{"id":41747,"date":"2026-10-13T12:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/?p=41747"},"modified":"2026-10-16T06:19:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T06:19:32","slug":"dussehra-2026-celebration-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/dussehra-2026-celebration-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Dussehra 2026: Celebration Guide and Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"41747\" class=\"elementor elementor-41747\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6409c24 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6409c24\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-161e6a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"161e6a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October.\u00a0 It marks the end of Navratri and celebrates the victory of good over evil, whether that means Lord Ram defeating Ravan or Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura. Across India, the day is marked with Ramlila performances, the burning of Ravan effigies, Durga idol immersions, prayers and family meals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This guide explains why the festival is celebrated, how different parts of India mark it, and practical ways to enjoy it with your family, from small rituals at home to staying safe in festival crowds.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-506b43f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"506b43f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-036ef3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"036ef3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>When is Dussehra 2026? <\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc26a11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc26a11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin. Vijayadashami 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Because the date follows the lunar calendar, it changes every year and can fall anywhere from late September to October. If you plan to perform a puja or attend a Ravan Dahan, check the timings with your local temple or organising committee, as these can vary by city.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fdd83d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1fdd83d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-631901b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"631901b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Why do we celebrate Dussehra?  <\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2a5c0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d2a5c0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The festival carries two main stories, and which one a family emphasises often depends on the region.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lord Ram\u2019s victory over Ravan.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In the Ramayana, Lord Ram defeats the demon king Ravan, who had abducted Sita. The name Dussehra is often explained as coming from <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dasha<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (ten) and <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hara<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (removal), a reference to Ravan\u2019s ten heads. This is why effigies of Ravan are burnt at sunset in many towns and cities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Goddess Durga\u2019s victory over Mahishasura.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In eastern India especially, the day marks the end of Durga\u2019s battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Vijayadashami literally means \u201cthe tenth day of victory\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both stories carry the same message: courage and truth can overcome arrogance and wrongdoing. Many families also treat Vijayadashami as an auspicious day for new beginnings, such as starting a course, buying something important or beginning a new venture.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ba8691 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1ba8691\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87b1278 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87b1278\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>How Dussehra is celebrated across India<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86986b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86986b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW9516388 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW9516388 BCX0\">The festival looks quite different from one region to the next. These are some of the best-known Dussehra celebrations in India.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d6f3dc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d6f3dc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c6edbd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c6edbd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>North India: Ramlila and Ravan Dahan<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-822bb89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"822bb89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW214496844 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW214496844 BCX0\">In the days leading up to Dussehra, local groups stage Ramlila, a dramatic retelling of the Ramayana performed over several evenings. On Dussehra itself, large effigies of Ravan, often alongside his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad, are set alight at sunset, usually packed with firecrackers. In cities like Delhi and Varanasi, these events draw large crowds.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63e3b2f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"63e3b2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-185f13c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"185f13c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>West Bengal and eastern India: Bijoya Dashami <\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a79374 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a79374\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\">Here, the day is the final day of Durga Puja. Married women take part in <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\">sindoor khela<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76219422 BCX0\">, smearing vermilion on the goddess and on one another, before the idols are carried for immersion. Families then visit relatives to exchange Bijoya greetings and sweets.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW76219422 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7939c81 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7939c81\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c99f5b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c99f5b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4bf93b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4bf93b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW25765982 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW25765982 BCX0\">Mysuru celebrates Dasara as a state festival through Navratri. The Mysuru Palace is lit up each evening, and on Vijayadashami the Jamboo Savari procession carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city on a decorated elephant.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f425c31 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f425c31\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04f0c26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04f0c26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f920659 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f920659\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW145767988 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW145767988 BCX0\">Kullu\u2019s celebration begins on Vijayadashami, when most others end, and continues for about a week. Deities from surrounding villages are carried in procession to join the chariot of Lord Raghunath in Kullu\u2019s Dhalpur Maidan.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-741d043 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"741d043\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1746c52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1746c52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan: Bastar and Kota<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b8fe5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b8fe5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW117788985 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW117788985 BCX0\">Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh runs for many weeks and centres on the local goddess Danteshwari rather than on Ravan. In Rajasthan, Kota hosts a large Dussehra fair with cultural performances and stalls. