Dussehra 2026 Date: October 20 or 21? Check Vijayadashami Date, Vijay Muhurat and Ravana Dahan Time
Dussehra 2026: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, across much of India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana as well ...
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Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated as Vijayadashami on October 20, marking the victory of good over evil with traditional puja, Ravana Dahan and regional festivities across India. (AI Image)
Dussehra 2026: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, across most parts of India. The festival marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. However, Bengal and some regional traditions observe Vijayadashami on October 21, as the Dashami Tithi continues into the following afternoon.
In New Delhi, the Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21. The Vijay Muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM on October 20. Ravana Dahan is generally held after sunset, but the exact time depends on the local Ramlila venue and organisers.
Here are the Dussehra date, puja timings, Ravana Dahan details and regional observances for 2026.
Dussehra 2026: Date, Tithi, Vijay Muhurat and Ravana Dahan
Detail
Dussehra 2026
Dussehra date
Tuesday, October 20
Vijayadashami
October 20 in most North Indian calendars
Dashami Tithi begins
12:50 PM, October 20
Dashami Tithi ends
2:11 PM, October 21
Vijay Muhurat, New Delhi
1:59 PM–2:45 PM
Ravana Dahan
Evening of October 20, after sunset
Bengal Vijayadashami
October 21
Mysore Dasara Vijayadashami
October 21
Dussehra 2026 Dashami Tithi
For New Delhi, Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21. The festival is associated with the tenth lunar day, or Dashami, of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. Since the tithi extends into October 21, different regional traditions can arrive at different Vijayadashami dates.
Dussehra 2026 Vijay Muhurat
The Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi is from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM on October 20, according to the city's Panchang. This period falls during Aparahna and is traditionally considered suitable for Vijayadashami-related puja and auspicious activities.
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The timing changes from city to city. For example, the listed Vijayadashami puja period is 2:16 PM to 3:02 PM in Pune, 1:52 PM to 2:39 PM in Chennai and 1:17 PM to 2:03 PM in Kolkata.
Ravana Dahan will take place on the evening of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Ramlila grounds and other designated venues across India. The event is generally organised after sunset, but there is no single nationwide Ravana Dahan time.
In New Delhi, sunset is approximately 5:47 PM. The actual burning of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad effigies depends on the local programme, including the Ramlila performance and the organiser’s schedule.
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People planning to attend should check the latest announcement from their local Ramlila committee for the venue, entry arrangements and scheduled effigy burning. Vijay Muhurat is an afternoon puja period and should not be confused with the evening Ravana Dahan event.
<p>Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated as Vijayadashami on October 20, marking the victory of good over evil with traditional puja, Ravana Dahan and regional festivities across India. (AI Image)<br></p> Dussehra represents the victory of good over evil.
In the Ramayana tradition, Vijayadashami commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana after the battle in Lanka. This is why Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad effigies are traditionally burned during public Dussehra celebrations.
The festival is also linked to Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. This connection is especially prominent in eastern and northeastern India, where Vijayadashami comes at the conclusion of Durga Puja.
Thus, the same festival carries different regional expressions while sharing the broader theme of victory, righteousness and the triumph of good over evil.
Dussehra and Navratri 2026: How are they connected?
Dussehra is the tenth day following the nine days of Sharad Navratri.
In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on October 11 and ends on October 19. Vijayadashami follows on October 20 in the North Indian calendar.
The important dates are:
Date
Festival/Observance
October 11
Sharad Navratri begins, Ghatasthapana
October 16
Saraswati Avahan
October 17
Saraswati Puja
October 18
Navratri Saptami
October 19
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
October 20
Vijayadashami/Dussehra
October 21
Bengal Vijayadashami; Mysore Dasara Vijayadashami
When is Ashtami in October 2026?
Durga Ashtami will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026.
For New Delhi, the Ashwin Shukla Ashtami Tithi begins at 8:27 AM on October 18 and ends at 10:51 AM on October 19. Durga Ashtami is one of the most important days of Sharad Navratri and is associated with worship of Goddess Durga and Kanya Puja in many households.
When is Navami in October 2026?
Maha Navami will also be observed on October 19, 2026, in the North Indian calendar.
Navami Tithi begins at 10:51 AM on October 19 and ends at 12:50 PM on October 20 in New Delhi. Because of the tithi overlap, Ashtami and Navami fall on the same civil date in 2026 in this calendar.
This is one of the important calendar details for devotees planning Durga Puja, Kanya Puja, Navami Homa or Navratri Parana.
Saraswati Puja 2026: When is it?
Saraswati-related observances during Navratri begin before Dussehra.
In the 2026 Navratri calendar, Saraswati Avahan falls on October 16, while Saraswati Puja is observed on October 17 in the relevant North Indian calendar. Saraswati worship is associated with knowledge, learning, wisdom and the arts.
The exact observance differs by region, particularly during Durga Puja in Bengal, where Saraswati worship is integrated into the broader multi-day puja calendar.
Ayudha Puja 2026: When is it?
