Dussehra 2026 Date: Vijayadashami on 20 October
Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It marks the victory of good over evil, with Ravan Dahan in the evening in many cities. Last verified: October 16, 2026.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Drik Panchang lists Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Other panchang sites agree on the same date. Bengal Vijayadashami is listed for Wednesday, October 21.
Here are the main timings Drik Panchang lists for Vijayadashami 2026 (New Delhi):
| Detail | Time |
|---|---|
| Vijayadashami | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
| Dashami Tithi begins | 12:50 PM on October 20 |
| Dashami Tithi ends | 02:11 PM on October 21 |
| Aparahna Puja time | 01:14 PM to 03:30 PM, October 20 |
| Vijay Muhurat | 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM, October 20 |
| Bengal Vijayadashami | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
Because the Dashami tithi continues into the afternoon of October 21, Bengal marks Vijayadashami (Durga Visarjan) on that day, while most of India celebrates on October 20.
Dussehra puja time by city
The Vijay Muhurat is the short window many families use for Shastra Puja. It changes with local time. Drik Panchang gives these windows for October 20, 2026:
| City | Vijay Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 02:20 PM to 03:06 PM |
| Mumbai | 02:19 PM to 03:06 PM |
| Pune | 02:16 PM to 03:02 PM |
| Jaipur | 02:06 PM to 02:51 PM |
| Bengaluru | 02:02 PM to 02:49 PM |
| Hyderabad | 01:57 PM to 02:44 PM |
| Chennai | 01:51 PM to 02:39 PM |
| Kolkata | 01:17 PM to 02:03 PM |
| Chandigarh | 02:00 PM to 02:46 PM |
For any other city, set your location on Drik Panchang or follow your local panchang or temple.
Dussehra dates in the coming years
Planning ahead? Drik Panchang lists these upcoming Dussehra dates:
| Year | Dussehra date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | October 20 (Tuesday) |
| 2027 | October 9 (Saturday) |
| 2028 | September 27 (Wednesday) |
What is the meaning of Dussehra?
Dussehra marks Lord Ram's victory over Ravan and, in many regions, Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. It comes after the nine nights of Navratri.
The name Vijayadashami means the "tenth day of victory", as it falls on the Dashami (tenth day) of the bright half of the Ashwin month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Drik Panchang also lists Goddess Aparajita and the Shami tree among those worshipped on the day.
How is Dussehra celebrated?
- Shastra puja and worship of tools or vehicles
- Ravan Dahan with effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad
- Ramlila performances in the days before
- Sharing sweets such as jalebi and fafda, a Gujarati favourite
How different regions mark the day
- North India: Ramlila plays run through Navratri and end with Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami evening.
- West Bengal and eastern India: the day closes Durga Puja. Idols are immersed, and many communities mark Sindur Utsav (Sindoor Khela).
- Gujarat: after nine nights of garba, many families start Dussehra morning with fafda and jalebi from the local farsan shop.
How to plan your Dussehra at home
A simple plan that works every year, whatever your city:
- Check your city's timing. Look up the Vijay Muhurat and Aparahna time for your city a day before (see the table above for 2026).
- Clean and arrange. Clean the puja corner, and wipe the tools, books, laptop or vehicle you want to include in Shastra Puja.
- Keep puja items ready. Flowers, roli or kumkum, rice, a diya and some sweets are enough for a simple family puja.
- Share sweets. Pick up fafda, jalebi or your family's favourite mithai early, before the morning rush at sweet shops.
- Plan the evening. If you are going to a Ravan Dahan ground, find the time from the local organisers and reach early.
- Send wishes. A short personal message to family and friends goes a long way.
Safety checklist for Ravan Dahan evenings
- Stay behind the barricades and well back from burning effigies.
- Wear cotton clothes; avoid loose dupattas near sparks.
- Protect small children's ears from loud firecracker bursts.
- Fix a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
For the full evening guide, see Ravana Dahan 2026 time and evening muhurat.
What can I write in Dussehra wishes?
Simple wishes work best. Try: "May this Vijayadashami burn away every worry and bring you joy. Happy Dussehra!" Or in Hindi: "Vijayadashami ki hardik shubhkamnayein!"
A few more simple lines you can use:
- "May the light of Vijayadashami guide your family towards good health and peace. Happy Dussehra!"
- "Burai par acchai ki jeet ka yeh parv aapke ghar khushiyan laaye. Shubh Dussehra!"
- "Wishing you and your team a Vijayadashami full of new beginnings."
For many more messages and free images, see our Dussehra 2026 wishes in Hindi and English.
What comes after Dussehra?
Diwali follows in about three weeks. See our Diwali 2026 calendar, all festival guides and the Diwali wishes post.
FAQ
Is Dussehra on 20 or 21 October 2026? 20 October in most of India, 21 October for Bengal Vijayadashami.
Is Dussehra the same as Vijayadashami? Yes, they are two names for the same day.
How many days after Dussehra is Diwali? About 19 days. Check our Diwali calendar for the exact dates.
Why is Bengal Vijayadashami a day later? As per Drik Panchang, the Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM on 20 October to 02:11 PM on 21 October 2026, so Bengal observes Vijayadashami and Durga Visarjan on 21 October.
What is the Vijay Muhurat in Ahmedabad on Dussehra 2026? Drik Panchang lists 02:20 PM to 03:06 PM for Ahmedabad on 20 October 2026. Timings in other Gujarat cities will differ by a few minutes.
Sources
- Drik Panchang: Vijayadashami 2026 date and puja time (New Delhi)
- Drik Panchang: Dussehra, city-wise puja time and observances
Muhurat timings re-checked on Drik Panchang on October 30, 2026. Timings vary by city; confirm with your local panchang.
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