Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India. It marks the victory of righteousness over evil, truth over lies, and virtue over vice.
The festival carries dual mythological significance: Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. But beyond mythology, Dussehra has become a modern festival of fashion, food, travel, and community experiences. Families gather for pujas, children enjoy Ramlila plays, and shopping malls brim with festive offers
Dussehra 2025 will not only be a spiritual reset but also a lifestyle event—where culture, comfort, and community converge. Let’s dive into when Dussehra will be celebrated in 2025, how different cities will light up, what to wear, and what to eat.
When Is Dussehra in 2025?
If you’re wondering, “When is Dussehra in 2025?”, mark your calendars—Dussehra will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2025. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. This timing is significant as it follows the nine nights of Navratri, which are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms.
If you’re planning to attend Dussehra festival 2025, you’ll witness beautifully crafted Ravana effigies being set on fire, grand Ramlila plays, and cultural processions in almost every city and town across India. The festival day brings with it a contagious energy that binds people in shared joy and faith.
How Dussehra Festival 2025 Will Be Celebrated Across India
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India’s diversity shines brightest during festivals, and Dussehra 2025 will be no exception. The way people celebrate Dussehra varies from one region to another, each adding its own cultural flair.
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North India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, etc.)
In North India, grand Ramlila plays dominate the festivities. Actors enact scenes from the Ramayana, and the highlight is the burning of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran effigies with dazzling fireworks. Major cities like Delhi witness huge gatherings where thousands of people come together to watch these spectacles. -
West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan)
In Gujarat, the end of Navratri is marked by Garba and Dandiya Raas, while in Maharashtra, people exchange gold leaves as a symbol of prosperity. Rajasthan adds its royal charm with decorated elephants and horses in festive processions. -
South India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)
Karnataka’s Mysuru Dasara is world-famous for its regal processions led by elephants and cultural performances. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh observe it with Golu (doll displays) and music recitals. -
East India (West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar)
In Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, marking the end of Durga Puja. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers, symbolizing her return to her heavenly abode.
This cultural diversity makes Dussehra 2025 not just a festival but a pan-Indian celebration of shared heritage and faith.
Dussehra Festival 2025 Celebrations in India
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1. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka – Mysuru Dasara
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Date: Tuesday, 22 September to Thursday, 2 October 2025 (Vijayadashami (Dussehra)).
- Highlights: the festivities culminate at Bannimantap Parade Grounds. This includes the iconic Jamboo Savari parade, featuring cultural performances, and is attended by dignitaries at the Bannimantap grounds. The grand finale includes the parade and torchlight show.
- More Information: The official site mysoredasara.gov.in provides programs, ticket details, and visitor information.
2. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra
- Dates: Thursday, 2 October to Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
- Highlights: Branded as an international festival, it features a grand Rath Yatra, folk dances, regional rituals, and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
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More Information: Instagram Post | Holidify
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Ramnagar Ramlila
- Dates: Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 12 October 2025.
- Highlights: A UNESCO-recognized, month-long theatrical performance of the Ramayana across a 5 km stretch of Ramnagar. Kings of Varanasi traditionally attend, and the finale features Lord Rama defeating Ravana in a spectacular enactment.
- More Information: The official site kashi.gov.in
4. Delhi – Ramlila & Ravan Dahan
- Dates: Tuesday, 22 September to Friday, 3 October 2025 (Dussehra on 2 October).
- Highlights: Ramlila Maidan, Red Fort Grounds, Janakpuri, and Dwarka Grounds host massive Ramlilas with giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran burnt amid fireworks.
5. Kolkata, West Bengal – Durga Puja & Vijayadashami
- Dates: Sunday, 21 September to Thursday, 2 October 2025.
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Highlights: Pandals, sindoor khela, and idol immersions on the last day mark Dussehra. The entire city comes alive with lights, themes, and processions.
6. Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Navratri & Vijayadashami
- Dates: Sunday, 21 September to Thursday, 2 October 2025.
- Highlights: Famous for Golu (doll displays) in homes and temples, processions, and Vijayadashami music/dance performances. Kapaleeshwarar Temple sees huge gatherings.
- More Information: Tamil Nadu Tourism
Ethnic Wear Trends for Dussehra 2025
Matching Family Outfit with Nia and Jashn Collection
Fashion plays a huge role in festive celebrations, especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, where people want to look their absolute best while still staying connected to tradition. For Dussehra 2025, ethnic wear will dominate wardrobes, blending elegance with modern-day sophistication.
Families love to wear outfits in similar tones to create an elegant yet unified look for pujas, Ramlila evenings, and festive photo sessions. Here are some stylish suggestions:
- Jashn Red Anarkali Girls Kurti Dress – A graceful choice for young girls, designed with flowing elegance and festive charm.
- Jashn Red Boys Kurta Dhoti – Lightweight yet festive, making boys look traditional and stylish.
- Jashn Red Men’s Kurta Pajama – Perfect for dads and brothers, combining rich red tones with the comfort of 100% premium cotton.
- Nia White Kurta Salwar for Women – A modern classic in white, striking the right balance between grace and luxury.
These outfits are crafted in 100% premium cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort—ideal for city climates like Mumbai’s humidity or Delhi’s warm October evenings.
Best Colors to Wear for Dussehra 2025
Traditionally, Dussehra is associated with bright, powerful colors that symbolize victory, energy, and prosperity. For 2025, the most popular festive colors will be:
- 🔴 Red – Symbol of power, energy, and victory. Ideal for puja ceremonies and Ramlila events.
- 🟡 Yellow & Gold – Represent happiness, wealth, and spiritual radiance. Perfect for daytime wear.
- 🟢 Green – Brings positivity, freshness, and renewal. Great for casual festive gatherings.
- ⚪ White with Gold Accents – Elegant, timeless, and perfect for modern minimalistic fashion lovers.
When paired thoughtfully, these colors bring both aesthetic appeal and spiritual symbolism. For matching family outfits, you can wear the Zoya Family Collection or the Jashn Family Collection, which create a beautiful harmony of purity (white) and energy (red).
Festive Foods During Dussehra 2025
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Food is at the heart of every Indian celebration, and Dussehra 2025 will bring with it a mouth-watering range of festive delicacies.
Festive Sweets and Delicacies
Sweets hold a special place during Dussehra. Popular items include jalebi, gulab jamun, rasgulla, barfi, and laddoos. In Maharashtra, families prepare puran poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils. In Karnataka, payasam (kheer) is a staple. Offering sweets to neighbors and guests is considered a way of spreading joy and prosperity.
Savory delights also make their way onto dining tables. North India relishes kachori, samosa, and chole bhature, while South India serves idli, dosa, vada, and lemon rice. In Bengal, Vijayadashami is marked with the famous mishti doi (sweet curd) and sandesh.
Regional Food Specialties
Each region celebrates with its own unique flavors. In Gujarat, farsan snacks accompany Garba dances. In Rajasthan, dal-baati-churma is a festive favorite. In Mysore, Mysore pak, a sweet made of ghee, sugar, and gram flour, is distributed widely during Dasara celebrations.
Conclusion
The Dussehra Festival 2025 in India is set to be a grand affair, filled with history, spirituality, celebrations, and modern trends. From the burning of Ravana effigies in North India to the royal Mysore Dasara in the South, and from the emotional Durga Puja immersion in the East to vibrant fairs in the West, the festival unites the entire nation under one spirit: the victory of good over evil.
Fashion and tradition play an equally important role, with ethnic wear trends for men, women, and especially children adding more charm to the celebrations. Brands like Nimbu Kids India are making festive dressing easier and more stylish, ensuring that even the youngest family members shine bright during the festival.