Dussehra in India: Dates and Holiday Status
View the global Dussehra guide
Dussehra is observed in India on Vijayadashami in Ashvin. It celebrates the victory of good over evil in diverse regional traditions. India’s holiday system requires checking the central calendar alongside state and union-territory notifications.
Dussehra
Holiday
India
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Tuesday
Day
Oct
20
October 20, 2026
Dussehra Date in India
Date
October 20, 2026
Day
Tuesday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Dussehra Dates in India
Dussehra 2026
- Confirmed 2026 source: https://github.com/vacanza/holidays/tree/dev/holidays/countries; verification: PYTHON_ONLY; confirmed deterministic statutory/observed rule from maintained jurisdiction provider
Dussehra 2027
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation 2027 source: https://github.com/vacanza/holidays/tree/dev/holidays/countries; verification: PYTHON_ONLY
Dussehra 2028
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation 2028 seed from audited 2026/2027 recurrence; verification: ESTIMATED_LUNAR
History of Dussehra
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami in many traditions, marks the culmination of major Hindu festival narratives. Its date follows a traditional lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian rule.
Importance of Dussehra
Dussehra is widely observed, but its customs and official closure treatment vary by state. Users should rely on the relevant annual government or institutional calendar.
How Dussehra Is Celebrated in India
Regional traditions include dramatic performances, processions, worship and the symbolic defeat of evil. The form and timing of public celebrations differ considerably across India.
Office Impact
Central government offices follow the gazetted calendar, while state offices publish their own lists. Businesses must use the law and notification applicable to their establishment rather than assume one nationwide closure rule.
Bank Impact
RBI holiday information is regional. A bank can be closed in one state while operating in another, and nationwide payment-system availability is separate from a local branch holiday.
School Impact
Schools follow state boards, local governments or their institution calendar. Religious festivals can close schools in one region without producing the same schedule nationwide.
Travel Information
Demand around Dussehra can be highly regional. Confirm state holidays, local transport, attraction hours and festival restrictions at the destination before relying on a central-government calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dussehra in India?
It is observed on Vijayadashami in Ashvin.
Is it a uniform nationwide closure?
Not necessarily. Central, state, bank and school calendars can differ.
Are future religious dates confirmed?
Lunar dates remain projected until the applicable government or religious announcement is available.