Dussehra 2026: Quick Answer
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM on 20 October and ends at 2:11 PM on 21 October. The Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi is 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM, and the Aparahna period for Shami and Aparajita puja is roughly 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM. Ravan Dahan takes place after sunset, which in Delhi is around 5:46 PM. In West Bengal, Bijoya Dashami is on Wednesday, 21 October.
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Dussehra / Vijayadashami | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
| Dashami tithi begins | 12:50 PM, 20 Oct |
| Dashami tithi ends | 2:11 PM, 21 Oct |
| Vijay Muhurat | 1:59 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Aparahna puja (approx.) | 1:14 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Shravana nakshatra | 3:38 PM, 19 Oct – 6:02 PM, 20 Oct |
| Ravan Dahan | After sunset (~5:46 PM) |
| Bengal Bijoya Dashami | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 |
Timings are from the drik siddhanta used by leading panchangs. For your city, see our [Dussehra page](/festivals/dussehra) and the [daily panchang](/panchang).
Why Is Dussehra on 20 October and Not 21 October?
Dussehra is fixed by the Ashwin Shukla Dashami tithi prevailing in the Aparahna (afternoon) period, not simply by the tithi at sunrise. On 20 October 2026, the Navami tithi lasts until 12:50 PM, after which Dashami begins — so the entire Aparahna period of 20 October falls in Dashami. On 21 October, Dashami ends at 2:11 PM, which cuts through the Aparahna period. The scriptures prefer the day on which Dashami fully covers the Aparahna, so 20 October is chosen. An added bonus: Shravana nakshatra prevails until 6:02 PM on 20 October, and the combination of Dashami and Shravana in the afternoon is considered especially auspicious for Vijayadashami.
The Bengal tradition follows a different rule linked to the end of Durga Puja, so Bijoya Dashami and Durga Visarjan are observed there on 21 October.
Navami and Dussehra on the Same Day
In 2026, the morning of 20 October is still Navami. Many families perform Navami puja, kanya pujan, havan and Navratri parana before 12:50 PM, and then celebrate Dussehra in the afternoon and evening. This makes 20 October an unusually full festival day — plan your schedule accordingly. Read more about Maha Navami 2026.
Vijay Muhurat 2026 in Major Cities
| City | Vijay Muhurat (20 Oct) |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 1:59 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Jaipur | 2:06 PM – 2:51 PM |
| Lucknow | 1:45 PM – 2:31 PM |
| Mumbai | 2:19 PM – 3:06 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 2:20 PM – 3:06 PM |
| Kolkata | 1:17 PM – 2:03 PM |
| Bengaluru | 2:02 PM – 2:49 PM |
| Chennai | 1:51 PM – 2:39 PM |
The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious window of the day for Shastra Puja, starting new ventures and setting out on journeys. Details are in our guide on Dussehra 2026 Vijay Muhurat.
What Is Dussehra?
Dussehra marks two great victories of good over evil. According to the Ramayana tradition, Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day after a long battle in Lanka. According to the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga destroyed Mahishasura after nine days of battle, which is why the festival follows Navratri. The name Dasha-hara means "the removal of the ten" — the ten heads of Ravana, symbolising ten human vices. Vijaya-dashami means "the Dashami of victory".
How Dussehra Is Celebrated
- •Ravan Dahan: Giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burnt after sunset.
- •Ramlila: Staged performances of the Ramayana conclude on Dussehra.
- •Shastra Puja: Weapons, tools, vehicles and instruments are worshipped.
- •Shami and Aparajita Puja: Performed in the Aparahna period.
- •Seema Ullanghan: Symbolically crossing the village or city boundary.
- •Regional celebrations: Kullu Dussehra in Himachal (it begins on Vijayadashami and lasts a week), Mysuru Dasara with the Jamboo Savari, the famous Kota Dussehra fair in Rajasthan, Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh, and Bijoya Dashami with sindoor khela in Bengal.
Summary
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October. Dashami begins at 12:50 PM, the Vijay Muhurat in Delhi is 1:59–2:45 PM, Shami and Aparajita puja should be done in the Aparahna (about 1:14–3:30 PM), and Ravan Dahan takes place after sunset. In Bengal, Bijoya Dashami is on 21 October.
