Dussehra 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Significance & Celebrations

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October in most of India. In Hyderabad the Vijay Muhurat is 1:57 to 2:44 PM IST (Drik Panchang), and Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM on 20 October to 2:11 PM on 21 October. Bengal's Bijoya Dashami is on Wednesday 21 October.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrating the victory of good over evil. In most parts of India, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Some regional traditions keep Vijayadashami or Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October.

The festival marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana and, in many Hindu traditions, of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It concludes the Navratri celebrations in many regions and inspires devotees to embrace truth, courage, righteousness and new beginnings. This guide explains the Dussehra 2026 date, muhurat, significance, rituals, regional traditions and celebrations in India and around the world.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra falls on Dashami, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin. The Gregorian date depends on when Dashami prevails, so it can differ by place and tradition. For 2026, the main dates are:

Tuesday 20 October 2026: the main Dussehra or Vijayadashami observance in most of India, and in the USA, Canada, the UK and Perth.
Wednesday 21 October 2026: Bijoya Dashami in Bengal, Mysuru's Jamboo Savari, Kerala's Vidyarambham, and Dussehra in eastern Australia and New Zealand.

For Hyderabad, Drik Panchang gives the Dashami tithi from 12:50 PM IST on 20 October to 2:11 PM IST on 21 October. Check Drik Panchang's Vijayadashami calendar for your own city.

Because Hindu festivals follow lunar-calendar rules, dates and auspicious timings can differ by location and tradition. Always consult a trusted local panchang or your temple's announcement.

Dussehra 2026 puja muhurat

Vijayadashami is a day for worship, prayer and auspicious beginnings. The Aparahna (afternoon) puja, the Vijay Muhurat, Shami Puja and Aparajita Puja carry special significance. Drik Panchang lists these timings for Hyderabad on 20 October 2026:

Vijay Muhurat: 1:57 PM to 2:44 PM IST.
Dashami tithi begins: 12:50 PM IST on 20 October.
Dashami tithi ends: 2:11 PM IST on 21 October.

The Vijay Muhurat is a little different in other cities: about 1:59 to 2:45 PM in New Delhi, 2:19 to 3:06 PM in Mumbai and 2:02 to 2:49 PM in Bengaluru. These are local panchang timings, not universal ones. For more cities, see Dussehra 2026 date and Vijay Muhurat. Devotees outside India should check the local date, time zone and their temple's guidance.

Why do Hindus celebrate Dussehra?

1. Lord Rama's victory over Ravana

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, showing the triumph of righteousness over arrogance and wrongdoing. Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burning commemorate this story in many parts of India; see Ravan Dahan 2026 city-wise.

2. Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura

In many traditions, Vijayadashami commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, the triumph of divine power over destructive forces. This is especially prominent in the Durga Puja traditions of eastern India.

3. The importance of dharma

Dussehra encourages devotees to follow dharma, practise honesty, treat others with compassion and face difficulties with courage. It also invites reflection: overcoming anger, dishonesty, pride and negativity is an everyday expression of the victory of good over evil.

How is Dussehra celebrated across India?

North India: Ramlila performances, devotional gatherings and Ravana Dahan.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: temple visits, Jammi (Shami) puja, Ayudha Puja and the exchange of greetings. In Telangana, Dasara follows the nine days of Bathukamma, which ended with Saddula Bathukamma on 18 October 2026.

West Bengal: Bijoya Dashami (21 October 2026) closes Durga Puja with Sindoor Khela, the farewell immersion of the Goddess, greetings and family visits.

Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara is famous for its royal traditions, cultural programmes and the Jamboo Savari procession on 21 October 2026.

Kerala: Vijayadashami is the day of Vidyarambham, when children are introduced to learning and writing; in Kerala it falls on 21 October 2026.

Maharashtra: families perform Shami Puja and exchange Apta leaves as symbolic "gold", a gesture of prosperity and goodwill.

Customs vary by community, and families follow their own traditions. For more detail, see our state-wise guide to Vijayadashami rituals.

Dussehra 2026 for NRIs around the world

For Hindu families abroad, Dussehra is a meaningful chance to keep cultural connections alive and introduce children to Hindu stories and traditions.

Dussehra in the USA

Hindu communities across the United States celebrate with temple prayers, Ramlila performances, cultural programmes and family gatherings on Tuesday 20 October 2026, with many temple events on the weekend. See Dussehra 2026 in the USA, state by state.

Dussehra in the UK

Hindu families in the UK celebrate with community gatherings, religious ceremonies, cultural events and devotional programmes. It is also a chance for children to learn the Ramayana. See Dussehra 2026 in the UK, region by region.

