Dussehra 2026: Ravana Dahan Timings in Major Indian Cities, Vijayadashami Muhurat, Date, Story & Complete Celebration Guide

Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. This grand Hindu festival marks the victory of good over evil and concludes the nine-day Sharad Navratri celebrations. It commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Dussehra 2026 Date and Key Auspicious Timings (New Delhi / IST Reference)

Dussehra / Vijayadashami Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Dashami Tithi: Begins at 12:50 PM on 20 October 2026 and ends at 02:11 PM on 21 October 2026
Vijay Muhurat (most auspicious time for victory rituals, Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja): 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM (approx. 46 minutes)
Aparahna Puja Time (ideal for main rituals): 01:14 PM to 03:30 PM (approx. 2 hours 16 minutes)

Note: Muhurat timings may vary slightly by city due to local sunrise/sunset and longitude. Always check a reliable local panchang (like Drik Panchang) for your exact location. In some eastern states like West Bengal, observances may align more with 21 October for Bengal Vijayadashami.

Ravana Dahan Timings 2026 – After Sunset in Most Cities

Ravana Dahan (burning of Ravana effigies) is the highlight in North and parts of Western India. It typically occurs after local sunset (around 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM in October across India). Public events often start between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with the actual effigy burning around 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM accompanied by fireworks and cultural programs.

Exact timings and venues for 2026 will be announced closer to the date by local Ramlila committees and municipal authorities. Here is a city-wise overview based on traditional patterns:

Delhi / NCR (Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad): Grand events at Ramlila Maidan, Red Fort area, or local grounds. Ravana Dahan usually between 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Massive crowds and spectacular fireworks.
Mumbai: Popular at Shivaji Park (Dadar) and other maidans. Burning typically after 6:30 PM, often 7:00 PM onwards.
Hyderabad (Telangana): Community and temple-organized Ravana Dahan in open grounds (e.g., LB Nagar, Secunderabad areas). Events start post-sunset (~6:15 PM) and continue into the evening. Ayudha Puja is widely observed here.
Bangalore (Bengaluru): Mix of Ayudha Puja and some Ramlila-style events. Ravana Dahan timings generally after 6:00 PM in select venues.
Chennai & Tamil Nadu: Focus on Ayudha Puja and temple rituals; limited large-scale effigy burning, but evening community events are common.
Kolkata & West Bengal: Emphasis on Durga Puja visarjan (idol immersion) on or around Vijayadashami rather than Ravana Dahan. Processions in the afternoon/evening.
Ahmedabad & Gujarat: Energetic celebrations with Ravan Dahan after sunset, often with Garba and Dandiya continuing from Navratri.
Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Elaborate Ramlila performances ending with Ravana Dahan around 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at famous Lanka grounds.
Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Patna: Similar North Indian style – evening effigy burning with fireworks after sunset.

Pro Tip: For your city (including Hyderabad), search “Ravana Dahan [City Name] 2026” or check local news, temple websites, and municipal apps 2–3 weeks prior. Plan for heavy traffic and crowds near venues.

The Complete Story of Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

Dussehra draws from the great epics and Puranas, teaching the eternal victory of Dharma over Adharma.

1. Ramayana – Lord Rama’s Victory over Ravana In the Ramayana, Lord Rama (incarnation of Vishnu), along with Sita and Lakshmana, lived in exile. The ten-headed demon king Ravana abducted Sita. Rama, with the help of Hanuman, the vanara army, and Vibhishana, fought a great battle in Lanka. On the tenth day (Dashami), Rama used the Brahmastra to slay Ravana, rescuing Sita and restoring righteousness. Rama’s return to Ayodhya is later celebrated as Diwali. Ravana Dahan symbolically burns ego, anger, greed, and ignorance.

2. Devi Mahatmya – Goddess Durga’s Victory over Mahishasura The buffalo demon Mahishasura terrorized the gods. They created Durga, who battled him for nine nights. On the tenth day, Durga slayed Mahishasura, bringing peace to the universe. This story is central to Durga Puja celebrations.

Other Traditions:

Shami Puja: Rama worshipped the Shami tree before the battle; people exchange its leaves as a symbol of gold and victory.
Ayudha Puja (South India): Worship of tools, vehicles, books, and instruments.
Seema Avalanghan: Symbolic crossing of boundaries for success.

The festival inspires us to burn our inner demons and embrace virtue.

How Dussehra is Celebrated Across India

Celebrations reflect India’s rich cultural diversity:

North India: Dramatic Ramlila plays over nine days, culminating in grand Ravana Dahan with huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad.
Mysore (Karnataka): Royal Dasara procession (Jamboo Savari) with elephants, horses, and palace illumination.
West Bengal: Magnificent Durga Puja pandals and emotional visarjan on Vijayadashami.
Gujarat: Vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas.
South India: Ayudha Puja, Golu doll displays, and temple processions.
Other regions: Kullu Dussehra in Himachal with unique deity processions.

Rituals You Can Perform on Dussehra 2026

Perform Shami Puja or Aparajita Puja during Vijay Muhurat.
Conduct Ayudha Puja – clean and worship your work tools, vehicles, gadgets, or books.
Recite Ramayana passages or Durga mantras.
Exchange Shami leaves and distribute sweets.
Reflect on personal growth and overcoming challenges.

Safety Note: Follow local guidelines for fireworks and crowd management. Many events are now livestreamed for safe viewing.

Dussehra 2026 is a time of joy, devotion, and renewal. Whether you are in Hyderabad enjoying local events, planning a trip to Mysore, or participating in Delhi’s grand Ramlila, may this Vijayadashami bring victory, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family.

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Maa Durga! Shubh Dussehra 2026!

For precise local Ravana Dahan timings and venues in 2026, refer to official sources or local panchang closer to October. Timings mentioned are indicative based on historical patterns and panchang data.