Dussehra 2026 in Rajasthan: Date, Vijay Muhurat for Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, Jodhpur and the Kota Dussehra Mela

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Rajasthan is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Vijay Muhurat: Jaipur 2:05 to 2:51 PM, Kota 2:06 to 2:52 PM, Udaipur 2:14 to 3:00 PM and Jodhpur 2:17 to 3:02 PM (Drik Panchang, local time). Navratri runs from Sunday 11 October, with Ashtami and Navami together on Monday 19 October 2026.

District by district: for 2026 events, arrangements and traditions in every district, see our district-wise Dussehra 2026 guide.

Few states celebrate Dussehra with as much pageantry as Rajasthan. The land of Rajput warriors has always treated Vijayadashami as a martial festival: the day to worship weapons and horses, to set out on campaigns and to celebrate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Today that heritage lives on in the giant effigies of the Kota Dussehra Mela, Shastra puja in former royal households, Ramlila stages in every town and some surprising local customs around Ravana himself.

Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Dashami begins shortly after midday on 20 October and covers the whole afternoon, which is why Vijayadashami is observed on Tuesday 20 October. Because Ashtami and Navami share 19 October, Kanya Pujan for both is done on Monday.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Rajasthan cities

The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious afternoon window on Dussehra for Shami puja, Shastra puja, beginning new work, buying vehicles or setting out on a journey. Timings for 20 October 2026, from Drik Panchang, in local time:

Notice how the window moves later as you travel west: Jodhpur's muhurat begins about 12 minutes after Jaipur's. Towns in the far west, such as Jaisalmer and Barmer, will be later still, so check a local panchang.

Rajasthan's Dussehra traditions

The Kota Dussehra Mela

Kota on the banks of the Chambal is home to one of India's oldest and largest Dussehra fairs, with roots in the patronage of the former rulers of Kota. The fair stretches over several weeks around Navratri and Dussehra and is known for its towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, cultural programmes, a large market and a festive procession. The climax is the Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami evening, which draws visitors from across the Hadoti region and beyond. Schedules are fixed locally each year, so check official announcements before planning a visit.

Royal Shastra puja

For Rajput families, Vijayadashami is above all a day of Shastra puja, the worship of weapons. Swords, shields and, in earlier times, horses and elephants were worshipped and blessed. Former royal households in cities such as Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur have historically marked the day with ceremonies including worship of arms and horses. Many ordinary families continue the custom by worshipping tools, vehicles and the instruments of their trade.

Ramlila and Ravan Dahan across the state

From Jaipur and Ajmer to Bikaner and Bharatpur, neighbourhood committees stage Ramlila performances during Navratri and burn Ravana effigies on Dussehra evening. In Jaipur, several large grounds host Ravan Dahan events with fireworks, and smaller colony-level effigies appear across the city. Venues and times are announced locally.

Jodhpur and Mandore: where Ravana is remembered

Mandore, the old capital near Jodhpur, is popularly believed to be the parental home of Mandodari, Ravana's queen. A section of the local Brahmin community that traces its lineage to the wedding party of Ravana regards him with respect and observes rituals of remembrance on Dussehra rather than celebrating his death. It is a striking local reading of the Ramayana that sits alongside the much more widespread Ravan Dahan.

Navratri in Rajasthan

Navratri in Rajasthan centres on the Devi temples. Karni Mata at Deshnok near Bikaner, Shila Devi in the Amber Fort complex near Jaipur, and Chamunda Mata at Mehrangarh in Jodhpur see large crowds through the nine nights. Garba and Dandiya are popular in southern Rajasthan, especially around Udaipur and Banswara, where Gujarati influence is strong. Check each temple's official website for current timings and arrangements.

What to do on Vijayadashami

• Aparajita puja: worship of the goddess of victory in the afternoon of Dashami.
• Shami puja: the Shami tree is the same species as the khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Rajasthan's state tree and a lifeline of the desert. It is worshipped on Dussehra in memory of the Pandavas, who hid their weapons in a Shami tree.
• Shastra puja: clean and worship weapons, tools, vehicles, account books and laptops during the Vijay Muhurat.
• Begin new things: Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year for new ventures, admissions and purchases.
• Blessings and sweets: visit elders, seek blessings and share sweets with neighbours and relatives.
• Ravan Dahan: attend the effigy burning after sunset, a reminder that arrogance and adharma are always defeated in the end.