Dussehra in Canada

Hindu communities across Canada observe the festival with temple visits, cultural programmes, family prayers and festive gatherings. See Dussehra 2026 in Canada, province by province.

Dussehra in Australia

Hindu families in Australia celebrate with temple ceremonies, community events and family traditions. The eastern states keep Dussehra on Wednesday 21 October, and Perth on Tuesday 20 October; see Dussehra 2026 in Australia, city by city.

Dussehra in New Zealand

Hindu families in New Zealand celebrate with home prayers, temple visits, cultural activities and festive gatherings on Wednesday 21 October 2026. See Dussehra 2026 in New Zealand, city by city.

Dussehra in Singapore and other countries

Hindu communities in Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa and elsewhere preserve Dussehra traditions through prayers, cultural gatherings and community celebrations. Wherever it is observed, the message of courage, goodness and righteousness stays the same.

Simple Dussehra puja vidhi at home

Families can follow their customary rituals and consult their family priest. A simple general approach:

Clean and prepare the prayer area.
Arrange flowers, a diya and your customary puja items.
Offer prayers to Lord Rama, Goddess Durga or your family deities, ideally in the afternoon Vijay Muhurat.
If it is your custom, worship Shami leaves and Goddess Aparajita, and your tools, books and vehicles (Ayudha Puja).
Read or listen to devotional passages or prayers.
Reflect on the values of truth, humility, courage and compassion.
Share festive food and greetings with family.
Give in charity or help someone in need, according to your means.

Mantras for Aparajita and Shami Puja are in Vijayadashami 2026 mantras.

Is Dussehra an auspicious day to start something new?

Many Hindu traditions consider Vijayadashami one of the best days of the year to begin something new. Depending on regional custom, people choose it to begin learning, start a business, buy tools or vehicles, or take up a new project. The deeper message is to approach new beginnings with discipline, good intentions, confidence and a commitment to doing what is right.

Happy Dussehra 2026 wishes

Traditional greeting: Happy Vijayadashami 2026! May Lord Rama and Goddess Durga bless you with courage, wisdom, happiness and prosperity. May goodness always triumph in your life.

For family and friends: Wishing you and your family a blessed Dussehra filled with peace, happiness and beautiful new beginnings. Shubh Vijayadashami!

For NRIs living abroad: Happy Dussehra to you and your family, wherever you are in the world. May our traditions keep us connected, and may this festival bring peace, strength and prosperity to every home.

Telugu greeting: విజయదశమి శుభాకాంక్షలు! మీకు, మీ కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు సుఖసంతోషాలు, ఆయురారోగ్యాలు, ఐశ్వర్యం కలగాలని మనస్ఫూర్తిగా కోరుకుంటున్నాము.

More greetings: Happy Dussehra 2026 wishes to Hindus around the world.

Celebrate the spirit of Vijayadashami

Dussehra reminds us that goodness, courage, truth and righteousness are values worth carrying into everyday life. As families celebrate Vijayadashami in India and around the world, let us honour our traditions, strengthen our relationships and inspire the next generation with the stories and lessons of Hindu culture.

May Lord Rama and Goddess Durga bless every home with happiness, peace and prosperity. Happy Dussehra 2026! Shubh Vijayadashami! Jai Shri Ram!

Frequently asked questions

What is the date of Dussehra in 2026?

Most of India observes Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Bengal's Bijoya Dashami, Mysuru's Jamboo Savari and Kerala's Vidyarambham fall on Wednesday 21 October, as does Dussehra in eastern Australia and New Zealand.

What is the Vijayadashami muhurat in Hyderabad in 2026?

Drik Panchang lists the Vijay Muhurat in Hyderabad from 1:57 PM to 2:44 PM IST on 20 October 2026. Timings vary by city, so check a local panchang.

What is the significance of Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami, the victorious tenth day, celebrates the victory of good over evil: Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura in different Hindu traditions.

Do Hindus celebrate Dussehra outside India?

Yes. Hindu communities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa and elsewhere observe it with temple worship, cultural events and family gatherings.

What is the difference between Dussehra and Durga Puja?

Dussehra or Vijayadashami is the tenth-day festival, while Durga Puja is the wider festival of Goddess Durga that ends on that day. In Bengal, Bijoya Dashami marks the close of Durga Puja. The traditions are related but vary by region.

Editor's note (19 October 2026)

Owner-supplied article. We checked the Hyderabad timings on Drik Panchang on 19 October 2026 (the draft's link pointed to a Hyderabad suburb, Gaddi Annaram; we replaced it with the Hyderabad page), added other cities' Vijay Muhurat from HinduTone's Dussehra date page, the 21 October observances, and links to our state and country guides.