Is Dussehra 2026 on October 20 or 21? If you’ve checked different festival calendars, you may have noticed both dates. Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, in most parts of India, while Bengal Vijayadashami falls on Wednesday, October 21. Mysuru Dasara also observes Vijayadashami on October 21. The difference comes from Dashami Tithi timings and regional traditions.

When Is Dussehra 2026?

According to Drik Panchang’s Kolkata calendar, Dussehra falls on October 20, 2026, while Bengal Vijayadashami will be observed on October 21. Here are the important dates and timings:

• Dussehra 2026 Date: Tuesday, October 20
• Bengal Vijayadashami 2026: Wednesday, October 21
• Dashami Tithi Begins: October 20 at 12:50 PM
• Dashami Tithi Ends: October 21 at 2:11 PM

These timings are based on the Kolkata Panchang and follow Indian Standard Time. While most parts of India will celebrate Dussehra on October 20, Bengali communities will observe Vijayadashami on October 21 as part of their Durga Puja traditions.

Dussehra 2026 Puja Muhurat and Important Timings

Dussehra is a time when families come together to offer prayers and follow their traditional rituals. Some families also perform Shami Puja and Aparajita Puja. According to Drik Panchang, here are the important puja timings for Kolkata:

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

• Vijay Muhurat: 1:17 PM to 2:03 PM
• Dashami Tithi begins: 12:50 PM

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

• Bengal Vijayadashami Aparahna Puja: 12:30 PM to 2:49 PM
• Dashami Tithi ends: 2:11 PM

Many people consider Vijay Muhurat a good time to perform traditional prayers. Since puja timings can change slightly from one city to another, check your local Panchang before making plans.

Why Is Dussehra Celebrated in India?

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is all about celebrating the victory of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. Dussehra celebrates this victory and reminds people to stand up for what is right. The festival also celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Both stories share a similar message: no matter how powerful evil seems, goodness and courage can overcome it. For many families, Dussehra is also a chance to visit temples, meet relatives, enjoy festive food, and spend time together.

How Is Dussehra Celebrated Across India?

Dussehra celebrations are not the same everywhere in India. Some cities are famous for Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan, while others celebrate with Durga Puja, colorful processions, and traditional prayers. Here’s what makes celebrations in different cities special.

Hyderabad, Telangana: Families offer prayers, follow Jammi tree traditions, and meet relatives during Vijayadashami. Many also perform Ayudha Puja and exchange festive greetings. Specific practices vary by family and community.

Delhi: Dussehra is a major celebration in Delhi. People enjoy Ramlila performances and gather at local grounds to watch Ravana Dahan. The burning of Ravana’s effigies is one of the main attractions.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi is known for the famous Ramnagar Ramlila. These traditional performances bring stories from the Ramayana to life and attract visitors from different places.

Kolkata, West Bengal: Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, and it’s an emotional day for many families. People take part in Sindoor Khela, offer their final prayers to Goddess Durga, and gather for idol immersion. Families also visit each other and share sweets and festive greetings.

Mysuru, Karnataka: Mysuru is famous for its grand Dasara festival. The city hosts cultural programs, palace illumination displays, and the traditional Jumboo Savari procession.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra is known for its traditional processions and gatherings of local deities. Unlike many other cities, the celebrations begin on Vijayadashami and continue for several days.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: People celebrate the festive season with Navratri Garba and Dandiya Raas events. Families also observe Vijayadashami with prayers and traditional rituals.

Other parts of India: Families perform Ayudha Puja, Shami Puja, and other rituals. Many people also decorate their homes, prepare festive food, and spend time with loved ones.

How Is Dussehra Celebrated in the USA?

Indian communities across the USA celebrate Dussehra with cultural programs, temple prayers, Ramlila performances, and family gatherings. Depending on local organizers, celebrations may also include Ravana Dahan and other cultural activities. Here’s how communities in different cities may celebrate the festival.

New York and New Jersey: Indian communities may organize Dussehra events with Ramlila performances, Ravana Dahan, traditional music, and cultural programs. Families gather to celebrate the festival and enjoy Indian food.

Dallas, Texas: Hindu temples and Indian cultural associations may host Vijayadashami prayers, cultural performances, and family events. Some community groups also organize Ramlila and Ravana Dahan celebrations.

Houston, Texas: Families visit temples for special prayers and join community celebrations. Events may include devotional music, cultural programs, and traditional festive meals.

San Francisco Bay Area, California: Indian communities may celebrate Dussehra through temple prayers, Ramlila performances, and cultural gatherings. Bengali associations also organize Durga Puja and Vijayadashami celebrations.

Chicago, Illinois: Hindu temples and Indian associations may arrange religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and family gatherings. Bengali communities also celebrate Vijayadashami with traditional Durga Puja rituals.

Washington, DC Area: Indian communities in Virginia and Maryland may organize Dussehra celebrations with prayers, Ramlila performances, and cultural activities.

Other cities across the USA: Indian families in cities such as Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and Phoenix also celebrate Dussehra in their own way. Some visit temples, while others enjoy festive meals, meet friends, or attend local community events. No matter where they live, the festival gives families a chance to come together and stay connected to their Indian traditions.

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Whether you’re celebrating Dussehra in India or the USA, the festival is a time to enjoy traditions, spend time with family, and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Follow your local Panchang for the correct puja timings and make the most of the festive season.

Planning to visit India? Explore Indian Eagle’s Dussehra flight deals and check the applicable coupon terms before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dussehra on October 20 or 21 in 2026?

Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in most parts of India. Bengal Vijayadashami will take place on Wednesday, October 21. Mysuru Dasara also observes Vijayadashami on October 21.

How is Dussehra celebrated in the USA?

