Dussehra 2026: Why India Celebrates the Victory of Good, and How to Mark It in Cyprus

Ten heads, one arrow, and a whole country cheering. Every year, as Navratri's nine nights come to an end, India marks the tenth day with Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, the “victorious tenth”. Mark your calendar for Tuesday 20 October this year.

Whether your childhood memories are of burning effigies, garba nights or a first lesson at the temple, here is what the day means and how you can keep it alive here in Cyprus.

Two stories, one message

Ask in Delhi and you will hear about Lord Rama. In the Ramayana, Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, carries off Sita, and Rama defeats him after a long war. Dussehra celebrates that win.

Ask in Kolkata or Mysuru and the answer turns to the goddess. After nine nights of battle, Durga Mata overcomes the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and the tenth day honours her triumph.

The heroes differ, but the lesson is shared: however strong wrongdoing looks, truth and courage win in the end. That is why many families choose this day to begin something new.

One festival, many ways to celebrate

• Ramlila and Ravan Dahan (north India). For days before Dussehra, towns stage the Ramayana as open-air theatre, a tradition UNESCO lists as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. When night falls on Dussehra, towering figures of Ravana, frequently joined by Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, go up in a blaze of firecrackers.
• Durga Puja (Bengal). Durga Puja reaches its last day, and the idols of the goddess are carried in procession for immersion. Kolkata's Durga Puja was added to UNESCO's heritage list in 2021.
• Mysuru Dasara (Karnataka). The city ends its festival with the Jamboo Savari, a grand procession in which a decorated elephant carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden howdah from Mysore Palace.
• Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham (south India). Tools, vehicles and books are honoured during the last days of Navratri. Kerala calls the tenth day Vidyarambham: little ones begin their schooling by tracing the alphabet in grains of rice, with an elder holding their hand.
• Leaves of “gold” (Maharashtra). Families swap apta or shami leaves, calling them sona, or gold, as a wish for prosperity, especially when greeting elders.

Dussehra also starts the countdown to Diwali, which arrives under three weeks later. Our Diwali 2026 guide has the dates and puja times for Cyprus.

What this means for you

Far from Ramlila grounds and Dasara processions, you can still give the day meaning in Cyprus:

• Tell the story at bedtime. Kids are natural fans of Rama, Hanuman and their adventures. Pick one episode, such as Hanuman's leap to Lanka, and let them act it out.
• Make a mini Ravana. Build a small paper or cardboard effigy and talk about the “ten heads” we each want to beat, like anger, laziness or jealousy. Skip the fireworks indoors and on balconies; tearing it up and recycling it is safer and just as much fun.
• Start something new. Vijayadashami is a popular day to begin music, dance or language lessons, so it is a good moment to sign your child up for that class you have been planning.
• Honour your tools. Clean and thank the things that support your work and studies, from laptops to kitchen knives, in the spirit of Ayudha Puja.
• Celebrate together. Local groups often hold gatherings around this time. HSS Limassol, for example, chose Saturday 17 October for its Dussehra Utsav at Themistokleio Sports Center. Keep an eye on our What's On page for festival events.
• Share it with Cypriot friends. Swap a few apta-style “gold” leaves, or a box of sweets, and explain the story. It is an easy way to share our culture with neighbours and colleagues.

However you mark it, Shubh Vijayadashami from all of us at Indians in Cyprus.

Read also: One Festival, Many Faces: How India Celebrates Navratri, From Garba to Golu and Navratri 2026 in Cyprus: Dates, Colours and Where to Celebrate

Sources: Drik Panchang (2026 date), Britannica (Dussehra), Wikipedia (Vijayadashami), UNESCO (Ramlila), The Quint (Durga Puja UNESCO listing), News On AIR (Mysuru Dasara), Kerala Tourism (Vidyarambham), Outlook Traveller (apta leaves)