Dussehra 2025: Date, significance, traditions, and public holiday

India Sep 27, 2025

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
It's all about celebrating the win of good over evil—think Lord Rama defeating Ravana and Goddess Durga overcoming Mahishasura.
The festival wraps up Navratri and Durga Puja with plenty of color and energy.

How is Dussehra celebrated?

Traditions change depending on where you are in India.
In the North, people watch Ramlila plays and burn giant Ravana effigies.
Across the country, prayers and fasting remind everyone to stick to strong values.

Auspicious time and public holiday

Dussehra is a public holiday on October 2—schools, banks, and offices will be closed for celebrations.
If you want to join in rituals or just soak up the vibe, the most auspicious time for puja is between 2:05pm and 2:53pm that day.