Dussehra 2026: Vijayadashami on 20 October, Puja Time and the Two Stor

The article

Dussehra falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The day closes Navratri and is celebrated in two ways across India: as the victory of Rama over Ravana, and as the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. Both stories end the same way, with something that clouded judgment brought down. Timings below are for New Delhi; sources are listed at the end.

Photo: Thesocialtalks, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The timings (New Delhi)

Vijayadashami: Tuesday 20 October 2026

Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM (45 minutes)

Aparahna puja time: 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM

Dashami tithi: begins 12:50 PM on 20 October, ends 2:11 PM on 21 October

Bengal Vijayadashami: Wednesday 21 October Times differ by city. Ravan Dahan is usually held after sunset, set by each local committee, so check your neighbourhood announcement.

Two stories, one day

In North India the day belongs to Ramlila. Over many nights, the Ramayana is performed by local troupes, and on the tenth day tall effigies of Ravana, and often Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, are burnt in open grounds while crowds watch. Children sit on shoulders, vendors sell sweets and balloons, and for a few minutes a whole neighbourhood looks up at the same fire.

Photo: Ministry of Culture, Government of India (GODL-India), via Wikimedia Commons

In Bengal and eastern India, it is Bijoya Dashami: Durga is bid farewell, idols are taken to water for Visarjan, and people exchange greetings and sweets. Married women apply sindoor to the idol and to each other in Sindoor Khela. In Karnataka, Dasara in Mysuru is its own grand tradition. Many families in the south also worship books and tools on the preceding Navami as Ayudha Puja, which falls on 19 October this year.

What families do

Shastra and tool puja, and writing a first letter for children (Vidyarambham in some traditions)

Shami puja and the exchange of leaves, with the greeting “Sone ke patte” in parts of Maharashtra

Starting new ventures on this day, since Vijayadashami is traditionally regarded as auspicious

Ramlila evenings, community fairs and fireworks

Eating fafda and jalebi, a Gujarati custom on Dussehra morning

Reading the day today

Both stories describe a victory over what clouds judgment: pride in Ravana’s case, a refusal to listen in Mahishasura’s. Many people use the day to name one habit to put down and one to begin. It is not a theology test; it is a small ritual of choosing. Some families write the two habits on paper and keep them in the puja space until Diwali.

Practical notes for the evening

Ravan Dahan grounds fill up early. Reach with time to spare and agree on a meeting point if you are with children.

Keep a safe distance from the burning effigy and from fireworks; follow the instructions of the organisers.

Carry water, keep valuables close, and avoid taking elderly family members into the thickest part of the crowd.

Check local traffic notices; many roads around Ramlila grounds are diverted for the evening.

If you are visiting

Dussehra crowds in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mysuru and Kolkata are heavy. Reach early, carry water, keep valuables safe, and follow local administration notices. If you are planning a Divine Experiences visit with us, see dharmikvibes.com, and for a calmer routine around the festival see wellness.dharmikvibes.com.

Quick answers

What date is Dussehra in 2026? Tuesday 20 October. What is the Vijay Muhurat? 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM in New Delhi. When is Ayudha Puja? 19 October, on Maha Navami. Is Dussehra different in Bengal? Yes, Vijayadashami is observed on 21 October there.

More

• More from DharmikVibes
• Read full article