When is Dussehra?
Dussehra in 2026 falls on October 20, 2026, Tuesday. It is observed in the afternoon on the Dashami tithi of the Shukla paksha of Ashwin month.
Dussehra: date and time
| Year | Date | Tithi (Shukla Dashami) | Puja time (New Delhi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 20, 2026, Tuesday | 12:51 pm, October 20 to 2:13 pm, October 21 | Aparahna (afternoon): 1:13 pm to 3:29 pm |
| 2027 | October 9, 2027, Saturday | 9:03 am, October 9 to 11:41 am, October 10 | Aparahna (afternoon): 1:18 pm to 3:38 pm |
Ravan Dahan, the victory of good over evil. Its puja is done in the afternoon (aparahna).
Significance of Dussehra
Where it is celebrated: all over India; the Dussehra of Kullu, Mysore and Kota is famous, and in Bengal Durga visarjan is on this day
On Ashwin Shukla Dashami Lord Shri Ram defeated Ravan and Maa Durga slew Mahishasura, so it is called Vijayadashami. It is the festival of the victory of good over evil.
On Dussehra evening, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran are burnt. During the day, in the Vijay muhurat, shastra puja, Shami puja and Aparajita puja are done; it is considered an abujh (self-auspicious) muhurat for starting new work.
Dussehra puja vidhi
- After the morning bath, worship Lord Ram and Maa Durga.
- In the Vijay muhurat, worship weapons, tools, vehicles and books.
- Worship the Shami tree and give its leaves ('gold') to elders to take their blessings.
- Worship Aparajita Devi.
- In the evening, watch the Ravan Dahan and chant Ram-naam.
Listen and sing along
4:23Shri Ram Chalisa
OmKiran Bhakti
19:46Most-heard Ram bhajans — jukebox
OmKiran Bhakti
More festivals
- Sharad PurnimaSunday · Puja: at night, after moonrise
- Karwa ChauthThursday · Puja: at night, after moonrise
- Ahoi AshtamiSunday · Puja: in the evening
- DhanterasFriday · Puja: in the evening
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)Sunday · Puja: in the evening
- Narak Chaturdashi (Roop Chaudas, Chhoti Diwali)Sunday · all day — from morning
Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra in 2026 falls on October 20, 2026, Tuesday. It is observed in the afternoon on the Dashami tithi of the Shukla paksha of Ashwin month.
On which tithi is Dussehra celebrated?
Ashwin month, Shukla paksha, Dashami. Its puja is done in the afternoon (aparahna).
What is the significance of Dussehra?
Ravan Dahan, the victory of good over evil.
Is Dussehra on October 20 or on 21?
In 2026, Dussehra is on October 20, Tuesday — the Dashami tithi prevails in the aparahna (afternoon) that day. The full tithi timing is given in the table above.
Why are Shami leaves shared on Dussehra?
It is believed the Pandavs hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their year in hiding; Shami leaves are given as a symbol of gold, with good wishes.
At what time will Ravan Dahan be?
Ravan Dahan is done after sunset, in pradosh kaal. See the Vijay muhurat and Ravan Dahan time for your city on the 'Dussehra muhurat' page.
Dussehra 2026 date?
Dussehra 2026: Tuesday, October 20, 2026.