Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the major Hindu festivals in India. It is the day that commemorates the victory of good over evil. In many parts of India, it is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. While in other parts of India, it marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.  

This day is considered auspicious for new beginnings and to seek blessings for strength and success. Want to know the Dussehra date, timings, significance, puja vidhi, and much more in detail? If so, the following sections will provide all your answers. 

Dussehra 2026 Date and Time

Dussehra 2026 or Vijayadashami 2026 is celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Dussehra is celebrated on Dashami Tithi in Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Ashwin.

The exact date and time of Dussehra 2026 will be determined by calculations in the Panchang. Even though the date of Dussehra remains constant for all celebrations, the timings of Dashami Tithi and Vijay Muhurat may vary by place, as per the Panchang calculations.

Event	Date	Day	Timing
Dussehra / Vijayadashami	October 20, 2026	Tuesday	Based on local Panchang
Dashami Tithi	October 20, 2026	Tuesday	Check local Tithi timings
Vijay Muhurat	October 20, 2026	Tuesday	Varies by location
Ravan Dahan	October 20, 2026	Tuesday	Generally held in the evening; event-specific

To get the exact date and time of Dussehra 2026, it is best to refer to the Panchang for your city. Calculations made for Tithi involve the movements of the Sun and Moon. Therefore, the start and end times of Dashami Tithi can vary by region.

What Is Dussehra?

Dussehra is an Indian festival signifying the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shardiya Navratri and is also known as Vijayadashami.

The meanings of the festival and the ways it is celebrated vary across different regions of India. In most Northern Indian states, Dussehra symbolises the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in the war depicted in the epic Ramayana. Public celebrations of Ramleela take place before the festival, and the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad follow.

Though there are differences in the stories told during the festival and in the rituals followed, the essence of Dussehra remains the same for all; bad traits like pride, injustice and lust shall give way to truth and justice.

Significance of Dussehra

The significance of Dussehra lies in its central message: victory, courage, and strength. However, across different stories in Hindu traditions, the main theme remains the same: the victory of good over evil. 

Lord Rama's Victory Over Ravana

According to the Ramayana, Dussehra is the day when Lord Rama rescued Goddess Sita, who was held captive by Ravana. After the struggles of finding her and defeating Ravana, this day marks the victory of good over evil. It is associated with celebrations in many parts of North India. This day is viewed as diligent, calm, respectful, and determined in every situation, without misusing power or arrogance. In the end, those who follow a righteous path will win.  

Symbolism of Ravana's Ten Heads

The ten heads of Ravana signify the various evil qualities or tendencies of an unbridled mind. The heads may include ego, wrath, avarice, envy, obsession, and vanity among others.

Thus, Ravan Dahan may not be seen as merely a religious or historical tale, but also as a symbolic reminder of the need to conquer our negative qualities.

A Day for New Beginnings

The Vijayadashami day is regarded as a sacred time when people undertake new ventures. In many cases, individuals engage in education, business, creation, or spiritual practice.

The significance of victory makes it a suitable occasion to embark on any venture.

Ravan Dahan 2026

Ravan Dahan 2026 will take place on October 20, 2026, on the day of Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Ravan Dahan is one of the most distinctive customs of Dussehra, particularly in northern India. Huge effigies of Ravana are made and set on fire during the festivities. In many cases, effigies of Ravana's brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad are also set on fire.

What Time Is Ravan Dahan Performed?

The Ravan Dahan timing differs from that of Vijay Muhurat.

Vijay Muhurat is an auspicious period in the Panchang, determined by astrological calculations and the moon phase. Meanwhile, Ravan Dahan is an organised event held in the evening.

The exact time can vary depending on the city you are in. If you decide to attend Ravan Dahan, it is important to wait for the local organiser's official announcement first.

Why Is Ravana's Dummy Burned on Dussehra?

The burning of Ravana’s dummy marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and the triumph of dharma over adharma.

In many cases, Ravana is described as an embodiment of pride, arrogance, and abuse of power. The defeat of Ravana means that a person with great wisdom and strength cannot achieve anything without righteousness.

One can also interpret the symbol of Ravan Dahan on a personal level. Just as Ravana’s dummy is burned during the festival, people can think of the negative traits they wish to get rid of.

They can be represented by anger, jealousy, greed, lying, egoism, or other harmful traits.

Dussehra Puja Vidhi

The Dussehra Puja Vidhi varies by region or by the family you live with. This is because some people celebrate Lord Rama while others worship Goddess Durga on this day. However, here are some of the common steps you can follow, whoever you wish to worship. 

1. Take a Bath and Wear Clean Clothes

Wake up early in the morning. Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Prepare yourself to be physically and mentally clean, as the day marks the celebration of good over evil. It is very important to have a positive mindset on this day. 

2. Clean the Puja Space

Clean the Puja area and arrange the altar. Keep it hygienic. The area should smell good and be very nice. During cleaning, you can place an image of Lord Rama or Goddess Durga in your puja area, whichever deity you traditionally worship on Dussehra. 

3. Take a Sankalp

Sit before the deity and take a sankalp or a promise, with sincere intention to do the puja with full devotion and gratitude. 

4. Offer Flowers and Other Puja Items

After that, you take the promise and do puja, offering flowers, fruits, incense, a Diya, Chandan and other traditional Puja items according to your family's customs.

5. Perform Lord Rama or Goddess Durga Puja

After you offer flowers and other puja items, perform Lord Rama or Goddess Durga puja. Offer prayers to the deity and recite the mantras or prayers that are traditionally followed in your home.

6. Offer Prasad

After you do the puja and chant mantras, offer prasad to the deity. After that, distribute it among your family, friends, and neighbours to seek the blessings of Lord Rama or Goddess Durga. 

7. Perform Aarti

Last but not least, perform aarti at the end. It is important to do so as you conclude the day with aarti. Also, it helps in gaining wisdom, courage, peace, and strength to overcome difficulties.

What Is Done on Dussehra?

Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India. Some common traditions include:

• Performing Dussehra or Vijayadashami Puja.
• Worshipping Lord Rama or Goddess Durga.
• Attending Ramleela performances.
• Watching Ravan Dahan.
• Visiting temples.
• Performing Ayudha Puja or worshipping tools and instruments.
• Beginning a new activity or project.
• Exchanging Shami leaves in regions where the tradition is followed.
• Participating in Durga Visarjan ceremonies.
• Sharing festive meals and spending time with family.

The customs followed can differ considerably from one region to another.

Why Is Dussehra Called Vijayadashami?

Dussehra is referred to as Vijayadashami since the festival is related to the concept of victory and falls on the Dashami or the tenth lunar day.

In fact, the term Vijaya is an expression of victory, while Dashami is the tenth Tithi. Thus, the title of the festival speaks for itself, conveying the idea of victory of good over bad and negative forces.

In the context of the Ramayana tradition, it is a victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, while in Durga traditions, it is the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

However, although the stories are different, Vijayadashami conveys similar concepts as courage, righteousness, and the victory of good over evil.

Is Dussehra an Auspicious Day to Start Something New?

Yes, Dussehra, particularly known as Vijayadashami, is a good day to start something new. As the day is known for victory, many people plan to start something new or important activities on this day. 

Depending on regional and family traditions, people may:

• Begin a new business or professional venture.
• Start any educational course.
• Learn a new skill.
• Buy tools or equipment to invest in business 
• Starting a creative or personal project.
• Beginning something spiritual.

In a nutshell, the timing you choose to start something new depends entirely on your traditions and belief system. It is for the same reason that many people read the local panchang or consult an astrologer to determine the right times to start something new.