Dussehra
Nationwide public holiday in India
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 October | Tuesday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 9 October | Saturday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in India.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Take Monday 19 October off and get 4 days in a row (Sat 17 Oct – Tue 20 Oct).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in New Delhi around 20 October: high 32°C (90°F), low 18°C (65°F), rain on 4% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around New Delhi. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Tuesday 20 October in New Delhi: (MET Norway)
About Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu festival held on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashvin, at the end of the Navaratri festival. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, particularly the victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana and, in other traditions, of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
Traditions
In northern India, the preceding nights feature Ramlila performances of the story of Rama, and on Dussehra large effigies of Ravana are burned. In eastern India the day concludes Durga Puja with the immersion of images of the goddess, while Mysuru in Karnataka is known for its Dasara procession.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
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Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.