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3b0dcd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f3b0dcd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17fc39a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"17fc39a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Maharashtra and South India: new beginnings <\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7551dc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7551dc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\">In Maharashtra, people exchange <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\">apta<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\"> or <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\">shami<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142772587 BCX0\"> leaves as symbolic \u201cgold\u201d and wish one another prosperity. In parts of South India, Ayudha Puja honours the tools, vehicles and books people use in daily life, and in Kerala, young children begin learning letters in a ceremony called Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d10fe04 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d10fe04\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a379f99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a379f99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Dussehra celebration ideas for the family<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3b7c35 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f3b7c35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW51790050 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW51790050 BCX0\">You don\u2019t need a large event to make the day meaningful. These ideas work for most homes, whether you\u2019re celebrating with a big joint family or a household of two.<\/span><\/span><\/p><ul><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Watch a local Ramlila together.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If your area has one, attending an evening performance before Dussehra helps younger family members follow the story when the effigies burn.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cook one festive dish as a family.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Pick a dish your family associates with the festival and ask the person who makes it best to teach everyone else. Writing the recipe down keeps it from being lost.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Honour everyday tools.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Inspired by Ayudha Puja, clean and decorate the things your family relies on, such as bicycles, laptops, school bags or kitchen tools, and talk about the work they help with.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Start something new.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Use the day to begin a book, a class or a hobby, in the spirit of Vijayadashami as a day for new beginnings.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Exchange leaves or sweets with neighbours.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Sharing <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">apta<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> leaves or homemade sweets is a simple way to include people living away from their families.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Decorate the entrance.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toran<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of marigolds and mango leaves or a rangoli at the door sets the festive mood without much expense.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bring in relatives who are far away.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Agree on a time for a video call so they can join a meal or the evening puja.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddb18c3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ddb18c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd9f5b8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dd9f5b8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d02239 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1d02239\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ce0cdf elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ce0cdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW137809502 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW137809502 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">How does your family celebrate Dussehra?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW137809502 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW137809502 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Tell us which traditions you keep, and which ones are changing, in The Panel Station\u2019s celebrations survey.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32519dd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"32519dd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d920fb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-align-right elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9d920fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/dashboard\/surveys?utm_source=Organic&#038;utm_medium=Blog&#038;utm_campaign=SEO\" id=\"Blog_Content_CTA_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Participate in a Survey<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6341adf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6341adf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0f8781 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e0f8781\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Keeping traditions alive with children<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-861f3eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"861f3eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Children remember festivals through what they do, not what they are told. A few small habits help the meaning of Dussehra last beyond the fireworks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tell the story in short parts.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Over the Navratri evenings, share one episode of the Ramayana or the Durga story at a time, and ask what they think the characters should have done.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let them perform it.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A short play at home, with siblings or cousins as Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Ravan, often sticks better than any explanation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Turn \u201cburning Ravan\u201d into a reflection.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ask each person to write down one habit they want to leave behind, then tear up the slips together. It carries the festival\u2019s message without the fire risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ask elders how they celebrated.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Recording a grandparent describing Dussehra in their childhood keeps a family\u2019s version of the festival alive.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c95a3a3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c95a3a3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e352d3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7e352d3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b22cda e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9b22cda\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79c76f3 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"79c76f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132007371 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW132007371 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Why do traditions still matter?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132007371 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW132007371 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Read how celebrations and the customs behind them continue to shape family life in 2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b780209 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b780209\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddd1099 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-align-right elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ddd1099\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/dashboard\/surveys?utm_source=Organic&#038;utm_medium=Blog&#038;utm_campaign=SEO\" id=\"Blog_Content_CTA_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Read the article<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c381a9d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c381a9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8debbb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8debbb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Celebrating safely and sustainably<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8176e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b8176e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ravan Dahan events are crowded and loud, and a little planning makes them easier with children or elderly relatives.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep a safe distance from the effigies.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> They usually contain firecrackers, and debris can fall well beyond the front rows.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Agree on a meeting point.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Choose a landmark in case anyone gets separated, and make sure young children know a parent\u2019s phone number.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Protect young ears.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Small children and pets can find the noise distressing; standing further back or watching from a distance helps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow local rules.