Dussehra 2026: When Is Vijayadashami? Check Vijay Muhurat & Puja Timings
What is the date of Dussehra 2026? Find Vijay Muhurat, Dashami Tithi timings, Ravana Dahan details, and important puja rituals.
Date and Vijayadashami Puja Time Dussehra also popular as Vijayadashami is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is an important festival for the Hindus. Find out about Dussehra date 2026, Vijayadashami time, Dashami Tithi, Ravana Dahan time, and the importance of Dussehra.
Dussehra 2026: Date and Day
As per the Hindu Panchang, Dussehra or Vijayadashami, date is on Tuesday 20, October 2026. It is on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin.
The festival signifies the end of Sharadiya Navratri and the commemoration of Goddess Durga's worship. In numerous areas of India, Vijayadashami is commemorated through rituals, Ramlila incidents, weapon adoration, and Ravana's straw man burning.
For the believers, Dussehra has more than just religious connotations. It provides us with a lesson that goodness always will conquer evil, justice and humility can overpower over narcissism.
Dussehra 2026: Vijay Muhurat and Puja Timings
Vijay Muhurat is said to be the most promising Vijayadashami. The term Vijaya translates to victory so this time is also very pious for prayers and service as the season is dedicated to achieve success.
Below are the timings of Dussehra 2026:
Festival date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Vijay Muhurat: 2:06 PM to 2:54 PM
Duration: 48 minutes
Dashami Tithi begins: 12:50 PM on October 20, 2026
Dashami Tithi ends: 2:11 PM on October 21, 2026
This should be compared with the local Panchang before commencing as the timing and the performance of pooja are location sensitive.
When Is Ravana Dahan in 2026?
Ravana, on the day of Dussehra, is one of the most popular rituals of all times. The burning of effigies representing Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad is done to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Generally, the ritual is performed after sunset, you can choose Pradosh Kaal, according to your local customs and program. Some common rituals such as Ramlila performances, bhajans, cultural programmes will be there during the celebration.
There is no fixed time for Ravana Dahan throughout the country. The time at which the event is scheduled varies by city and organiser. People planning to visit the site should keep a watch on local notifications prior to moving out.
Why Is Dussehra Celebrated?
According to Hindu tradition, Dussehra refers to two such stories, both of which symbolize the victory of good over evil by divine powers.
Lord Rama's Victory Over Ravana
It is believed that Lord Shri Rama killed Ravana, the king of Lanka to free Goddess Sita as per the Ramayana. The occasion of this victory over Ravana is also celebrated as Vijayadashami which signifies strength of dharma and truth.
The ten heads of Ravana are believed to be symbolic of the ten vices that can lead mankind astray. When the effigy of Ravana is burned, it gives an opportunity to the devotees to shed the evil qualities of arrogance, anger, greed and lie.
Goddess Durga's Victory Over Mahishasura
Dussehra is also related to Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The Goddess struggled for a long time and defeated the demon, who made chaos and threatened the peace of the celestial order.
The tradition exemplifies the might of divine feminine, as well as faith, courage and justice. In a majority of parts of India, the Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja.
Explore This Topic Further: Navratri 2026: Want Maa Durga’s Blessings? Chant These 108 Names
Important Rituals Observed on Vijayadashami
The following religiously important Pooja during Dussehra are observed in various Indian traditions. The traditional notable ritual is:
Shami Puja: Worship of the Shami tree, associated with victory and auspicious beginnings.
Aparajita Puja: Worship of Goddess Aparajita, seeking strength and success.
Seema Avalanghan: A traditional ritual involving crossing a boundary, symbolising progress and the pursuit of new opportunities.
Shastra Puja: Worship of weapons and tools, expressing gratitude and respect for the means used to fulfil one's duties.
Ramlila and Ravana Dahan: Public performances and the burning of Ravana's effigy to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Guidance regarding Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Seema Avalanghan The following puja can be done in the Aparahna period also called as afternoon period of the day. Local traditions may vary.
In short, Vijayadashami 2026 will be celebrated on 20th October, which will mark the end of the victorious journey of the good over evil. May Vijayadashami help you stay true to yourself and uphold truth, bravery, and righteousness.
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