Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The Vijay Muhurat is 1:59 to 2:45 PM, and Ravan Dahan takes place after sunset, around 5:46 PM (New Delhi).
What's different this year
Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM on 20 October and lasts until 2:11 PM on 21 October. The afternoon Vijay Muhurat on 20 October falls within Dashami, so North India keeps Dussehra on the 20th. In Bengal, Vijaya Dashami, Sindoor Khela and the immersion of the images are on 21 October. Shravana nakshatra, considered auspicious for Vijayadashami, also prevails on 20 October until 6:02 PM.
- Dashami tithi
- 12:50 PM, 20 October to 2:11 PM, 21 October
- Vijay Muhurat
- 20 October, 1:59 to 2:45 PM
- Ravan Dahan
- 20 October, after sunset (about 5:46 PM)
- Bengal Vijaya Dashami
- 21 October, aparahna puja 1:14 to 3:30 PM
What to do on Dussehra
- Once Navami ends at 12:50 PM, break the Navratri fast in Dashami and take down the kalash.
- Worship the Shami tree and Goddess Aparajita in the Vijay Muhurat.
- Perform Shastra Puja for your tools, vehicles and books.
- In the evening, watch the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna burn at the Ramlila.
A day of victory
Vijayadashami marks two victories: Rama's over Ravana and Durga's over Mahishasura. Rama is believed to have worshipped the Shami tree before setting out for Lanka, and the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their year in disguise. That is why in many regions Shami leaves are exchanged as 'gold' on this day.
Shami and Aparajita Puja
Aparajita Puja is done in the afternoon, around the Vijay Muhurat, in the north-east corner of the home: an eight-petalled lotus is drawn on the floor, Goddess Aparajita is invoked in it and a prayer for victory is offered. Then the Shami tree is worshipped and circled, and its leaves are brought home. This verse is recited as the leaves are given:
Shami shamayate papam shami shatru vinashiniArjunasya dhanurdhari Ramasya priyadarshini
शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी। अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥
It means: the Shami quiets sin and destroys enemies; it held Arjuna's bow and is dear to Rama. Sighting the Indian roller, the neelkanth bird, on Dussehra is also believed to be auspicious.
Dussehra across India
In North India, ten days of Ramlila end with the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. Maharashtra keeps the custom of Simollanghan, crossing the village boundary, and exchanges apta leaves as 'gold'. Mysuru's Dasara ends with the Jamboo Savari, when the image of Chamundeshwari is carried on an elephant. In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra begins on this day and runs for a week, and in Bengal it is Vijaya Dashami, which falls on 21 October this year.
Your questions
What time is Ravan Dahan?
After sunset, around 5:46 PM in New Delhi. Each Ramlila committee sets its own time, so check your local committee's announcement.
When should Shastra Puja be done?
The Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra, 1:59 to 2:45 PM, is considered the most auspicious time for Shastra Puja and for starting anything new.
Is Dussehra also on 21 October?
Not in North India, because the afternoon Vijay Muhurat falls within Dashami on 20 October. In Bengal and parts of eastern India, Vijaya Dashami and the immersion are on 21 October.
Dates and times checked against Drik Panchang and our own panchang, for New Delhi.
