Dussehra 2026: Dates and Temple Timings
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 for most of India. It is a Central Government holiday. Some places, such as Bengal and Mysuru, mark it on Wednesday 21 October.
Why do two dates show up for Dussehra this year? Each region picks the day by its own calendar rules.
This page shows both dates, and what Mysuru, Shirdi, Srirangam and Puri say for their own temples.
When is Dussehra 2026?
The tenth lunar day (Dashami) starts in the middle of the day. In Kolkata it runs from 12:50 PM on 20 October to 2:11 PM on 21 October (Drik Panchang). So some regions pick 20 October and some pick 21 October.
| What | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dussehra, most of India | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | A Central Government holiday. |
| Vijayadashami in West Bengal | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | Sindoor Khela and the end of Durga Puja. |
| Mysuru: Mahanavami | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | Ayudha puja at the Palace. The programme says timings are as per the Palace. |
| Mysuru: Jamboo Savari | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | Flower offering 4:10 PM to 4:35 PM. The procession leaves the Palace at 4:35 PM. |
| Shirdi: Punyatithi festival | 19 to 21 October 2026 | The main day is Tuesday 20 October. |
| Srirangam: Mahanavami and Vijayadasami | 20 to 21 October 2026 | Mahanavami on 20 October. Vijayadasami, with the arrow-shooting ritual, on 21 October. |
| Puri: Dasahara | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | The temple's calendar lists Dasahara and Ayudha Puja on this day. |
What is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashwin. Tradition says it remembers Lord Rama's victory over the king Ravana (Drik Panchang).
In many places people watch Ramlila plays, and public events burn Ravana figures, often with fireworks. Expect crowds near those grounds.
In West Bengal the day is marked with Sindur Utsav (a vermilion ritual) and the end of Durga Puja.
Do temples change their timings on Dussehra 2026?
We list only what the temple's own pages, or a named official source, say.
- Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
The Mysuru Dasara programme has Mahanavami puja at the Palace on 20 October. On 21 October the Nandi Dhwaja puja is from 1:36 PM to 1:56 PM. The flower offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari is from 4:10 PM to 4:35 PM, and the Jamboo Savari leaves at 4:35 PM.
The elephants return on 22 October. The Rathotsava on Chamundi Hill is on 24 October. A torchlight parade is on 20 and 21 October from 7 PM at Bannimantap Ground.
Tickets for the procession and parade are sold on the official site. No change to the temple's darshan hours is listed.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The Sansthan Trust lists the 108th Punyatithi festival for 19 to 21 October, with 20 October as the main day (Trust page). Its page says that on one day of such festivals the Samadhi Mandir stays open all night. The page does not say which night in 2026, so ask the Trust before you plan.
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
The temple's festival table lists Mahanavami on 20 October and Vijayadasami on 21 October.
Its darshan timing table shows other darshan windows on 21 October. They are 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
The usual windows are 6 to 7 AM, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 2:30 to 5:30 PM and 7 to 9 PM.
The table also shows other windows on 17 and 18 October.
- Jagannath Temple, Puri
The temple's calendar lists Dasahara and Ayudha Puja inside the temple on 21 October. It states no change to darshan hours.
We could not find a 2026 Dussehra notice for the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada. Local bodies set the times for Ravana burning, so ask the organisers of the event you plan to visit.
Tips for your visit
- Check which date your region follows. Ask the temple if you are not sure.
- In Mysuru, buy Jamboo Savari tickets only on the official Dasara site.
- In Srirangam, look at the temple's darshan table for the day you go.
- Plan extra time near Ramlila grounds. The roads can be busy.
Dussehra 2026 questions
Is Dussehra on 20 or 21 October 2026?
It is 20 October for most of India, says the Central Government holiday list. Bengal, Mysuru, Srirangam and Puri use 21 October.
Why do the dates differ?
The Dashami tithi starts in the middle of one day and ends the next afternoon. So each region picks a day by its own rules (Drik Panchang).
Is Dussehra a public holiday?
It is a Central Government holiday on 20 October. State holidays can differ.
Will temples be open on Dussehra?
The temples we checked list festival events, and none said it would close. Srirangam changes its darshan windows on 21 October.
Quick summary
Dussehra is on 20 October for most of India and on 21 October for some regions.
Mysuru, Shirdi and Srirangam have the most detailed schedules.
Most of India marks Dussehra on 20 October. Bengal and Mysuru mark it on 21 October.
More festivals coming up
- Navratri and Durga Puja 2026 (11 to 21 October 2026)
- Diwali 2026 (6 to 11 November 2026)
- Sabarimala Mandalam and Makaravilakku Season 2026-27 (17 November 2026 to 15 January 2027)
- Dev Deepawali and Kartik Purnima 2026 (Tuesday, 24 November 2026)
- See the full festival list