Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is one of the most powerful days in the Hindu calendar, celebrated as the victory of dharma over adharma. For those planning their vrat, puja and family celebrations, it is important to know the exact date and shubh muhurat.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Dussehra is observed every year on the Dashami tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. In 2026, this falls in the second half of October.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) Date in 2026: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
On this very tithi, Bhagwan Shri Ram attained victory over the demon king Ravan, marking the culmination of the events described in Valmiki Ramayana and lovingly retold in Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas.
Dashami Tithi Duration in 2026
For those who follow the calendar closely, the span of Dashami tithi is as follows:
- Dashami tithi begins: 20 October 2026, around 12:50 PM
- Dashami tithi ends: 21 October 2026, around 02:11 PM
Depending on local tradition and the rules followed (sunrise-based observance, etc.), Dussehra is kept on 20 October 2026, as Dashami is present and strong on that day.
Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026
Many devotees choose a special window of time on Dussehra for shastra puja, vehicle puja, or beginning new ventures, known as the Vijay Muhurat.
Vijay Muhurat on 20 October 2026: approximately from 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM
This period is considered especially auspicious for invoking victory, courage and divine protection.
Note: Timings mentioned are approximate and based on the authoritative Panchang data used in the Hindi source. For local adjustments, always confirm with your family priest or regional Panchang.
Why is Dussehra Celebrated?
Dussehra literally comes from two Sanskrit words: “dasha” (ten) and “hara” (to destroy or remove). It symbolises the destruction of ten kinds of inner and outer evils. Two great events from our scriptures are especially remembered on this day:
1. Shri Ram’s Victory over Ravan
The most widely known reason to celebrate Dussehra is the victory of Bhagwan Shri Ram over Ravan, as narrated in Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas. During the 14 years of exile, Ravan abducted Mata Sita and took her to Lanka. With the help of Hanuman ji and the vanar sena, Shri Ram waged a dharmic war against Ravan.
The war lasted several days. On the tenth day—Ashwin Shukla Dashami—Shri Ram finally destroyed Ravan and freed Mata Sita. This victory is not only historical or mythological; it is a spiritual symbol that whenever we stand firmly on dharma, divine help comes and adharma must fall.
Across India and many parts of the world, this day is marked by the burning of effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhkaran and his son Meghnad. The burning effigies remind us that no matter how powerful evil appears, its end is certain when faced with truth, humility and devotion.
Inner meaning: Ravan’s ten heads can be understood as ten negative tendencies—anger, greed, attachment, arrogance, jealousy, lust, hatred, laziness, delusion and ego. Dussehra invites us to identify and burn these within ourselves through prayer, self-discipline and satsang.
Read Also: Why is Hanuman Ji Immortal and What is His Role in Kaliyuga?
2. Maa Durga’s Victory over Mahishasur
Another sacred tradition links Dussehra with the victory of Maa Durga over the buffalo-demon Mahishasur, a story elaborated in the Devi Mahatmya (also known as Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) which is a part of the Markandeya Purana.
Mahishasur and his armies had terrorised the devas and disturbed the cosmic order. The gods prayed for help, and from their combined radiance emerged Maa Durga in her fierce Chandi form. She fought Mahishasur for nine continuous days and nights. On the tenth day—Vijayadashami—she finally slew him and restored balance to the universe.
Because of this, the immersion of Durga idols (Durga Visarjan) is often done on Dussehra, signifying that the shakti we invoked during Navratri now returns to the subtle realms after blessing our homes and hearts.
Inner meaning: Mahishasur represents the tamasic, animalistic tendencies in us—stubbornness, cruelty and uncontrolled desires. Maa Durga symbolises divine shakti, the power of pure awareness that can transform and conquer these lower impulses when invoked with faith.
Read Also: Durga 108 Names: Meaning, Benefits and the Right Way to Chant
How is Dussehra Connected with Navratri?
Dussehra does not stand alone; it is the natural culmination of the nine sacred days of Sharad Navratri. According to the devotional tradition preserved in Ramcharitmanas, Shri Ram himself began the practice of worshipping the nine forms of Maa Durga during Ashwin month on the seashore, before the war with Ravan.
Desiring victory in the war of dharma, Shri Ram engaged in deep upasana of Shakti for nine days—performing especially the Chandi puja. Pleased with his devotion and tapasya, Maa Bhagavati granted him the blessing of victory on the ninth day. On the tenth day, empowered by this grace, Shri Ram marched into battle and killed Ravan.
From this divine example, the tradition arose: nine days of Navratri for worshipping Maa Durga in her nine forms, followed by the tenth day as Vijayadashami—celebrated as the visible victory of truth and righteousness.
The Nine Forms of Maa Durga Worshipped in Navratri
During Navratri, devotees worship Maa Durga in nine forms, each representing a unique spiritual quality. These same forms are spiritually connected with the victory celebrated on Dussehra:
- Shailputri – Daughter of the mountain king Himalaya; the first form of the Mother, also linked to her birth as Sati.
- Brahmacharini – The form of the Mother who, through intense tapasya, attained Bhagwan Shiva as her consort.
- Chandraghanta – The Goddess who bears a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolising serenity and courage.
- Kushmanda – The form of the Devi who created the universe with her subtle smile; the entire cosmos resides in her womb.
- Skandamata – The Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), representing protective, nurturing motherhood.
