Dussehra 2026: What Indians Need To Know About Closures

Dussehra, one of India's major Hindu festivals celebrating the victory of good over evil, will be observed as a national holiday in 2026. The festival typically triggers a cascade of administrative and commercial changes that affect daily life for millions of Indians.

Liquor shops across the country will remain shut on Dussehra as per dry day provisions enforced in most states on major religious and national occasions. This restriction is standard practice during significant festivals and applies to both retail alcohol sales and bars. Citizens planning purchases should complete their shopping before the designated dry day period commences.

Banking services will be suspended on Dussehra as it is declared a national holiday. All government and most private banks will remain closed, though online banking facilities and ATM services are expected to continue uninterrupted. Individuals requiring banking services are advised to complete their transactions in advance.

Government offices, educational institutions and most commercial establishments will observe closure on the festival day. However, essential services including hospitals, emergency medical care, pharmacies and transportation services will continue normal operations. Specific operational guidelines may vary by state, with some regions implementing staggered closures or modified hours.

Citizens are encouraged to check with their respective state governments and local authorities for region-specific notifications regarding closures and restrictions during Dussehra 2026.

Photo: A Ravana effigy burns at Dussehra celebrations at Subhash Maidan, Delhi, October 2012. Press Information Bureau for the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, via Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India).