Dussehra 2026 in Rajasthan: Quick Answer
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October. The Vijay muhurat is 2:06–2:51 PM in Jaipur, 2:17–3:03 PM in Jodhpur, 2:15–3:01 PM in Udaipur, 2:06–2:52 PM in Kota and 2:15–3:01 PM in Bikaner (about 46 minutes each). The Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM on 20 October to 2:11 PM on 21 October, and Shravana nakshatra lasts until 6:02 PM on 20 October.
| City | Vijay muhurat |
|---|---|
| Jaipur | 2:06 – 2:51 PM |
| Kota | 2:06 – 2:52 PM |
| Udaipur | 2:15 – 3:01 PM |
| Bikaner | 2:15 – 3:01 PM |
| Jodhpur | 2:17 – 3:03 PM |
Navami and Dussehra on the Same Day
Navami lasts until 12:50 PM on 20 October, so families finish Navami puja, kanya pujan and Navratri parana in the morning, then do Shami puja and begin new work in the Vijay muhurat, and watch Ravan Dahan after sunset.
Rajasthan Highlights
- •Kota: the National Dussehra Mela, one of India's largest, with a giant Ravana effigy.
- •Jodhpur: some Shrimali (Godha) Brahmin families, who consider Mandore the home of Mandodari, mourn Ravana rather than celebrate his burning, and a Ravana temple stands in the city.
- •Udaipur and Jaipur: shastra puja traditions of the former royal houses, and big Ravan Dahan events at city grounds.
Aparajita Puja
In the Vijay muhurat or afternoon, clean the north-east corner, draw an eight-petalled lotus with sandalwood or roli, invoke Goddess Aparajita in the centre with Jaya and Vijaya on either side, offer roli, akshat and flowers (blue aparajita flowers are ideal), and pray for protection and success.
Do's and Don'ts
Worship weapons, tools, vehicles and books; begin new work or buy a vehicle or property in the Vijay muhurat (Dussehra is an abujh muhurat); exchange Shami (khejri) leaves as "gold"; and sighting a Neelkanth bird is considered very lucky. Don't begin Dussehra-related auspicious work before Dashami starts at 12:50 PM, since the morning is still Navami.
Ravan Dahan Safety
Keep well behind the organisers' barricades, wear cotton, tie a name-and-phone tag on children's wrists, park away from the ground, and let elderly family members watch the live telecast instead.
Buying a Vehicle or Property
Choose a time after 12:50 PM, ideally your city's Vijay muhurat, and avoid Tuesday's Rahu Kaal (roughly 3–4:30 PM — check the exact time locally).
Summary
On 20 October 2026, use your city's Vijay muhurat — Jaipur 2:06–2:51 PM, Jodhpur 2:17–3:03 PM, Udaipur 2:15–3:01 PM, Kota 2:06–2:52 PM — for Shami puja and new beginnings.
