In 2025, Dussehra (Mahanavami) will be observed on Wednesday, 1st October. It is the ninth day of the Navratri festival and the concluding day of Durga Puja before Vijayadashami (Dussehra) the following day. Mahanavami is celebrated with immense devotion across India, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. Rituals such as Ayudha Puja in South India, Kanya Puja in North India, and special Durga Puja ceremonies in the East make this day highly significant. According to the Government of India calendar, Mahanavami is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH), giving employees the choice to take optional leave if permitted by their organisation.
📜 Holiday Status
Dussehra (Mahanavami) on 1st October 2025 is a Restricted Holiday in the central government holiday calendar. This means offices remain open, but employees may apply for leave. In states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar, schools and offices may remain closed as part of Durga Puja holidays.
✨ Significance of Mahanavami
Mahanavami is the ninth day of Navratri and Durga Puja. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees perform “Kanya Puja” (worshipping young girls as forms of the Goddess), special yajnas, and Durga Puja rituals. In South India, Ayudha Puja is performed on this day, where tools, instruments, and vehicles are worshipped for prosperity and safety.
🎉 How People Celebrate
In West Bengal and eastern India, Mahanavami is observed with grand pujas, cultural programmes, and community feasts. Devotees offer Anjali, chant hymns, and prepare for the immersion of Goddess Durga on Vijayadashami. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Ayudha Puja is performed, while in North India, Kanya Puja rituals dominate. Across India, the day is marked by devotion, cultural festivities, and preparations for the grand finale of Dussehra.
🗓️ Leave Planning
In 2025, Mahanavami falls on Wednesday, 1st October. With Saptami (29th September) and Mahashtami (30th September) as Restricted Holidays, and Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) as a Gazetted Holiday, this creates an extended festive week. Employees can plan long family trips, pilgrimages, or festive breaks with minimal leave requirements. To plan smarter, check our Smart Leave Planner.
🏛️ Daily Life Impact
Here’s how Mahanavami observance may affect daily life on 1st October 2025:
| Sector / Service | Status on 1st October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Government Offices (Central) | Open (RH option available) |
| Banks | Open nationwide, except local closures in Durga Puja states |
| Schools & Colleges | Closed in eastern states, open elsewhere |
| Stock Market (NSE/BSE) | Open |
| Post Offices | Open nationwide |
| Local Markets/Shops | Open, though many closed in Bengal & Assam |
🌙 Regional Observance
Mahanavami is celebrated differently across India. In Bengal and the East, it is a core day of Durga Puja. In North India, Kanya Puja is observed by worshipping young girls. In South India, Ayudha Puja marks the day, where instruments, books, and vehicles are decorated and worshipped. These diverse traditions reflect the cultural richness of India’s Navratri celebrations.
📖 Interesting Facts
- Mahanavami is considered the final day of Durga Puja before Vijayadashami.
- Ayudha Puja in South India coincides with Mahanavami.
- In 2025, Mahanavami falls right before Gandhi Jayanti, creating a festive week.
- Kanya Puja is one of the most significant rituals on this day in North India.
💌 Mahanavami Wishes
- May Maa Durga bless you with strength, courage, and happiness. Happy Mahanavami 2025!
- Wishing you a blessed Navratri and a prosperous Mahanavami filled with devotion and joy.
- On this sacred day, may the Goddess destroy all evil and shower peace on your family.
- Celebrate Mahanavami with faith, love, and unity. Happy Navami 2025!
❓ FAQs
Q. Is Mahanavami a Gazetted Holiday in 2025?
No, it is a Restricted Holiday. However, many states declare public holidays for Durga Puja on this day.
Q. Will banks remain closed on 1st October 2025?
No, banks remain open nationwide, except for some closures in Durga Puja states.
Q. Is the stock market open on Mahanavami 2025?
Yes, NSE and BSE will remain open.
Q. What rituals are performed on Mahanavami?
Kanya Puja in North India, Ayudha Puja in South India, and Durga Puja rituals in Bengal are the highlights of the day.