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2026 festivals

Happy Dussehra 2026: Meaning, Traditions and Greeting

Happy Dussehra! The festival, also called Vijayadashami, falls on 20 October 2026. Its meanings and observances vary across India.

By ThatPainter Team 2 min read
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Happy Dussehra! Also known as Vijayadashami, the festival is associated with the victory of good over evil. In 2026, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October. Its stories and customs vary across India, so a greeting can be warm without assuming everyone observes the day in the same way.

What is the significance of Dussehra?

Dussehra is linked to more than one regional story. In northern and western states, it is commonly associated with Rama’s victory over Ravana, as told in the Ramayana. In eastern and southern states, it is associated with Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. President Droupadi Murmu described this distinction in her official Dussehra greeting on 23 October 2023: “The eastern and southern states celebrate this festival as the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura while northern and western states celebrate this festival as Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.” Read the President of India’s greeting.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Dussehra overview connects the festival with the Ramayana and notes that Vijayadashami in Bengal concludes Durga Puja. The traditions are related through the festival’s broad theme, but they are not identical.

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How is Dussehra celebrated?

Observances depend on region and community. These official sources offer examples rather than a complete list:

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  • Ramlila and Ravana Dahan: In Delhi, Ramlila performances retell episodes from the Ramayana, and Ravana’s effigy is burned. Delhi Tourism’s Dussehra page describes these local observances. The Incredible India overview also mentions effigies of Ravana, Meghanath and Kumbhakaran in some celebrations.
  • Durga Puja’s conclusion: In Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the close of Durga Puja, with immersion of Durga idols among the observances described by Incredible India.
  • Shastra Puja: In Maharashtra, prayers and the traditional worship of weapons and tools are among the day’s customs. Maharashtra Tourism explains the practice.

These examples should not be taken to mean that every household or region celebrates in the same way.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2026 event listing and the U R Rao Satellite Centre’s holiday list, last updated 29 December 2025. The date changes from year to year.

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A simple Dussehra greeting

“Happy Dussehra! Wishing you a day filled with hope, kindness and the triumph of good.”

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If you know how the person celebrates, you can make the message more personal—for example, by wishing them a meaningful Vijayadashami or a joyful close to Durga Puja. President Murmu’s 2023 greeting framed the festival as a reminder to let go of ego and negativity and embrace oneness and love; that is her message, not a universal scriptural quotation.

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