Ayudha Puja is associated with Mahanavami and the worship of tools, instruments, vehicles, machinery and objects used for work.
In the 2026 North Indian calendar, Ayudha/Shastra Puja falls on October 20, with a listed Vijayadashami-related muhurat of 1:53 PM to 2:39 PM for Samthar, Uttar Pradesh.
The tradition is particularly prominent in southern India and Karnataka. In Mysuru, for example, Ayudha Puja is observed on October 20, while Vijayadashami and the famous Dasara procession take place on October 21.
Mysore Dasara 2026 Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21.
Mysuru follows its own regional Dasara calendar. The celebration culminates with the famous Jumbo Savari, during which Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a golden howdah on a decorated elephant in the grand Vijayadashami procession.
The Mysuru Palace calendar lists October 20 as Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja, followed by October 21 as Vijayadashami.
This is why searches for "Mysore Dussehra 2026" may show October 21 even though the main North Indian Dussehra date is October 20.
Dussehra 2026: What is the significance of Ravana Dahan?
One of the most recognisable Dussehra traditions is Ravana Dahan, or the burning of Ravana's effigy.
Public celebrations often include effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, followed by their symbolic burning. The ritual represents the destruction of arrogance, wrongdoing and evil and the restoration of righteousness.
Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana are also traditionally staged in the days leading up to Vijayadashami.
Dussehra 2026 Holidays: Will schools and offices be closed?
October 20, 2026 is listed as Dussehra and a gazetted holiday in the Central Government holiday calendar. However, school, bank and government-office holidays can differ according to state calendars and local institutions.
For schools, the Dussehra break is particularly variable. Some states provide an extended Dasara or autumn vacation, while others close only around the festival dates. Parents and students should therefore check the calendar issued by their school or state education department rather than assuming that the same holiday period applies nationwide.
Bank holidays also vary by state and city. For example, the RBI-linked October 2026 holiday schedule includes Dussehra-related closures on different dates in different regions.
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is observed with different rituals across India. Common Vijayadashami practices include Aparajita Puja, Shami Puja, Ayudha Puja and prayers for victory and prosperity. The exact customs vary according to regional and family traditions.
Aparajita Puja on Dussehra
Aparajita Puja is traditionally performed during the Aparahna period on Vijayadashami. Devotees worship Goddess Aparajita and seek protection, victory and success in their endeavours. The practice is followed in several North Indian traditions.
Shami Puja on Vijayadashami
The Shami tree has special significance on Vijayadashami. In traditions where Shami Puja is performed, devotees offer prayers to the tree and may exchange Shami leaves with family and friends as a symbolic gesture of goodwill and prosperity.
Ayudha Puja and Shastra Puja
Ayudha Puja involves worshipping tools, vehicles, machinery, books, instruments and other objects used for work. It is particularly prominent in South India, although related forms of Shastra Puja are observed in other regions as well.
Dussehra 2026: What should you buy or start on Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami is traditionally regarded as an auspicious occasion for starting new work, beginning education or learning a skill, purchasing work-related items and worshipping tools or instruments.
In traditions that observe Ayudha Puja, vehicles, machinery, books, instruments and tools may be cleaned and worshipped before being put back into use.
Is Dussehra on October 20 or October 21 in 2026? For most North Indian calendars, Dussehra is on October 20, 2026. Bengal's regional Vijayadashami observance falls on October 21.
When is Ashtami in October 2026? Durga Ashtami is on October 19, 2026.
When is Ayudha Puja in 2026? Ayudha Puja is associated with Mahanavami and is observed on October 20, 2026 in the relevant North Indian calendar. In Karnataka's Mysuru Dasara tradition, Ayudha Puja is also observed on October 20, followed by Vijayadashami on October 21.
When is Mysore Dussehra 2026? Mysore Dasara Vijayadashami is on October 21, 2026. The grand Jumbo Savari procession is held as part of the Vijayadashami celebrations.
When is Saraswati Puja in 2026? Saraswati Avahan is on October 16, while Saraswati Puja is observed on October 17 in the relevant North Indian Navratri calendar. Regional Durga Puja calendars can differ.
Is Dussehra on October 20 or 21 in 2026? Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, across most parts of India. Bengal's Vijayadashami observance falls on October 21, reflecting regional calendar traditions.
What is the Vijay Muhurat for Dussehra 2026? In New Delhi, Vijay Muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM on October 20. Timings differ by location, so devotees should check their city's Panchang.
What time is Ravana Dahan on October 20, 2026? Ravana Dahan is generally organised after sunset on Dussehra. The exact time depends on the local Ramlila committee and venue, so attendees should check the latest event announcement.
When does Dashami Tithi begin and end in 2026? In New Delhi, Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21.
When is Mysore Dasara Vijayadashami in 2026? Mysuru's Vijayadashami celebrations culminate on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with the traditional Jumbo Savari procession.
School holiday tomorrow, October 20: Will schools remain closed for Dussehra 2026? Check state-wise updates2026-10-19T14:15:21Z
