Vijayadashami / Dussehra 2026: Date, Vijay Muhurat & Puja Vidhi
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October, marking the grand finale of Shardiya Navratri. It celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Want a pandit to guide your Vijayadashami puja or Ayudha Puja? Book a Pandit on Prayfullit now.
This guide covers the exact date, Vijay Muhurat, Aparahna Puja timing, significance, and step-by-step puja vidhi.
Vijayadashami 2026: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Vijayadashami / Dussehra / Dasara |
| Date | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Ashwin Shukla Dashami |
| Vijay Muhurat (Delhi) | ~2:00 PM – 2:43 PM |
| Aparahna Puja Time (Delhi) | ~1:14 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Dashami Tithi Begins | ~12:50 PM, 20 October 2026 |
| Dashami Tithi Ends | ~2:11 PM, 21 October 2026 |
| Follows | Maha Navami (19 October 2026) |
| Marks the start of | Diwali festive season |
Muhurat timings above are for Delhi and vary slightly by city — Kolkata's window opens earliest, Mumbai's latest. Confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for your target city on Drik Panchang before publishing.
What Is Vijayadashami / Dussehra?
Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the Ashwin month and marks the conclusion of the nine-night Shardiya Navratri. The name itself means "victorious tenth day" — celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
The festival is also called Dasara or Dashahara in different regions, and as Dashain in Nepal.
Why Vijayadashami Is Significant
The Legend of Lord Rama: After a fierce battle to rescue Sita, Lord Rama killed the ten-headed demon king Ravana on this day. This victory is re-enacted every year through Ramlila performances and celebrated by burning giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna (Ravana Dahan).
The Legend of Goddess Durga: After a ten-day battle spanning Navratri, Goddess Durga slayed the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day, restoring peace to the universe. In Bengal and Eastern India, this is marked by Durga idol immersion (Visarjan) and Sindoor Khela.
Vijayadashami Puja Vidhi
- Ayudha Puja (Worship of Tools): Clean and worship your tools of trade, vehicles, books or instruments — recognising the means by which you earn your livelihood.
- Shami Puja: Offer prayers to the Shami tree, traditionally linked to Lord Rama's worship of weapons before setting out for battle.
- Aparajita Puja: Worship Goddess Aparajita, the "unconquerable" form of Durga, seeking her blessings for continued victory and protection.
- Seema Avalanghan (crossing the boundary): A symbolic ritual of stepping beyond one's home boundary, traditionally marking the start of new ventures or journeys.
- Idol Visarjan: In regions observing Durga Puja, the Durga idol is immersed in a river or water body, concluding the festival.
- Ravana Dahan: In North India, effigies of Ravana are burnt in the evening as part of large public Ramlila events.
Perform the Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Seema Avalanghan during the Aparahna period, considered the most auspicious window of the day.
Vijay Muhurat: The Most Auspicious Time
The Vijay Muhurat is a short, highly auspicious window on Vijayadashami, traditionally believed to be the exact time Lord Rama began his victorious march against Ravana. It is considered ideal for starting new ventures, signing agreements, or beginning important work.
For Delhi in 2026, the Vijay Muhurat falls around 2:00 PM to 2:43 PM — check the precise window for your own city, since it shifts with local sunset.
How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated Across India
- North India: Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan, with massive public gatherings
- West Bengal, Assam, Odisha: Durga idol Visarjan, Sindoor Khela, and the emotional farewell to the Goddess after Durga Puja
- Karnataka (Mysuru Dasara): Grand royal processions, especially the historic Mysuru Palace celebrations
- Himachal Pradesh (Kullu Dussehra): A week-long celebration beginning on Vijayadashami itself, unlike the rest of India
- Gujarat: Marks the end of Garba and Dandiya nights that ran through Navratri
Book a Pandit for Vijayadashami 2026 with Prayfullit
Whether you need Ayudha Puja, Shami Puja or Aparajita Puja performed correctly and on time, Prayfullit connects you with experienced, verified pandits.
- Book Vijayadashami and Ayudha Puja services
- Get the correct Vijay Muhurat for your city
- Arrange Shami Puja and Aparajita Puja support
Book Your Pandit for Vijayadashami or Talk to Our Team to plan your Dussehra rituals.
Conclusion
Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026 brings Shardiya Navratri to its triumphant close. Whether you're performing Ayudha Puja at home or watching Ravana Dahan in the evening, Book Your Pandit on Prayfullit to get every ritual right, from Shami Puja to the Vijay Muhurat.
