Dussehra 2026 Across India: How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated in Different States

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. While the festival broadly represents the victory of good over evil, the way Vijayadashami is observed changes dramatically from one region to another. In some places, people burn giant effigies of Ravana, while in others, the day marks the immersion of Goddess Durga, grand royal processions, worship of weapons and vehicles, or the gathering of hundreds of village deities.

In 2026, Dussehra will be observed on Tuesday, October 20, according to the widely followed Indian calendar. The Dashami Tithi begins at around 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21. In Bengal, however, Vijaya Dashami is observed on October 21, reflecting the regional Durga Puja calendar.

Read Detail: Dussehra 2026 Date: Know Dashami Tithi, Vijay Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Ravana Dahan and More


From Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka and Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh to Ramlila in Delhi and Durga Visarjan in West Bengal, here is how different parts of India celebrate Vijayadashami.

Why Is Dussehra Celebrated?

Dussehra carries more than one major religious significance across India.

In the Ramayana tradition, Vijayadashami commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over arrogance and evil. This tradition is particularly prominent across North and Central India, where Ramlila performances culminate in the burning of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad effigies.

The festival is also associated with Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. This interpretation is especially important in eastern India, where the end of Durga Puja is marked by Vijaya Dashami and the immersion of Goddess Durga idols.

This combination of traditions is what makes Dussehra one of India's most diverse festivals.

1. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh: Ramlila and Ravana Dahan

In Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is strongly associated with Ramlila, the dramatic retelling of Lord Rama's life and his battle against Ravana.

For several days leading up to Vijayadashami, Ramlila performances bring scenes from the Ramayana to life. On Dussehra, the celebrations reach their climax with the burning of enormous effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad. Large gatherings, fairs, devotional performances, food stalls and fireworks often accompany Ravan Dahan.

2. West Bengal: Vijaya Dashami and Durga Visarjan

For Bengalis, Dussehra is better known as Vijaya Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja. Instead of focusing primarily on Ravana Dahan, the day marks Goddess Durga's return after her annual visit to her maternal home. Devotees bid farewell to the Goddess before her idol is taken for immersion.

One of the most recognisable traditions is Sindoor Khela, in which married women apply vermilion to Goddess Durga and to one another before the immersion procession.

The day ends with Durga Visarjan, when idols are carried in elaborate processions accompanied by music, dancing and chants before being immersed in water.

Read Detail: Durga Puja 2026 Dates: Know When Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami Fall

3. Gujarat: From Navratri Garba to Vijayadashami

In Gujarat, the festive atmosphere begins well before Dussehra with Navratri, particularly the famous nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas.

While Garba is more closely associated with the nine nights of Navratri than with Vijayadashami itself, the tenth day represents the culmination of the festive period. Devotees worship the divine feminine throughout Navratri, while Vijayadashami symbolises the eventual victory of good over evil. The transition from energetic Garba nights to Vijayadashami gives Gujarat's festive season a distinctive cultural identity.

Read Detail: Navratri 2026: Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, 9 Days of Navratri, Colours, Puja Timings and Significance

4. Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara and the Grand Jamboo Savari

Karnataka's Mysuru Dasara is among India's most spectacular Vijayadashami celebrations. The festival is associated with Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is believed to have defeated the demon Mahishasura. Mysuru Palace is illuminated during the celebrations, while cultural programmes, processions and traditional performances create a festive atmosphere across the city.

The grand finale is the Jamboo Savari, a ceremonial procession featuring a beautifully decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The procession makes its way towards Bannimantap, where traditional rituals are performed.

Mysuru Dasara remains one of Karnataka's defining cultural festivals, combining devotion, royal heritage and public celebration. The 2026 festival is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 11.

Read Detail: Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara 2026 and the Grand Jamboo Savari - Date, Rituals, History and Significance

5. Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra Begins on Vijayadashami

Kullu Dussehra is unusual because it begins when Dussehra celebrations elsewhere in India are coming to an end. On Vijayadashami, hundreds of local deities from villages across the Kullu Valley are brought together at Dhalpur Maidan. The celebrations centre around Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of the festival. One of the most striking features is the procession of deities carried in decorated palanquins, accompanied by devotees and traditional music. The festival focuses on the valley's distinctive tradition of deity worship and community participation.

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6. Maharashtra: Shami Puja and the Tradition of Sona

In Maharashtra, Dussehra has a strong connection with Shami Puja and the exchange of Apta leaves, traditionally regarded as symbolic "gold." Families may visit temples, perform Shami Puja and exchange Apta leaves with friends and relatives while greeting each other on the auspicious occasion.

Dussehra 2026: One Festival, Many Traditions

Region/State	Major Dussehra Tradition
Delhi & Uttar Pradesh	Ramlila and Ravana Dahan
West Bengal	Vijaya Dashami and Durga Visarjan
Karnataka	Mysuru Dasara and Jamboo Savari
Himachal Pradesh	Kullu Dussehra and deity processions
Maharashtra	Shami Puja and Apta leaf tradition
Gujarat	Navratri festivities leading to Vijayadashami
Telangana	Goddess worship and Bathukamma traditions
Andhra Pradesh	Durga worship, temple rituals and processions
Tamil Nadu	Bommai Golu and Ayudha Puja
Kerala	Vidyarambham and Saraswati worship
Chhattisgarh	Bastar Dussehra and tribal traditions
Goa	Temple celebrations and Shakti worship

From the burning of Ravana in the north to the immersion of Goddess Durga in Bengal, from the royal procession of Mysuru to the deity gatherings of Kullu, Vijayadashami reflects India's extraordinary cultural diversity.