Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, right after Navratri. It is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year, a day when any new venture is believed to bring success. Here is a guide to the date, the muhurat principles and the puja vidhi.
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (India).
Dashami tithi (IST, Hyderabad reference): from about 12:50 PM on 20 October to about 2:11 PM on 21 October. Durga Ashtami fell on Monday, 19 October. The exact muhurat depends on your city, so please check a local panchang. Dussehra returns every year on Ashwin Shukla Dashami.
Understanding the Muhurat
For Dussehra, the main puja is traditionally performed in the Aparahna, the afternoon portion of the day, while Dashami is in effect. Within it, the Vijay Muhurat is a short auspicious window considered especially suitable for starting new work, performing Shastra Puja and worshipping Aparajita Devi. Shravana nakshatra, when it coincides, is regarded as an added blessing. Ravana Dahan is traditionally held after sunset, in the Pradosh period.
What Is Done on Dussehra
- Aparajita Puja: worship of the invincible form of the Goddess.
- Shami Puja: worship of the Shami tree, linked to the Pandavas' hidden weapons and to blessings for victory.
- Shastra Puja or Ayudha Puja: worship of tools, books, weapons and vehicles.
- Ravana Dahan: burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad after Ramlila performances.
- Sona exchange: in Maharashtra and neighbouring regions, people exchange Apta leaves as "gold" with wishes of prosperity.
Simple Puja Vidhi at Home
- Clean the house, and in the afternoon set a clean place for the puja, facing east or north.
- Make a small square of cow dung or clean earth, or use a picture of Goddess Durga or Aparajita.
- Place your books, tools, instruments and vehicle keys before the altar.
- Light a lamp, offer roli, akshat, flowers, sweets and fruit, and take a sankalp.
- Chant "Om Aparajitayai Namah" or the Durga mantra of your family tradition.
- Worship the Shami or Apta leaves, offer them to the deities and exchange them with elders and friends.
- Do aarti, and share prasad.
Why Dussehra Is Considered a Day of New Beginnings
Tradition holds that Dussehra is one of the three-and-a-half most auspicious days of the year (sade teen muhurat) when no separate muhurat needs to be found, and so many people start education, buy vehicles, sign agreements or begin businesses on this day. Please plan major financial or legal decisions on their own merits and not only on the date.
Learn why the festival is celebrated in Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?, and read about the nine nights that precede it in Navratri Day 9: Mata Siddhidatri.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dussehra and Vijayadashami?
They are two names for the same day, Ashwin Shukla Dashami. Vijayadashami means 'the tenth day of victory'.
When should Ravana Dahan be performed?
Traditionally after sunset in the Pradosh period, following Ramlila. Local committees decide the exact time.
Is Dussehra good for starting new work?
Tradition regards it as highly auspicious for new beginnings. As always, practical readiness matters more than the date.
Read Next
Resources and references. HinduTone: October 2026 Hindu festivals calendar | Drik Panchang (verify city timings) | Traditional sources: Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), Markandeya Purana
Disclaimer. This article is shared for general knowledge and cultural interest. It draws on traditional beliefs, scriptural tradition and published panchang sources, and is not scientific, medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Astrology, Vastu, omens and religious observances are belief-based and offer no guarantee of any outcome. Dates, tithi and muhurat timings differ by city and by panchang, and the figures given here may change or contain errors, so please confirm them with your local panchang or family priest before you act. Fasting and dietary practices must suit your health; consult a doctor first if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Sansthaan and its writers accept no responsibility or liability for any decision, loss or consequence arising from the use of this content.
Sansthaan Team
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