The last garba night ends late, the dandiya sticks go back in the cupboard, and by morning the house is busy again. Dussehra is here, and while the puja thali is being set out, one question comes up in almost every home: what colour should I wear today?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October, as per Drik Panchang. Red, saffron, yellow and green are the colours widely worn on the day, and red also matches the Tuesday weekday colour that some families follow. A silk or Bandhani saree in one of these shades works for both the morning puja and the evening Ravan Dahan. Below is what each colour stands for and which handcrafted weaves from Kapaas Katha suit the day.
The Colours of Dussehra 2026 and What They Stand For
Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. There is no single fixed colour for the day, but these shades are widely seen as festive and auspicious:
- Red and maroon: linked with strength and celebration, and commonly linked with Tuesday, which makes red a fitting choice this year.
- Saffron and orange: linked with courage and victory, and bright in daylight.
- Yellow and mustard: warm and cheerful for the first rituals of the day.
- Green: stands for new beginnings, a natural choice after nine days of Navratri.
For evening dinners and the Ravan Dahan, rani pink with gold works well, and pastels such as lilac, blush and mint suit a softer festive look.
If you are still planning the nine days before Dussehra, the Navratri 2026 saree colours post covers each day from 11 to 19 October.
White Sarees with a Red Border for Vijayadashami
White works well on Vijayadashami, especially when it carries a touch of colour through the border, motifs or blouse. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the last day of Durga Puja, and many married women take part in Sindoor Khela in a white saree with a red border. If you prefer a lighter base, the Jamdani saree collection has off-white and cream handloom pieces with woven floral motifs.
Dussehra Saree Ideas by Craft
Reds sit at the centre of Dussehra dressing. The Bandhani saree collection has hand-tied sindoor red and kesari yellow pieces in Gajji silk, Munga silk and Banarasi georgette. The single Ikat Patola sarees offer red and maroon, including red-toned handloom mulberry silk.
For a saree that carries a story, the Kalamkari silk sarees include mythological theme pieces, such as a hand-painted Vishnu narrative on a sunshine yellow body with a forest green zari border. The Kanjivaram silk sarees include a green Kanjivaram Bandhani with golden zari paisley weave, suited to a Dasara gathering. For a lighter drape that still feels festive, the cotton silk sarees in handblock printed Chanderi and Ajrakh work from the morning puja through to the evening.
Dressing for Dussehra, From Puja to Ravan Dahan
Dussehra is rarely a single event, so plan for the whole day. The morning puja calls for your richest colour, a red, yellow or green silk or Bandhani, since this is the outfit that ends up in the family photographs. The afternoon usually means visiting relatives and sharing meals, where a lighter silk or cotton silk saves you from changing between homes. The evening Ravan Dahan is held outdoors among crowds and fireworks, so choose a drape that is easy to manage, pin the pallu securely and wear comfortable flat footwear.
Jewellery to Complete Your Dussehra Look
With a heavier silk or Kalamkari, a pair of statement earrings is often enough and lets the weave stay the focus. With a pastel, white or Jamdani saree, the handcrafted 92.5 silver necklace sets from Katha of Jewels add the festive finish the outfit needs.
Celebrate Dussehra 2026 in Handcrafted Colour
Dussehra is about good winning over evil and stepping into a fresh start, and the saree you wear to the puja becomes part of how your family remembers the day. A red Bandhani, an Itihaasa Katha Kalamkari or a soft Jamdani each carries the work of weavers and artisans who have kept these crafts alive across India. Delivery times vary by location, and fall, pico or stitching adds extra time, so check the shipping policy and order early if you need your saree before 20 October.
Browse the festive saree collection at Kapaas Katha and pick the handcrafted drape you will wear this Dussehra.
FAQs
Can we wear white on Dussehra?
Yes, you can wear white on Dussehra. In West Bengal, white sarees with red borders are traditionally worn during Vijayadashami and Sindoor Khela.
What is the Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026?
As per Drik Panchang, the Vijay Muhurat on 20 October 2026 is from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm in New Delhi and from 2:06 pm to 2:51 pm in Jaipur. Timings shift slightly by city, so check a panchang for your location.
Can we wear black on Dussehra?
Many families avoid black at festivals and pujas because it is seen as inauspicious. It is a custom rather than a strict rule, so it is best to follow what your family practises.
What should men wear on Dussehra?
Kurta sets in red, maroon, saffron, mustard or green are common choices. Silk or cotton silk works for the puja, while lighter fabrics are easier for the evening Ravan Dahan.
Is Dussehra the same as Vijayadashami?
Yes. Dussehra, Vijayadashami and Dasara are different names for the same festival, celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of Ashwin, right after Navratri.