Dussehra 2026 Date, Vijay Muhurat and Aparahna Puja
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 was observed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Vijay muhurat (New Delhi): 1:59 PM – 2:45 PM IST.
Dussehra 2026 date and Dashami tithi
Dussehra 2026: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (observed)
Vijayadashami falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, and the deciding rule is that Dashami should prevail in the Aparahna (afternoon). In 2026 Dashami tithi began at 12:50 PM on 20 October and ended at 2:11 PM on 21 October (New Delhi). Dashami covered the full Aparahna on the 20th, together with Shravana nakshatra (3:38 PM on 19 October to 6:02 PM on 20 October), so Dussehra was on Tuesday, 20 October. Bengal’s Bijoya Dashami and Durga visarjan followed the sunrise tithi on Wednesday, 21 October.
| Window (New Delhi, 20 Oct) | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Vijay muhurat | 1:59 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Aparahna puja time | 1:14 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Dashami tithi | 12:50 PM (20 Oct) – 2:11 PM (21 Oct) |
| Shravana nakshatra | 3:38 PM (19 Oct) – 6:02 PM (20 Oct) |
Significance
Dussehra marks Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana and, in Shakta tradition, Durga’s victory over Mahishasura after nine nights of battle. It is considered a fully auspicious day to begin new ventures, learning or journeys. The Pandavas are said to have retrieved their weapons from a shami tree at the end of their exile on this day, which is the origin of the Shami Puja custom.
Rituals and traditions
- Aparajita Puja and Shami Puja in the afternoon; shami leaves are exchanged as “gold” in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Ram Lila performances end with the burning of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna effigies after sunset.
- Shastra (weapon) puja and Ayudha Puja on tools and vehicles; Vidyarambham for children in Kerala.
- Mysuru Dasara’s Jamboo Savari procession; the Kullu Dussehra fair begins on this day in Himachal Pradesh.
- Durga idols are immersed and Navratri fasts end.
Panchang for the day
Panchang for 20 October 2026 (New Delhi).
Dussehra 2027
Dussehra 2027 is listed on Saturday, 9 October 2027.
Related
All times are IST for New Delhi unless stated otherwise. Muhurat changes with your city’s sunrise, sunset and moonrise: check today’s Panchang for your location. Outside India the date can differ; use your local panchang. Sources: Drik Panchang (New Delhi), cross-checked with Free Panchang’s own calculation (Lahiri ayanamsa); AstroSage 2026 festival calendar.
Frequently asked questions
- Dussehra 2026 kab tha?
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 was on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
- What was the Vijay muhurat on Dussehra 2026?
- In New Delhi the Vijay muhurat was 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM IST, within the Aparahna puja time of 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM.
- Was Vijayadashami on 21 October 2026 anywhere?
- Yes. In Bengal, Bijoya Dashami and Durga visarjan were on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, following the sunrise tithi.