Festival calendar
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026: date and how it is observed
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Date
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Tithi
Ashwin Shukla Dashami, in the afternoon
About Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Effigies of Ravana are burnt in the evening, and Shami and weapons are worshipped.
How Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is observed
- Worship in the Aparahna (afternoon) time of Dashami from your local panchang.
- Worship the Shami tree and your tools or weapons (Shastra Puja).
- Watch or hold the Ravan Dahan in the evening.
Stotras to read
- Ram Raksha StotraBudha Kaushika's thirty-eight-verse protective hymn to Lord Rama, revealed by Shiva in a dream. A powerful kavacha (armour) stotra for divine protection, fearlessness, and spiritual merit.
- Hanuman ChalisaThe Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn composed by the legendary poet Tulsidas in praise of Lord Hanuman. Recited by millions daily, it is believed to remove obstacles, bestow strength, and protect from negative planetary influences.
- Mahishasura Mardini StotramAdi Shankaracharya's twenty-one-verse hymn to Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini (Aigiri Nandini). Recited during Navratri for Rahu relief, protection from negative forces, and divine courage.
More festivals in 2026
- Lohri
- Makar Sankranti
- Vasant Panchami
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Guru Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Sharad Navratri
- Sharad Purnima
- Karwa Chauth
- Dhanteras
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhai Dooj
- Chhath Puja
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Kartik Purnima
- Diwali (Deepavali)
Dates are for New Delhi, calculated and checked against published panchangs. When a tithi spans two days or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat in your city, check the local panchang.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The dates are for New Delhi.
Which tithi is Dussehra celebrated on?
Dussehra is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, in the afternoon. This follows the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Effigies of Ravana are burnt in the evening, and Shami and weapons are worshipped.
Can the date of Dussehra differ in my city?
Yes. When a tithi spans two days, or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat of the puja, check the panchang for your city.
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