A Dussehra offer message is a WhatsApp broadcast that promotes a festive discount, vehicle booking, exchange offer, property launch or collection to customers in the days before Dussehra, which falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. On the WhatsApp Business API it is a marketing template, so it can only go to customers who opted in, must carry an opt-out button and should never be submitted as utility.
Many Indian families treat Vijayadashami as an auspicious day for a big purchase, which makes Dussehra one of the strongest days of the year for car and two-wheeler dealers, electronics stores, builders and jewellers. Below are 32 copy-ready Dussehra offer templates grouped by business type, a send-timing countdown, Meta's rules for marketing templates and what a campaign costs.
Dussehra 2026 date and the send-timing countdown
Key date: Drik Panchang lists Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. It closes Sharad Navratri, and Dhanteras and Diwali follow in early November. If your Navratri campaign is already running, Dussehra is the natural closing push for big-ticket purchases.
Plan your sends backwards from the festival. The schedule below is guidance based on how festive shoppers usually buy, not a fixed rule. Adjust it to your stock, delivery times and footfall.
| Date (2026) | Days to go | What to send | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 9 October | 11 to 15 | Booking open, early-bird offer, test drive invite | Car and two-wheeler dealers, builders |
| 10 to 13 October | 7 to 10 | Exchange and finance offers, collection launch | Electronics, jewellers, apparel |
| 12 to 15 October | 5 to 8 | Main offer, delivery cut-off notice | All verticals |
| 18 to 19 October | 1 to 2 | Last-call reminder, store timings, event passes | All verticals |
| 20 October | Festival day | Muhurat delivery, family dinner, Ravan Dahan event | Dealers, restaurants, events |
| 21 to 25 October | After | Thank-you, review request, Diwali preview | All verticals |
Which offer works for which business
Dussehra buying is driven by the idea of a fresh start, so the strongest offers make a big purchase easier: a delivery slot on the day, an exchange bonus, a low EMI or a small booking amount. Pick one clear offer per message instead of stacking three.
| Vertical | Offer type that fits | Suggested send time |
|---|---|---|
| Car and two-wheeler dealers | Booking for festival-day delivery, exchange bonus, low EMI | Evenings, 2 weeks before and again 1 week before |
| Electronics and appliances | Festive discount, no-cost EMI, exchange, free installation | Evenings and weekends, 7 to 10 days before |
| Real estate builders | Vijayadashami booking offer, site visit weekend, low booking amount | Weekend mornings, 2 weeks before |
| Jewellers | Making-charge discount, gold coins, Dhanteras advance booking | Evenings, 1 week before |
| Apparel and ethnic wear | Festive collection, family combos, delivery cut-off | Late morning or evening, 7 to 10 days before |
| Sweets, restaurants and events | Pre-orders, festive thali, Ravan Dahan passes | 2 to 3 days before and on the day |
Dealers who already run test drive and service follow-ups on WhatsApp can reuse the same lists for these offers. Our guide to the best WhatsApp Business API for car dealers covers lead routing and booking flows that pair well with a festive campaign.
32 Dussehra offer message templates
Copy these into your template manager and submit them in the marketing category. Variables appear as {{1}}, {{2}} and so on. Each template starts and ends with fixed text, because Meta rejects templates that begin or end with a variable. Give realistic sample values, such as "Rahul" and "₹4,999", when you submit, and add the button named in the last line plus a Stop promotions quick reply.
Car and two-wheeler dealers
1. Car booking for Dussehra delivery
Hi {{1}}, bring home your new car on Dussehra.
Book the {{2}} at {{3}} by {{4}} to get delivery on 20 October.
Tap Book test drive to choose a time.
2. Two-wheeler festive offer
Namaste {{1}} ji, this Dussehra ride home a new {{2}}.
Festive benefits up to ₹{{3}} and low down payment at {{4}}.
Tap Check offer to see your price.
3. Exchange bonus on old vehicle
Hi {{1}}, exchange your old car or scooter this Dussehra.
Get an exchange bonus of up to ₹{{2}} on a new vehicle at {{3}}.
Tap Get valuation to know your price.
4. Low-EMI finance offer
Hi {{1}}, drive home the {{2}} this Dussehra from ₹{{3}} per month EMI with our finance partners.
Offer valid at {{4}} till 20 October.
Tap Check EMI to get a quote.
5. Muhurat delivery slot
Hi {{1}}, want delivery at an auspicious time?
Dussehra muhurat delivery slots at {{2}} are limited. Book yours before {{3}}.
Tap Reserve slot to confirm.
6. EV festive offer
Hi {{1}}, go electric this Dussehra.
Festive savings of ₹{{2}} plus free home charger installation on the {{3}} at {{4}}.
Tap Book test ride to try it.
Electronics and appliance stores
7. TV and appliance festive sale
Hi {{1}}, Dussehra sale is live at {{2}}.