For Rajasthani families abroad

The Rajasthani and Marwari diaspora spans the USA, the UK, the Gulf, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nepal and many African countries. Some ideas for celebrating far from home:

• Use a panchang calculated for your own city. Do not convert Jaipur's Vijay Muhurat into your time zone.
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 is a working day in most countries. Do Shastra puja of laptops, vehicles and tools in the evening, and join the community Ravan Dahan or Ramlila held by your local temple on the nearest weekend.
• If open fires are not allowed, burn a small paper Ravana safely in a fire pit, or tell the Ramayana story to children with a homemade effigy.
• Cook a festive Rajasthani meal such as dal baati churma or ghevar to share with friends.
• Video-call elders in Rajasthan to seek blessings on the day.

For the meaning of Dussehra, the stories behind it and a full puja procedure, see our Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 pillar guide.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of dharma, of light over darkness: as commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana. In Rajasthan, the land of warrior devotion, the day glows with Shastra puja, Shami prayers and Ravan Dahan under desert skies. Sharing a blessing keeps that victory alive in every heart. Choose a message below and send it to your family, your elders and your friends, wherever they are.

Shami shloka for Vijayadashami

शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी। अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥

Shami shamayate papam shami shatru-vinashini, arjunasya dhanurdhari ramasya priyadarshini.

Meaning: The Shami tree takes away sin and destroys enemies; it held Arjuna's bow and is dear to Lord Rama. Many families recite this while offering Shami (Jammi) leaves on Vijayadashami.

Rama mantra to chant on Dussehra

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Ramaya ramabhadraya ramachandraya vedhase, raghunathaya nathaya sitayah pataye namah.

Meaning: Salutations to Rama, to Ramabhadra, to Ramachandra the creator, to the lord of the Raghu clan, to the husband of Sita.

Vijayadashami 2026 messages to share

Happy Dussehra to our dear family, from our home in Jaipur! 🙏 May Maa Durga protect us all and may truth, courage and love always win in our lives. Share on WhatsApp

Pranam Maa and Papa! On this Vijayadashami, your blessings are my greatest strength. May you be healthy, peaceful and joyful always. 🪔 Share on WhatsApp

Happy Dussehra, dost! May every Ravana of worry and doubt burn away, and may your days be full of light, laughter and victory. 🔥 Share on WhatsApp

Warm Vijayadashami wishes to you and your family. May this auspicious day bless your work with focus, honesty and fresh beginnings. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Maa Durga! 🌺 May the Mother who triumphed over Mahishasura give you the shakti to overcome every obstacle this Dussehra. Share on WhatsApp

Ram Ram sa! From Rajasthan, warm Dussehra wishes. May Lord Rama's path of dharma guide your family to peace and courage. Jai Shri Ram! 🏹 Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga and Lord Rama, on this Vijayadashami I bow before You with a humble heart. Give me the strength to stand firm, the courage to choose dharma when it is hard, and the wisdom to see what is true. Protect my family from negativity, anger and fear, and let our home be filled with peace. Burn away the pride within me, as the effigy of Ravana burns tonight. Jai Maa Durga, Jai Shri Ram.

Use the share buttons on this page to send these blessings to your family and friends.

Also read: Kota Dussehra Mela 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Rajasthan?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Rajasthan is on Tuesday 20 October. Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall together on Monday 19 October.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur and Jodhpur?

On 20 October the Vijay Muhurat is 2:05 to 2:51 PM in Jaipur, 2:06 to 2:52 PM in Kota, 2:14 to 3:00 PM in Udaipur and 2:17 to 3:02 PM in Jodhpur. Towns further west, such as Jaisalmer and Barmer, should check their local panchang.

What is the Kota Dussehra Mela?

Kota's Dussehra Mela is one of India's oldest and largest Dussehra fairs, known for towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, cultural programmes and a large market. Its climax is Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami evening; schedules are announced locally each year.

How do Rajput families celebrate Dussehra?

For Rajput families, Vijayadashami is above all a day of Shastra puja, the worship of weapons. Former royal households have historically honoured arms and horses, and many families today worship their tools, vehicles and instruments of work.

Why is the Shami tree special on Dussehra in Rajasthan?

The Shami is the same species as the khejri, Rajasthan's state tree. It is worshipped on Dussehra in memory of the Pandavas, who, as commonly told, hid their weapons in a Shami tree.

Why is Ravana remembered in Mandore near Jodhpur?

Mandore is popularly believed to be the parental home of Mandodari, Ravana's queen. A section of the local Brahmin community that traces its lineage to Ravana's wedding party observes rituals of remembrance on Dussehra.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. Dates and Vijay Muhurat timings are from Drik Panchang for India. We have not listed fair dates, Ravan Dahan venues, ticket information or royal ceremony schedules because these are announced locally each year; please check official sources before you travel. Temple timings change, so check the temple's official website.

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