Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20, also known as Vijayadashami, marking Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and the conclusion of Navratri with Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. Dussehra is celebrated with Ramlila performances, the burning of Ravana’s effigy, and Ayudha Puja.
Dussehra 2026 Date and Tithi
Dussehra 2026 falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, Tuesday, 20 October 2026 — the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, immediately following the nine nights of Navratri.
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin and marks two connected victories central to Hindu tradition. According to the Ramayana, it was on this day that Lord Rama, with the help of Hanuman and the Vanara army, defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana after a prolonged battle, rescuing his wife Sita and restoring dharma. The same day also marks the conclusion of Navratri, when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura after nine days and nights of battle, giving the day its name Vijayadashami, meaning “the victorious tenth day”.
Across North India, the festival is celebrated with Ramlila performances re-enacting scenes from the Ramayana in the days leading up to Dussehra, culminating in the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad. In Mysuru, Dussehra is celebrated as a grand royal procession (Mysuru Dasara) with a decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, a week-long Kullu Dussehra brings together local deities in a large community gathering. In parts of South India, the day is also considered auspicious for Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham, the ceremonial beginning of a child’s education.
Dussehra Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
- Shami Puja – The Shami tree is worshipped, recalling the legend of the Pandavas retrieving their hidden weapons from it before going to battle; its leaves are exchanged as a symbol of victory and goodwill.
- Ayudha Puja – Tools, vehicles, books and instruments of one’s trade are cleaned, decorated and worshipped, acknowledging them as means of livelihood and creativity.
- Vidyarambham – Young children are ceremonially introduced to writing and learning, often by tracing their first letters in a tray of rice under the guidance of an elder or teacher.
- Ravan Dahan – In the evening, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, filled with firecrackers, are set ablaze at public grounds, usually following a Ramlila performance.
- Durga Visarjan – In regions observing Durga Puja, the Goddess’s idol is taken through the streets in a procession, accompanied by music and dance, before being immersed in a river or the sea.
- Exchange of greetings – Families and friends exchange Vijayadashami greetings, distribute sweets, and seek blessings from elders, seen as an auspicious day to begin new ventures.
Regional Celebrations of Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated across India with distinctive traditions — grand Ramlila and Ravan Dahan in North India, royal Dasara processions in Mysuru (Karnataka), the week-long Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh, and Ayudha Puja/Vidyarambham in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dussehra
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October, on Ashwin Shukla Dashami tithi, right after Navratri concludes.
What is the significance of Dussehra?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) marks Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and the culmination of Navratri with Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, celebrating the victory of righteousness over evil.
Where is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is celebrated across India, most famously with Ramlila and Ravan Dahan in North India, Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka, and Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh.
Dussehra follows directly after Navratri and leads into the festive season of Diwali. Explore more Hindu festival dates and rituals on Mythology Mantra. Dates are cross-checked with DrikPanchang.