Up to {{3}}% off on TVs, refrigerators and washing machines till 20 October.
Tap Shop deals to see prices.
8. No-cost EMI on smartphones
Hi {{1}}, upgrade your phone this Dussehra.
No-cost EMI from ₹{{2}} per month on select smartphones at {{3}}.
Tap View phones to pick yours.
9. Exchange offer on old appliance
Namaste {{1}} ji, exchange your old fridge or washing machine this Dussehra.
Get up to ₹{{2}} off a new one at {{3}}, with free pickup.
Tap Get exchange value to know more.
10. Free installation and delivery
Hi {{1}}, buy an AC or TV at {{2}} before 20 October and get free delivery and installation in {{3}}.
Tap Shop now to place your order.
Real estate builders and developers
11. Property booking on Vijayadashami
Hi {{1}}, Vijayadashami is an auspicious day to book a new home.
Book a flat at {{2}} by 20 October and get {{3}} on your booking.
Tap Book site visit to see the project.
12. Festive site visit weekend
Namaste {{1}} ji, join our Dussehra site visit weekend at {{2}} on {{3}}.
See sample flats, meet our team and get festive pricing.
Tap Book visit to reserve a slot.
13. Booking amount offer
Hi {{1}}, book your home at {{2}} this Dussehra with a booking amount of just ₹{{3}}.
Offer valid till 20 October.
Tap Talk to an expert to know more.
14. Home loan tie-up offer
Hi {{1}}, planning a home this Dussehra?
Get special home loan rates through our banking partners at {{2}}, plus {{3}} on booking.
Tap Check eligibility to start.
Jewellers: Vijayadashami gold offers
15. Gold buying on Vijayadashami
Hi {{1}}, buying gold on Vijayadashami is a tradition for many families.
Get {{2}}% off making charges at {{3}} till 20 October.
Tap View collection to see designs.
16. Gold coin festive offer
Namaste {{1}} ji, gift gold coins this Dussehra.
Free {{2}} with every gold coin purchase at {{3}} till 20 October.
Tap Book coin to reserve yours.
17. Advance booking for Dhanteras
Hi {{1}}, book your Dhanteras jewellery now at today's gold rate.
Pay {{2}}% advance at {{3}} this Dussehra and lock the price.
Tap Lock my rate to learn more.
Apparel and ethnic wear
18. Festive wear collection launch
Hi {{1}}, our Dussehra festive collection is live at {{2}}: kurtas, sarees and lehengas.
Use code {{3}} for {{4}}% off till 20 October.
Tap Shop collection to explore.
19. Family festive combo
Namaste {{1}} ji, dress the whole family for Dussehra.
Buy 3 festive outfits at {{2}} and get {{3}}% off the total.
Tap See combos to choose.
20. Delivery cut-off notice
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Hi {{1}}, want your festive outfit before Dussehra?
Order by {{2}} for delivery before 20 October in {{3}}.
Tap Shop now to see ready-to-ship styles.
Sweets, restaurants and gifting
21. Sweets pre-order for Dussehra
Hi {{1}}, pre-order Dussehra sweets from {{2}}: jalebi, laddoo and dry fruit boxes from ₹{{3}}.
Tap Pre-order to book your box.
22. Festive thali and family dinner
Hi {{1}}, celebrate Dussehra with family at {{2}}.
Special festive thali for ₹{{3}} on 20 October.
Tap Reserve table to book.
23. Corporate gift boxes
Hi {{1}}, planning Dussehra gifts for staff or clients?
Get {{2}}% off on {{3}} boxes or more at {{4}}.
Tap Bulk order to get a quote.
Events and Ravan Dahan
24. Ravan Dahan event passes
Hi {{1}}, join the Ravan Dahan celebration at {{2}} on 20 October.
Food stalls, fireworks and family zone. Passes from ₹{{3}}.
Tap Get passes to book.
25. Mall or society festive event
Namaste {{1}} ji, our Dussehra mela at {{2}} runs from {{3}}.
Shopping offers, games and live music for the whole family.
Tap See schedule for details.
26. Store timings on Dussehra
Hi {{1}}, {{2}} is open on Dussehra from {{3}} for festive shopping and deliveries.
Festive offers end on 20 October.
Tap Get directions to find us.
Countdown reminders
27. One week to go
Hi {{1}}, Dussehra is on Tuesday, 20 October.
Our festive offers at {{2}} are live with up to {{3}}% off.
Tap Shop now to plan early.
28. Last 2 days reminder
Hi {{1}}, only 2 days left for Dussehra.
Your festive offer at {{2}} ends on 20 October.
Tap Shop now before it ends.
29. Hinglish festive offer
Hi {{1}}, Dussehra ki shubhkamnayein!
{{2}} par festive offer: {{3}}% off, sirf 20 October tak.
