Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026: Date, Significance, Traditions and Source Details
Find Dussehra date, significance, traditions and source details in one place.
Live Data via DivineAPI Β· 2026Dussehra 2026
About Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of the Ashwin month. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated across India through Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana effigies.
Meaning and Stories of Dussehra
Dussehra falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. In the Vaishnava tradition, the day commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana β a battle that forms the central narrative of the Ramayana. In the Shakta tradition, it is the concluding day of Navratri, marking Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Across northern India, Dussehra is associated with Ramlila β dramatic performances of the Ramayana story β culminating in the burning of large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad (Ravan Dahan) on the evening of Dashami. In Karnataka, the Mysuru Dasara is a celebrated state-level festival with a grand procession.
In some communities, Dussehra is also the occasion for Ayudha Puja β the worship of tools, instruments and vehicles, performed as a mark of gratitude. Vijay Muhurat, an auspicious time window on this day, is considered ideal for beginning important new ventures.
β¦Note on Traditions
Regional celebrations of Dussehra vary widely across India β from Ramlila and Ravan Dahan in North India to Mysuru Dasara in the South. Local traditions may differ from the general account above.
Traditions and Observance
Ramlila and Ravan Dahan
In many parts of India, Ramlila β dramatisations of the Ramayana β are performed in the days leading up to Dussehra, concluding with the burning of Ravana effigies (Ravan Dahan) on Dashami evening.
Vijay Muhurat
Vijay Muhurat is an auspicious time window on Dussehra considered ideal for starting new work, signing important documents, or purchasing gold. The timing is calculated from the panchang and varies by year β see the timing card above.
Ayudha Puja
In some traditions, particularly in South India, Ayudha Puja involves worshipping tools, instruments and vehicles as a mark of gratitude and auspiciousness. The specific customs vary by region and profession.
βΉοΈ Traditions and customs vary significantly across regions. Vijay Muhurat timing is panchang-based and will be shown once source integration is confirmed.
Puja Samagri
Puja Items
- β’Idol or image of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama
- β’Flowers and garlands
- β’Incense and diya
- β’Akshat (rice)
- β’Sweets and fruits
- β’Shami leaves (for Shami puja in some traditions)
Note
- β’Traditions and samagri vary significantly by region.
βΉοΈ Samagri requirements vary significantly by region and tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details and Verification
Date Source
Hindu Panchang Β· 2026
Editorial Review Status
2026
Last Verified On
Not yet verified
Region Basis
Pan India β panchang-based date and Vijay Muhurat to be connected before publication