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Some cities restrict firecrackers during the festive season, so check your local advisory before buying any.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose eco-friendly idols and decorations.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Clay idols, natural colours and fresh flowers are easier on rivers and lakes than plaster and plastic, and many municipalities set up artificial ponds for immersion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99fa3ca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"99fa3ca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcc5688 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bcc5688\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Dussehra wishes to share<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a2c208 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4a2c208\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Short, personal messages often mean more than forwarded images. A few you can adapt:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMay this Vijayadashami bring courage to your heart and light to your home. Happy Dussehra!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWishing you and your family a Dussehra full of new beginnings and old traditions.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMay every Ravan in our lives, whether doubt, anger or fear, burn away this Dussehra.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShubh Vijayadashami! May truth and kindness guide you all year.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSending you sweets, good wishes and a little extra gold this Dussehra.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d243558 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d243558\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c09246e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c09246e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Make this Dussehra your family\u2019s own<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac7689a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ac7689a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188451828 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188451828 BCX0\">Whichever story your family tells and however you mark the day, the heart of Dussehra is choosing what to keep and what to leave behind. Pick one tradition to pass on this year, one new idea to try, and one safety plan if you\u2019re heading to a Ravan Dahan.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87584fa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"87584fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40f81d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"40f81d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2af0ed2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2af0ed2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bea88de elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"bea88de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q1: Are Dussehra and Vijayadashami the same festival?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd9fff4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fd9fff4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82e51ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82e51ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142912959 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142912959 BCX0\">Yes. Both names refer to the same day, the tenth day after the start of Navratri. \u201cDussehra\u201d is more common in north and west India and is closely tied to Lord Ram\u2019s victory over Ravan, while \u201cVijayadashami\u201d, meaning the tenth day of victory, is used widely across India and also marks Goddess Durga\u2019s victory.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q2: Is Dussehra a public holiday in India?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d36e564 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d36e564\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b198464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b198464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW26036396 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26036396 BCX0\">Yes, Dussehra is usually a gazetted holiday for central government offices, and most states also declare a holiday. Check your state\u2019s holiday list or your employer\u2019s calendar, as dates for related holidays such as Durga Puja vary by state.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q3: Can we celebrate Dussehra without firecrackers or a Ravan Dahan?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf082a1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf082a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8abf6f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8abf6f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\">Yes. Many families mark the day with a puja, a festive meal, visits to relatives and exchanging sweets or <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\">apta<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW25041519 BCX0\"> leaves. A symbolic activity, such as writing down a habit to leave behind and tearing it up, keeps the meaning without noise or smoke.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q4: Why are apta leaves exchanged on Dussehra?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ec1438 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7ec1438\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f2ec74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f2ec74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\">In Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\">apta<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\"> leaves are exchanged as symbolic gold, a wish for prosperity. The custom is linked to a legend in which gold coins fell from the sky onto an <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\">apta<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\"> or <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\">shami<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106361624 BCX0\"> tree.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q5: Is Vijayadashami a good day to start something new?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4746081 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4746081\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43ca17a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43ca17a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW3271353 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW3271353 BCX0\">Many families consider it auspicious for new beginnings. Common examples include children starting to learn letters, people beginning a course or business, and families buying a vehicle or other important purchase.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q6: How long after Dussehra is Diwali?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-176915a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"176915a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7de0c0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7de0c0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40442174 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40442174 BCX0\">Diwali usually falls about three weeks after Dussehra. In 2026, Diwali is expected on Sunday, 8 November.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1996\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"7\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1996\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q7: What food is eaten on Dussehra?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1996\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4fe8ef e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d4fe8ef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a91d532 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a91d532\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW266207667 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW266207667 BCX0\"> It depends on the region and the family. Festive sweets are common almost everywhere, and many households prepare a special meal after the puja. In Gujarat, eating fafda and jalebi on Dussehra is a popular custom.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Q1: Are Dussehra and Vijayadashami the same festival?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Both names refer to the same day, the tenth day after the start of Navratri. \\u201cDussehra\\u201d is more common in north and west India and is closely tied to Lord Ram\\u2019s victory over Ravan, while \\u201cVijayadashami\\u201d, meaning the tenth day of victory, is used widely across India and also marks Goddess Durga\\u2019s victory.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Q2: Is Dussehra a public holiday in India?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, Dussehra is usually a gazetted holiday for central government offices, and most states also declare a holiday. Check your state\\u2019s holiday list or your employer\\u2019s calendar, as dates for related holidays such as Durga Puja vary by state.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Q3: Can we celebrate Dussehra without firecrackers or a Ravan Dahan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. 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