Shop now dabaiye aur offer paiye.
Post-festival thank-you and referrals
30. Thank-you with Diwali preview
Hi {{1}}, thank you for celebrating Dussehra with {{2}}.
Our Diwali offers start on {{3}} and you get early access.
Tap Get early access to see them first.
31. Review request after vehicle delivery
Hi {{1}}, congratulations on your new vehicle from {{2}}.
Share a quick review and get a free {{3}} at your first service.
Tap Leave review to share your experience.
32. Referral offer after purchase
Hi {{1}}, thank you for buying from {{2}} this Dussehra.
Refer a friend and you both get {{3}} on their purchase till 30 November.
Tap Refer now to share.
If your festive campaign started earlier in the season, our Navratri offer message templates cover the nine days before Dussehra with garba, fasting and festive-wear copy.
Marketing or utility: how Meta classifies Dussehra messages
Definition: a marketing template is any WhatsApp template that promotes a product, offer, event or brand. A utility template is a non-promotional update about a specific order, booking or account the customer already has. A festive greeting with an offer, a booking push or a collection link is marketing, even if it reads like a wish.
| Message | Category | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Book your car by 15 October for Dussehra delivery | Marketing | Drives a new purchase |
| Exchange bonus up to ₹30,000 this Dussehra | Marketing | Promotes an offer |
| Happy Dussehra from our showroom, visit us today | Marketing | Brand greeting that invites a visit |
| Your car delivery is confirmed for 20 October at 11 AM | Utility | Update on an existing booking |
| Your TV order 2231 is out for delivery today | Utility | Update on an existing order |
| Your TV is out for delivery, plus 10% off accessories | Marketing | An offer turns an update into promotion |
Do not use the utility category for offers to save cost. Meta reviews templates and can re-categorise or reject them, and a pattern of mislabelled templates puts your account at risk. Keep delivery and booking confirmations plain, and send offers as marketing.
Meta rules for festive marketing templates
- Opt-in first: only message customers who agreed to receive WhatsApp messages from you, for example at billing, at a test drive or site visit, through a website form or a click-to-WhatsApp ad. Keep a record of when and how they agreed.
- Opt-out on every offer: add a Stop promotions quick reply button and remove anyone who taps it at once. Easy opt-out lowers blocks and reports.
- Frequency caps: Meta limits how many marketing templates a person receives across all businesses in a period, so some sends may not be delivered (error 131049) even when everything is set up correctly. During a busy festive week this cap bites harder, so space your sends.
- Pacing: Meta may release a new marketing template gradually to a small group first and hold the rest if early feedback is poor. Our guide to Meta marketing template pacing explains how to plan around it.
- Quality rating: each template and phone number carries a quality rating based on blocks, reports and engagement. Low ratings can pause templates or reduce messaging limits, so send relevant offers to the right segment instead of your full list.
- No guarantees: no provider can promise that a number will never be restricted. Following opt-in, relevance and frequency rules is the best protection you have.
Turn Dussehra buyers into Diwali customers
Dussehra sits about three weeks before Diwali, which gives you time for a second, different offer. Tag every customer who taps a Dussehra button or books a test drive, then follow up with an accessory, service or gifting offer instead of resending the same message. Our Dhanteras offer message templates and Diwali offer message templates continue the same calendar.
- Segment by interest: vehicle enquiries, appliance buyers and jewellery customers should not get identical messages.
- Follow up on unconverted leads: a customer who took a test drive but did not book is a better Diwali target than a cold contact.
- Use the customer's language: Hindi or Hinglish copy often reads more natural for festive shoppers; keep the offer and button text unchanged.
- Track clicks, not just delivery: compare button taps by template and drop the weakest copy before Diwali.
Send Dussehra offers with RichAutomate
- Template manager: submit these marketing templates with variables and buttons, and track approval in one place.
- Segmented broadcasts: send to opted-in tags such as test drive taken, appliance buyer or site visit, and schedule each step of the countdown.
- Chatbot for replies: route "Book test drive", "Get valuation" and "Book site visit" taps to an automated flow or a sales agent.
- Opt-out handling: customers who tap Stop promotions are excluded from later campaigns automatically.
Pricing is simple: ₹0 setup and ₹0 monthly on pay-as-you-go. On SaaS Pay, a marketing message such as a Dussehra offer costs ₹1.50 and a utility message, such as a delivery confirmation, ₹0.50. On Client Pay you pay Meta's per-message charge plus ₹0.10 per message. Teams that want more seats and automation can choose Starter at ₹499/mo, Pro at ₹899/mo or White-label at ₹1,199/mo. GST is required to take your WhatsApp Business API number live. See the full breakdown on our pricing page.
Dussehra is on 20 October, so the booking window is open now. Start your free RichAutomate trial with 14 days and 100 free credits, load these Dussehra templates and schedule your festive countdown today.