In 2025, Dussehra (Saptami) will be observed on Monday, 29th September. This day falls during the Navratri festival and is considered highly auspicious in many parts of India. While Dussehra is more prominently celebrated on Vijayadashami (the 10th day), the preceding days such as Saptami and Ashtami hold great religious and cultural significance. Saptami is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and is marked by rituals, prayers, fasting, and community gatherings. According to the Government of India calendar, Dussehra (Saptami) is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH), meaning employees may opt for leave on this day if their organisation allows it.
📜 Holiday Status
Dussehra (Saptami) on 29th September 2025 is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) in the central government holiday calendar. This means employees can opt to take leave on this day, subject to their organisation’s rules. It is not a nationwide Gazetted Holiday, but in states where Durga Puja is widely celebrated, especially West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, local holidays and observances may apply.
✨ Significance of Saptami
Maha Saptami marks the beginning of the most important phase of Durga Puja. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga is invoked to descend on Earth to bless her devotees. Rituals such as “Nabapatrika Snan” (worship of nine sacred plants symbolising Goddess Durga) are performed, particularly in Bengal. Saptami carries spiritual importance as devotees pray for strength, protection, and prosperity.
🎉 How People Celebrate
In eastern India, especially Bengal, Saptami begins with elaborate rituals, traditional songs, and puja ceremonies in beautifully decorated pandals. Devotees fast, participate in cultural events, and perform aarti to honour the Goddess. Communities across India celebrate Navratri with Garba dances, Dandiya nights, and devotional gatherings. While the major climax comes on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Saptami sets the tone for the most energetic days of the festival.
🗓️ Leave Planning
In 2025, Dussehra (Saptami) falls on Monday, 29th September. This offers a perfect chance for an extended weekend if combined with leave on Friday, 26th September, or Mahashtami (Tuesday, 30th September), since the Navratri holidays extend into early October. Employees can plan temple visits, cultural trips, or family gatherings around this time. To see how this RH can be combined with other holidays, check our Smart Leave Planner.
🏛️ Daily Life Impact
Here’s how Saptami being a Restricted Holiday may affect daily life:
| Sector / Service | Status on 29th September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Government Offices (Central) | Open (employees may opt for RH) |
| Banks | Open in most states, except local closures in Durga Puja regions |
| Schools & Colleges | Closed in states observing Durga Puja, open elsewhere |
| Stock Market (NSE/BSE) | Open |
| Post Offices | Open |
| Local Markets/Shops | Mostly open, festive rush in Durga Puja regions |
🌙 Regional Observance
While Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is celebrated across India, the days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami hold special importance in eastern states like West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. In South India, Navratri is observed with Golu (doll displays), music, and cultural gatherings. Northern India focuses on Ram Leela enactments leading up to Dussehra. Thus, Saptami observance varies by region but remains central to Navratri celebrations.
📖 Interesting Facts
- Saptami is the seventh day of Navratri and marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities in Bengal.
- The “Nabapatrika” ritual symbolises the nine forms of the Goddess.
- In 2025, Saptami falls on a Monday, making it easy for extended holiday planning.
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be celebrated on 2nd October 2025, just three days later.
💌 Dussehra Wishes
- May Maa Durga bless you with strength, peace, and prosperity this Saptami.
- On this auspicious day of Saptami, may your life be filled with positivity and success.
- Wishing you and your family a blessed Durga Puja Saptami 2025.
- Celebrate this Navratri with devotion, joy, and togetherness. Happy Saptami!
❓ FAQs
Q. Is Dussehra (Saptami) a Gazetted Holiday in 2025?
No, Saptami is listed as a Restricted Holiday in the government calendar. Employees may take optional leave on this day.
Q. Will banks remain closed on Saptami 2025?
Banks will remain open across most states. However, in West Bengal and certain eastern states, local holidays may be declared due to Durga Puja celebrations.
Q. Is the stock market open on 29th September 2025?
Yes, both NSE and BSE will remain open on Saptami.
Q. When is Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in 2025?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be celebrated on Thursday, 2nd October 2025.
🔗 Related Holidays