Indian communities in the USA celebrate Dussehra with temple prayers, Ramlila performances, cultural programs, and family gatherings. Some communities also organize Ravana Dahan events.

When is Ravana Dahan in 2026?

Most communities celebrating Dussehra on October 20 will organize Ravana Dahan that evening. Exact timings depend on local customs and event arrangements.

What are the Dussehra 2026 puja timings in Kolkata?

According to Drik Panchang, Vijay Muhurat is from 1:17 PM to 2:03 PM on October 20, 2026. Bengal Vijayadashami Aparahna Puja is listed from 12:30 PM to 2:49 PM on October 21. These timings apply to Kolkata and may differ in other cities.

The post When Is Dussehra 2026? Date, Puja Timings and Celebrations in India and USA appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Most of the major Hindu festivals are a celebration of the good over the evil! Dussehra or Vijayadashami, celebrated on the 10th day (Dashami) of the Ashwin month according to the Hindu calendar, also falls under this category. Whether commemorating the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura or that of Lord Rama over Ravana, the essence of Dussehra lies in the victory of Dharma over Adharma. Dussehra 2021 will be celebrated on October 15.

Dussehra celebrations in India:

The festivities usually begin 9 days before (called Navaratri) and culminate with Dussehra on the 10th day. Each day of the Navaratri is dedicated to different aspects of Goddess Shakti. Devotees observe fast and perform pooja to the divine avatars of Shakti.

Dussehra celebrations in different parts of India are characterized by cheerful cultural fairs and activities, plays and dance performances, fasts and feasts, bonfires and the burning of towering effigies of Ravana. Fly to India, join the festivities, and experience ecstasy!

Kolkata’s Durga Pujo

Durga Pujo is the biggest festival in West Bengal and is certainly celebrated in the grandest manner, especially in Kolkata. With the entire city decked up in colorful lights and dotted with elaborately decorated Puja Pandals housing imposing idols of Ma Durga, Dussehra in ‘The City of Joy’ is unlike anywhere else in India! Durga Pujo begins on the sixth day of Navratri and ends with the immersion of the idol on the tenth day, i.e., Dussehra. The festivities include cultural rituals (like Kumari Pooja, Sindoor Khela), traditional dhunuchi dance to dhaak beats, and a resplendent food scene (Bhog).

Mysore’s Royal Dasara

Dussehra, called Dasara in Karnataka, is celebrated with tremendous pomp and splendor in Mysore. The royal Mysore Palace dazzles with the radiance cast by 1,00,000 light bulbs arranged to mark the Dussehra celebrations. Several cultural programs, fun activities, competitions, food fests, flower shows, exhibitions, etc. are organized at various venues. The highlights of Mysore Dasara celebrations are the Jamboo Savari (a traditional procession) and the torchlight parade on the 10th day.

Navratri in Gujarat

Navratri in Gujarat is a nine-night cultural fest of traditional dance and music! People dress up in colorful traditional attire and perform folk dances like Garba and Dandiya to pay their tribute to Ma Ambe, an aspect of Goddess Shakti. Witnessing the locals indulge in rhythmic dance after the evening aarti is the best thing to do during the Navratri celebrations in Gujarat! You’ll love the festive aura replete with zest and devotion.

Ram Leela in Delhi and Varanasi

Dussehra celebrations of Delhi and Varanasi feature Ram Leela, the theatrical performance of events from the great Hindu epic The Ramayana. Varanasi’s 200-year-old tradition of staging Ram Leela at Ramnagar draws many tourists to India during the festival season. Huge stages will be set up at places like Ramlila Maidan, Red Fort grounds, etc. in Delhi, where devotees throng to view the life story of their beloved Ram and Sita. The celebrations reach their zenith on the 10th day with Ravan Dahan amid the spectacular display of fireworks. The collapsing effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran are symbolic of ‘virtue overpowering vice’.

Lord Raghunath’s Rath Yatra in Kullu Valley

The beautiful valley of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is known for its large-scale Dussehra celebrations that last for a week. Dussehra in Kullu is associated with local folklore of Raja Jagat Singh’s salvation by the grace of Lord Ragunath. Hence, a grand Rath Yatra (procession) is organized every year, and the idols of various local gods and goddesses are carried to the Dhalpur Maidan with great fanfare. Music, dance, and food are integral to Kullu’s Dussehra celebrations. The festival concludes with the burning of a heap of dry leaves, grass, and twigs by the side of the Beas River, alluding to Lanka Dahan.

Dussehra as a tribal festival in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar

Bastar’s Dussehra, celebrated for 75 days, is one of the longest festivals in the world! Interestingly, Dussehra celebrations in Bastar are dedicated to the local deity, Devi Danteshwari. Different tribal groups come together for the festival arrangements and harmoniously practice their respective rituals to express their gratitude towards nature’s bounty. The major attraction is the Rath Yatra, in which a massive 8-wheeled chariot (made by the locals) is tugged along the brightly illuminated streets by more than 400 people!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Dussehra celebrated in India?

Dussehra is celebrated with grand fairs, plays of Ramayana, and effigy burning of Ravana. People mark the victory of good over evil with joy and devotion.

Where is the famous 10 day Dussehra festival celebrated?

The famous 10-day Dussehra is celebrated in Mysuru, Karnataka. It includes royal processions, decorated elephants, and cultural programs.

Which state is famous for celebrating Durga Puja?

West Bengal is most famous for Durga Puja celebrations. Pandals, rituals, and cultural events attract millions of devotees of Goddess Durga.

What is the connection between Navratri and Dussehra?

Navratri is observed for nine days with fasting and prayers. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day, which marks the end of Navratri.

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