Dussehra 2026 date: Is it October 20 or 21? Check Vijayadashami Vijay Muhurat puja muhurat, Ravan Dahan timings

Dussehra 2026 date: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in most parts of India. However, the festival's date has caused some confusion because the Dashami tithi continues until the afternoon of October 21. Some regional traditions, particularly in West Bengal, observe Vijayadashami on October 21. The difference comes from regional customs and the way the Hindu calendar determines the festival date. For people planning their Dussehra puja, Shami puja or Ravan Dahan celebrations, knowing the local panchang timings is important.

Dussehra 2026: October 20 or 21?

Dussehra falls on October 20 in most parts of India, including North India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Ram's victory over Ravana in the Ramayana. According to the Hindu panchang, the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 pm on October 20 and ends at 2:11 pm on October 21. Since the tithi spans two calendar days, different regional traditions follow different rules to determine the festival date.

West Bengal observes Bijoya Dashami on October 21, when devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga following Durga Puja. Some other regional calendars may also differ.

Dussehra 2026: Puja muhurat and important timings

Here are the key timings for Vijayadashami in New Delhi:

• Dussehra date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
• Dashami tithi begins: 12:50 pm on October 20
• Dashami tithi ends: 2:11 pm on October 21
• Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm on October 20
• Aparahna puja period: 1:14 pm to 3:30 pm on October 20

Vijay Muhurat is considered an auspicious period for beginning important work and performing certain Vijayadashami rituals. Devotees may worship Goddess Aparajita and the Shami tree, depending on their family and regional traditions. These timings are for New Delhi. The muhurat can vary by city, so devotees should check their local panchang before performing rituals.

Ravan Dahan 2026: What is the correct timing?

Ravan Dahan, the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran, is traditionally held on the evening of Dussehra. In many parts of North India, the event follows Ramlila performances that depict episodes from the Ramayana.

On October 20, people are expected to gather at local grounds and public venues for the celebrations. However, there is no single nationwide Ravan Dahan time. The schedule depends on the organising committee, local sunset and the rituals followed in each area. People planning to attend an event should check the announcement issued by their local Ramlila committee or municipal authority rather than relying on a single timing circulated online.

Why is Dussehra celebrated?

Dussehra represents the triumph of righteousness over evil. According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram defeated Ravana to rescue Sita and restore dharma. The burning of Ravana's effigy symbolises the defeat of arrogance, injustice and wrongdoing.

The festival also commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. In several parts of eastern India, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, with devotees bidding farewell to the goddess before her idol immersion.

Across India, the celebrations take different forms. Ramlila performances and Ravan Dahan are prominent in many northern cities, while Mysuru is known for its Dasara festivities. In Kerala, Vijayadashami is also associated with Vidyarambham, a ceremony marking the beginning of a child's formal learning.

Despite regional differences in dates and rituals, the festival carries a shared message: the eventual victory of good over evil.