Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the day after the nine nights of Navratri end. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, and it is one of the few festivals celebrated in almost every part of India, each region in its own way. Here is a simple guide to the date, the stories behind it, how it is celebrated and some easy activities to do with children.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
- Navratri: Sunday 11 October to Monday 19 October 2026
- Durga Puja (Bengal and East India): 16 to 20 October 2026, with Vijaya Dashami on the final day
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami): Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Diwali: Sunday, 8 November 2026, which many families count as about 20 days after Dussehra
Puja muhurat timings vary by city. Check your local panchang or ask your family priest for exact times.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Two stories are linked with the day.
- Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. In the Ramayana, Rama defeats the ten-headed king Ravana in Lanka and rescues Sita. This is why giant effigies of Ravana, along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad, are burned across North India on Dussehra evening.
- Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. After nine days of battle, the goddess defeats the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In Bengal and the east, Vijaya Dashami marks the end of Durga Puja and the immersion of the idols.
Both stories carry the same message: courage, truth and good will win over pride and evil, however strong it looks.
How Dussehra is celebrated across India
- North India: Ramlila performances during Navratri, ending with Ravana Dahan, the burning of the effigies, at sunset on Dussehra.
- West Bengal, Odisha and Assam: idol immersion (visarjan) and sindoor khela, where married women apply sindoor to the goddess and to each other.
- Karnataka: the famous Mysuru Dasara, with the Jamboo Savari procession and the illuminated palace.
- Maharashtra: people exchange apta leaves as "gold", wishing each other prosperity, and many begin new ventures on this day.
- South India: Ayudha Puja on Navami, when tools, books, vehicles and instruments are cleaned and worshipped, and Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami, when young children are introduced to letters.
- Gujarat: the final night of garba, and families enjoy fafda and jalebi on Dussehra morning.
Why Dussehra is a good day to start something new
Vijayadashami is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year. Many families buy vehicles, gold or homes, begin a new course of study, or start a business on this day. It is also when many households begin their Diwali preparations in earnest: cleaning, planning gifts and buying puja items.
Easy Dussehra activities for kids
Children enjoy the Ramayana story more when they can do something with it. Try these at home:
- Tell the story in ten minutes. Use simple words: Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go to the forest, Ravana takes Sita away, Hanuman finds her, and Rama wins the battle. Ask your child to retell it back to you.
- Make a paper Ravana. Draw ten heads on a long strip of paper and talk about the ten bad habits each head could stand for, such as anger, greed, jealousy and laziness. Then "defeat" them by crossing them out together.
- Colour and puzzle pages. Word searches, mazes and colouring sheets about bow and arrow, Hanuman and the Ravana effigy keep kids busy while the adults prepare.
- Write a "good wins" promise. Each child writes one thing they will do better this year. Read them out after dinner.
- Make greeting cards. Children can draw a bow, a diya or the rising sun and write a short Happy Dussehra wish for grandparents.
Safety at Ravana Dahan
- Keep children close and at a safe distance from the effigies, which are packed with firecrackers.
- Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
- Carry water and avoid loose, synthetic clothing near fire.
Start your Diwali planning after Dussehra
With Diwali on 8 November, the days after Dussehra are the best time to make lists. Our printable Diwali and Bestu Varas 2026 Festival Planner has a four-week countdown, gift tracker and budget pages. Looking for a gift for the kids at home? See our Kids Toys and Games collection, with learning toys under Rs 1,000.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is the difference between Dussehra and Vijayadashami?
They are the same day. Dussehra is the more common name in North India, while Vijayadashami is used widely in the south, east and west.
How many days after Dussehra is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali falls on 8 November 2026, which is 19 days after Dussehra.
What is eaten on Dussehra?
It varies by region: fafda and jalebi in Gujarat, sweets and festive thalis in the north, and payasam and festive meals in the south.
Wishing you a happy Dussehra from all of us at KrishnaPriya.