Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be observed across most of India on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana as well as Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
For readers planning the festival, one important point is that Bengal Vijayadashami is observed on October 21. The difference comes from regional festival rules and the way the Dashami tithi is applied. Therefore, this guide focuses on the general Indian Dussehra date while clearly separating the Bengal calendar.
Dussehra 2026 Date and Day
| Details | 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Dussehra / Vijayadashami | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
| Dashami Tithi begins | October 20, 2026, around 12:50 PM |
| Dashami Tithi ends | October 21, 2026, around 2:11 PM |
| General Vijay Muhurat | Afternoon; exact time varies by city |
| Bengal Vijayadashami | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
When Is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 is on Tuesday, October 20. Drik Panchang’s location-specific calendars across India list Vijayadashami on October 20, while also showing Bengal Vijayadashami on October 21. The exact Vijay Muhurat changes with the location because sunrise and sunset timings differ between cities.
What Is Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami is the tenth-day festival associated with the triumph of righteousness over evil. In the Ramayana tradition, the day commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. In the Durga tradition, it represents Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. The name Vijayadashami combines the idea of victory with Dashami, the tenth lunar day.
Dussehra 2026 Vijay Muhurat
The traditional Vijay Muhurat is observed during the afternoon Aparahna period. It is not identical across India because the calculation depends on the local Panchang. For example, a 2026 Panchang calculation gives a Vijay Muhurat of approximately 2:04 PM to 2:52 PM in Punjai Puliyampatti, Tamil Nadu, while other cities have different windows.
For this reason, readers should not copy a single city’s muhurat for another location. If you are performing Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja or another Vijayadashami ritual, use the Panchang for your own city.
Dussehra 2026: Important Rituals
Ravana Dahan
In many North and Central Indian cities, large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are displayed and ceremonially burned around Dussehra. The exact event time depends on the local Ramleela committee and administration.
Shami Puja
Shami Puja is traditionally associated with Vijayadashami and is performed during the appropriate afternoon period in communities that follow this practice.
Aparajita Puja
Aparajita Puja is another traditional Vijayadashami observance. Local customs and the exact timing can differ.
Seema Avalanghan
Some communities observe Seema Avalanghan, a traditional symbolic crossing of boundaries associated with victory and auspicious beginnings.
Dussehra 2026 Across India
| Region / city | How Dussehra is commonly observed |
|---|---|
| Delhi and North India | Ramleela, Ravana Dahan and Vijayadashami celebrations |
| Uttar Pradesh | Ramleela traditions, processions and Ravana effigy burning |
| Maharashtra | Vijayadashami, Shami/Apta traditions and cultural celebrations |
| Karnataka | Dasara festivities, especially prominent in Mysuru |
| Tamil Nadu | Vijayadashami and Ayudha Puja-related festive traditions |
| West Bengal | Durga Puja conclusion and Bengal Vijayadashami, with Visarjan on the regional calendar |
| Kerala | Vijayadashami is strongly associated with Vidyarambham in many communities |
Dussehra 2026 vs Bengal Vijayadashami: Why Are There Two Dates?
This is one of the most important points for anyone searching online. The general Vijayadashami date is October 20, 2026, but Bengal Vijayadashami is listed as October 21, 2026 in location-specific Panchang calculations.
The Dashami tithi begins around 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends around 2:11 PM on October 21. Different regional rules determine which civil day is treated as the principal festival day. Bengal’s Durga Puja calendar follows its own observance framework.
For the complete Bengal sequence, see our Durga Puja 2026 dates and calendar guide.
Dussehra 2026: Navratri Connection
Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, and the wider nine-night festival leads into Vijayadashami. The exact relationship between Navratri’s final tithi and regional Dussehra observance varies by calendar tradition. Readers can also see our Navratri 2026 colours guide for the day-wise sequence and our Navratri 2026 fasting food guide for the wider festive period.
Is Dussehra a Public Holiday in 2026?
Dussehra is a major Indian festival and is a holiday in many states and institutions, but the exact holiday status can depend on the state government, central-government holiday calendar, bank holiday schedule and individual employer. Anyone planning official work, banking or travel should check the applicable 2026 holiday list for their state and organisation.
Dussehra 2026 Planning Checklist
- Confirm the festival date for your city or regional tradition.
- Check the local Vijay Muhurat rather than using a national time.
- Check Ramleela or Ravana Dahan timings if attending a public event.
- Expect traffic restrictions around major grounds and procession routes.
- For home rituals, follow the local Panchang or family tradition.
- If travelling, book transport and accommodation early around major celebrations.
- For Bengal Durga Puja immersion, follow the local Puja committee and administration rather than the general Dussehra date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra or general Vijayadashami is on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
When is Vijayadashami 2026?
General Vijayadashami is observed on October 20, 2026. Bengal Vijayadashami is observed on October 21 under the regional calendar.
When does Dussehra 2026 start?
The Dashami tithi begins around 12:50 PM on October 20, 2026 and ends around 2:11 PM on October 21. Exact local timings should be checked against the city-specific Panchang.
When is Ravana Dahan 2026?
Ravana Dahan is generally held on Dussehra, October 20, but the public burning time varies by city, Ramleela committee and local administration.
Is Dussehra on October 20 or October 21?
The general Indian Vijayadashami/Dussehra date is October 20. Bengal Vijayadashami is October 21 because of the regional observance rule applied to the Dashami tithi.
When is Vijayadashami Muhurat in 2026?
The Vijay Muhurat falls in the afternoon and varies by location. For example, one Tamil Nadu Panchang calculation gives approximately 2:04 PM–2:52 PM for Punjai Puliyampatti. Check your own city’s Panchang for an exact ritual time.
Final Dussehra 2026 Date
Dussehra 2026 is Tuesday, October 20. The festival celebrates victory over evil and is observed through regional traditions including Ravana Dahan, Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Dasara celebrations. For Bengal, use the separate regional Vijayadashami date of October 21.
Festival dates and muhurat timings can vary by location and tradition. Confirm exact ritual timings with a local Panchang, temple or organising committee.
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