- Katyayani – Born as the daughter of Rishi Katyayan after his intense penance, she is the fierce destroyer of adharma.
- Kalaratri – The terrible form of Maa Parvati who destroys even Time (Kala) itself, removing deep-seated fear and ignorance.
- Mahagauri – The extremely fair and radiant form of the Mother, symbolising purity and inner peace.
- Siddhidatri – The bestower of all siddhis (spiritual perfections) to those who surrender completely at her feet.
When we worship these nine forms during Navratri, we are essentially preparing our inner battlefield. By the time Dussehra arrives, the seeker is ready to let go of deep-rooted negativity and step into a new level of clarity and strength.
Read Also: Krishna Janmashtami 2026: Exact Date, Puja Time, Story and Spiritual Meaning
Ravan’s Final Teachings to Lakshman: Wisdom on Dussehra
Interestingly, our tradition does not present Ravan as a simple villain. In the Ramayana tradition he is also recognised as a great scholar of the Vedas, an expert in statecraft and a master of many arts. After Ravan was mortally wounded by Shri Ram, a beautiful incident is described.
Shri Ram told Lakshman that Ravan was a great knower of policy and power, and that even in his final moments, valuable knowledge could be learnt from him. Obeying Ram’s instruction, Lakshman went and sat humbly near Ravan’s feet. There, the dying but still brilliant Ravan gave him three profound teachings for a successful life:
- Do auspicious actions immediately. Never delay good deeds, because life is uncertain and we do not know when it will end. On the other hand, delay inauspicious actions as much as possible; the more they are postponed, the better for one’s life.
- Never underestimate an enemy or a disease. Even a small illness can become fatal if ignored, and a seemingly weak enemy can turn dangerous. Alertness and timely action are essential.
- Guard the secrets of your life. Personal and strategic secrets should be kept as hidden as possible, even from those who are very dear. Ravan’s own downfall came because the secret of the nectar in his navel became known to Vibhishan and then to his enemies.
The spiritual conclusion drawn from this episode is powerful: although Ravan was an enemy of Shri Ram, Shri Ram still sent Lakshman to learn from him. A wise person’s virtues and wisdom are worth learning from, even if that person stands opposed to us in other ways.
Recommended Ram Stuti and Chaupai to Read on Dussehra
For devotees who wish to deepen their connection with Shri Ram on Dussehra and during Navratri, certain stuti and chaupai from Ramcharitmanas and other devotional compositions are especially cherished. The Hindi source recommends the following:
- Shri Ram Stuti from Lanka Kand (Ramcharitmanas)
The tradition refers to the stuti beginning with the line:
"जय राम सदा सुखदाम रहे"
Meaning in essence: “Victory to Shri Ram, who always remains the giver of happiness.” Chanting this stuti invokes the protective and bliss-giving grace of Shri Ram. - Mangalacharan of Sundar Kand
The auspicious invocation verses at the beginning of Sundar Kand, praising Shri Ram, Sita and Hanuman, purify the mind and create a sacred atmosphere before reading. - Sundar Kand, Chaupai 4
प्रबिसि नगर कीजे सब काजा
This famous line describes how, with Ram’s name in the heart, Hanuman enters Lanka and successfully accomplishes all tasks. The deeper meaning is that when we invoke the Lord before starting any work, obstacles are removed and success comes naturally.
- Sundar Kand, Chaupai 26
कहेहु तात अस मोर प्रनामा। सब प्रकार प्रभु पूरन कामा।।
दीन दयाल बिरदु संभारी। हरहु नाथ मम संकट भारी।।In this chaupai, the devotee bows and says: “O Father, this is my humble salutation. In every way, the Lord fulfils all tasks. O compassionate one to the meek, remembering your own nature, remove my heavy distress, O Lord.” It is a heartfelt prayer for divine intervention in times of difficulty.
- Aranyakand – Shri Ram Stuti
The stuti beginning with the line:
"नमामि भक्त वत्सलं"
praises Shri Ram as the one who is especially affectionate to his devotees. Reciting it fills the heart with surrender and trust. - "श्रीरामचन्द्र कृपालु भज मन"
श्रीरामचन्द्र कृपालु भज मन हरण भव भय दारुणं
Meaning: “O mind, worship Shri Ramchandra, the compassionate one, who removes the terrible fear of worldly existence.” This beloved stuti by Goswami Tulsidas is often sung in temples and homes, and is very suitable for Dussehra and all Ram-related festivals.
Living the Spirit of Dussehra in Daily Life
Beyond the fireworks, fairs and effigies, Dussehra invites us to make an inner resolve:
1. Destroy inner Ravan: Honestly notice which negative tendencies dominate your mind—anger, greed, jealousy, pride—and choose one or two to consciously work on during this season.
2. Invoke Durga’s shakti: Just as Shri Ram worshipped Maa Durga for nine days, we too can strengthen our sadhana during Navratri—through extra japa, fasting, charity and reading from Ramcharitmanas or Devi Mahatmya.
3. Learn even from opponents: Remember the example of Shri Ram sending Lakshman to learn from Ravan. Respect wisdom wherever it appears, without ego.
4. Begin something noble: Use the Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra to start a new discipline—daily prayer, Gita study, seva in your community, or any dharmic project.
In this way, Dussehra 2026 can become not only a date on the calendar—20 October 2026—but a turning point in your spiritual journey, marking your own victory of light over darkness, courage over fear, and devotion over ego.