Dussehra 2026: When is Vijay Muhurat? Check Dashami Tithi, puja timings, Ravana Dahan, Durga Visarjan rituals & significance

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Hindu festival marks the victory of good over evil and holds special significance for devotees of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. While it commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana in the Ramayana, it is also associated with Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival is observed with prayers, religious rituals, Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana effigies in many parts of India. In eastern India, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja celebrations, while in other regions, it is associated with the return of righteousness and the triumph of virtue over wrongdoing.

Here is everything you need to know about Dussehra 2026, including its date, history, significance and auspicious puja timings.

When is Dussehra 2026? Know the date

Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival falls on the Dashami Tithi, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.


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Vijayadashami is observed across India, although customs and celebrations vary by region. In Nepal, the festival forms part of Dashain, one of the country's major Hindu festivals.

Dussehra 2026: Dashami Tithi timings

According to the Panchang timings provided, the Dashami Tithi will begin shortly after midnight on October 20 and end in the early hours of October 21.

• Dashami Tithi begins: 12:20 am on October 20, 2026
• Dashami Tithi ends: 1:41 am on October 21, 2026
• Shravana Nakshatra begins: 3:08 am on October 19, 2026
• Shravana Nakshatra ends: 5:32 am on October 20, 2026

Dussehra 2026 puja muhurat: Vijay Muhurat and Aparahna timings

Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious occasion for worship, new beginnings and certain traditional rituals. According to the timings provided, devotees can observe the following muhurats on October 20:

• Vijay Muhurat: 2:43 pm to 3:27 pm
• Aparahna Puja time for Bengal Vijayadashami: 1:58 pm to 4:11 pm

Vijay Muhurat lasts 44 minutes, while the Aparahna period listed for Bengal Vijayadashami lasts 2 hours and 13 minutes. These timings may vary by location, so devotees should check their local Panchang before performing the rituals.

Why is Dussehra celebrated? History and religious significance

Dussehra is associated with two major stories from Hindu tradition, both of which symbolise the victory of good over evil.

Lord Rama's victory over Ravana

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama fought Ravana, the king of Lanka, to rescue his wife, Goddess Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana. After a fierce battle, Rama defeated Ravana, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over arrogance and evil.

To commemorate this victory, many communities organise Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana. The celebrations often conclude with the burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad.

Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura

Vijayadashami is also associated with Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, a powerful buffalo demon. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess fought Mahishasura and defeated him after a prolonged battle, restoring peace and balance.

In West Bengal and several other eastern states, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. Devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga before the immersion of her idols, with rituals and celebrations reflecting the belief that the goddess returns to her divine abode.

Dussehra 2026: Rituals observed on Vijayadashami

Several traditional rituals are associated with Vijayadashami. Their observance varies across regions and communities.

Shami Puja: Devotees worship the Shami tree, which holds religious significance in Hindu tradition. The ritual is associated with prosperity, victory and the return of good fortune.

Aparajita Puja: This ritual involves the worship of Goddess Aparajita, a form associated with victory and protection. It is traditionally performed during the prescribed auspicious period.

Seema Avalanghan: This custom involves symbolically crossing one's territorial boundaries. Historically, it has been associated with setting out for new ventures or journeys.

Ravana Dahan: In many parts of India, effigies of Ravana are burned to commemorate Lord Rama's victory and symbolise the destruction of evil.

Durga Visarjan: In Bengal and other regions where Durga Puja is celebrated, devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga and participate in idol immersion rituals.

What is the importance of Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra?

Vijay Muhurat is regarded as an auspicious period for undertaking important activities on Vijayadashami. According to traditional Hindu beliefs, the period is associated with success and victory, making it a preferred time for certain religious observances and new beginnings.

Some devotees use the occasion to begin educational or professional pursuits, purchase items or undertake other important activities, depending on family traditions and regional customs.

How is Dussehra celebrated across India?

Dussehra celebrations differ across the country. In northern and western India, public Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan are common features of the festival. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the emotional conclusion of Durga Puja, with devotees participating in farewell rituals and idol immersion. In parts of southern India, the day is associated with worship, cultural traditions and the conclusion of Navratri festivities.

Despite these regional differences, the central message remains the same: the triumph of good over evil and the importance of righteousness, courage and faith.