What is Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) and what happens on this day?

Vijaya Dashami is the final day of Durga Puja, marking the departure of Goddess Durga back to Kailash. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, October 20. Rituals include Debi Baran (farewell worship), Sindoor Khela (the vermilion ritual among women), and Bisarjan (immersion of the Durga idol in the river). It is both joyful and bittersweet — the culmination of the year's biggest Bengali festival.

What is Sindoor Khela on Vijaya Dashami 2026 and when does it happen?

Sindoor Khela is the ritual where married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to Goddess Durga's feet and then smear it on each other's faces, wishing each other long married lives. One of the most iconic rituals of Durga Puja, Sindoor Khela in 2026 takes place on the morning of October 20, before the Bisarjan procession.

When is Bisarjan (Durga Puja immersion) in 2026 in Kolkata?

Bisarjan (idol immersion) happens on Vijaya Dashami — October 20, 2026. In Kolkata, immersion processions move to the Ganges (Hooghly), with the largest processions from major pandals in the afternoon and evening of October 20.

What is the significance of Vijaya Dashami beyond Durga Puja?

Vijaya Dashami has multiple significances: in Bengali tradition it marks Durga's return to Kailash; in pan-Indian tradition (Dussehra) it marks Rama's victory over Ravana; and it is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, learning, travel, and purchases.

Is Vijaya Dashami 2026 a public holiday in West Bengal?

Yes. Vijaya Dashami is a gazetted public holiday — October 20, 2026 — the final day of the official four-day Durga Puja holiday block. Government offices, schools, banks, and courts remain closed.

Vijaya Dashami 2026 (Dussehra) | বিজয়া দশমী ২০২৬

Vijaya Dashami 2026 â€” Sindoor Khela and Ganga Bisarjan

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About Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)(উৎসব পরিচিতি)

Vijaya Dashami 2026 (Dussehra) falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Vijaya Dashami marks the farewell of Goddess Durga as she returns to Mount Kailash. Married women perform Debi Baran and play Sindoor Khela. In the evening, idols are taken in grand processions to the river Ganga for Bisarjan (immersion). The day ends with Shubho Bijaya greetings, touching elders' feet for blessings, and sharing sweets (Nimki, Ghugni, Sandesh).

History: Commemorates Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Rama's victory over Ravana.

Significance: The emotional finale of Durga Puja. People greet each other with 'Asche bochhor abar hobe' (It will happen again next year).

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Debi Baran and Sindoor Khela by married women.

Ganga Bisarjan (idol immersion at river ghats).

Shubho Bijaya greetings, touching elders' feet, and sharing sweets.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Nimki, Ghugni, Sandesh, Rosogolla, and Kucho Nimki.

Festival Calendar

Oct20

Vijaya Dashami

৪ কার্তিক • বিজয়া দশমী ২০২৬

Tue

Related Festivals

Durga Puja

দুর্গাপূজা ২০২৬

17 October

Lakshmi Puja (Kojagari Lakshmi Puja)

লক্ষ্মী পূজা ২০২৬

25 October

Frequently Asked Questions

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Quick Info

FestivalVijaya Dashami (Dussehra)

Date20 October 2026

DayTuesday

Tithiপঞ্চমী

Bangla Date৪ কার্তিক ১৪৩৩

Pakshaশুক্লপক্ষ

Panjika Details

Sunrise5:50 AM

Sunset5:15 PM

Nakshatraপূর্বফাল্গুনী

Yogaশুক্ল

Karanaকিংস্তুঘ্ন

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