's week-long Kullu Dussehra and Chhattisgarh's Bastar Dussehra each have their own distinctive character, while Mysuru hosts a royal procession. Many people worship the Shami tree, recalling that the Pandavas hid their weapons in it during their exile, and exchange its leaves as "gold". In South India, tools and books are honoured in Ayudha Puja, and Kerala families begin children's learning with Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami.
How it is observed
- Watching the Ramlila and the burning of Ravana effigies
- Worshipping the Shami tree and Goddess Aparajita
- Honouring tools, vehicles and books through Ayudha Puja
- Beginning new learning, ventures or journeys on this auspicious day
- Visiting elders to seek blessings and share sweets
Dussehra dates in past and coming years
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Saturday, 12 October 2024 | Past |
| 2025 | Thursday, 2 October 2025 | Past |
| 2026 | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | Past |
| 2027 | Saturday, 9 October 2027 | Next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 27 September 2028 | Upcoming |
| 2029 | Tuesday, 16 October 2029 | Upcoming |
| 2030 | Sunday, 6 October 2030 | Upcoming |
Dates are calculated from the Panchang for New Delhi. Some regions may observe a day earlier or later.
Across India
Celebrated across India
The same season is marked in many ways. Where a region keeps the festival on a different day, its calculated date is shown.
North India
Dussehra
Ramlila performances end with huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna set on fire, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
West Bengal
Bijoya Dashami
Durga idols are immersed, women play sindoor khela, and people visit elders with sweets and Bijoya greetings.
Karnataka (Mysuru)
Mysuru Dasara
The Jamboo Savari procession carries Goddess Chamundeshwari on a decorated elephant through the city.
Himachal Pradesh (Kullu)
Kullu Dussehra
The week-long fair starts on Vijayadashami itself, when village deities gather around Lord Raghunath in the Dhalpur ground.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Ayudha Puja, Vidyarambham
Tools and vehicles are worshipped on Mahanavami, the day before, and on Vijayadashami young children write their first letters in Vidyarambham.
Maharashtra
Dasara
People exchange apta leaves as "gold" and greet each other, and it is a favoured day to start something new.
In Bengal and eastern India the day is Bijoya Dashami, marking the immersion of Goddess Durga's idol.
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