Ravan Dahan 2026: Date, Time and City-Wise Vijay Muhurat for Dussehra

Quick answer: Ravan Dahan 2026 takes place on Dussehra, Tuesday 20 October 2026, traditionally in the evening after sunset. Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM IST on 20 October to 2:11 PM IST on 21 October 2026 (Drik Panchang). There is no fixed all-India Ravan Dahan time: each local Ramlila or Dussehra committee sets its own, so check the organisers in your area. The afternoon Vijay Muhurat varies by city, for example 1:59–2:45 PM in New Delhi.

This guide has been restored at its original hindutone.com address. It gives the 2026 date and tithi, a city-wise Vijay Muhurat table, the meaning of Ravan Dahan, famous traditions across India, and tips for celebrating safely.

Ravan Dahan 2026 date and Dashami tithi

Source: Drik Panchang. These are India dates and times. Bengal's Bijoya Dashami and Durga visarjan fall on Wednesday 21 October 2026 per the Drik Panchang Kolkata calendar, but the all-India Dussehra, and Ravan Dahan, is on Tuesday 20 October.

Ravan Dahan 2026 time: why there is no single clock time

Unlike the Vijay Muhurat, Ravan Dahan is not tied to a calculated muhurat in the panchang. By long custom it is done in the evening, after sunset, around the pradosh period, as the climax of the Ramlila that has been staged through Navratri. The organising committee decides the exact moment based on the programme, the crowd, police permissions and safety arrangements.

So the practical answer to 'what time is Ravan Dahan 2026?' is: on the evening of Tuesday 20 October, at the time announced by the Ramlila or Dussehra committee near you. Arrive early, because the best viewing spots fill quickly.

Vijay Muhurat 2026: city-wise table

Vijay Muhurat is the auspicious afternoon window on Vijayadashami used for Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, Shastra Puja, Seemollanghan and beginning new work. Here are the 2026 timings for 16 major cities (Drik Panchang, Tuesday 20 October 2026, local Indian time):

For cities not listed, check Drik Panchang for your city or see our state-wise guides, such as Dussehra 2026 in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

What Ravan Dahan means

Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka who abducted Sita. In the Ramayana tradition, Rama worshipped the Goddess before the final battle and, with her blessing, slew Ravana on Dashami. Burning Ravana's effigy re-enacts that victory as the triumph of dharma over adharma.

Ravana's ten heads are often read as ten inner faults, such as lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy. Watching the effigy burn is a reminder to conquer these within ourselves. For a deeper look, read Ravana Dahan: why we burn Ravana and what it really means.

Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad: the three effigies

• Ravana: The tallest effigy, with ten heads, at the centre.
• Kumbhakarna: Ravana's giant brother, famed for his long sleep, who fought for Lanka out of loyalty.
• Meghnad (Indrajit): Ravana's son, the warrior who once defeated Indra, slain by Lakshmana.

The effigies are built over weeks from bamboo, paper and cloth, and are usually packed with firecrackers. At the climax, an actor playing Rama shoots a flaming arrow, and the figures go up in flames to cheers and chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'.

Famous Ravan Dahan and Ramlila traditions

• Ramnagar Ramlila, Varanasi: One of the oldest and most celebrated Ramlilas, staged over about a month under the patronage of the former royal family of Banaras, with scenes performed at different locations across Ramnagar.
• Delhi's Ramlilas: The capital hosts many large Ramlilas through Navratri, ending with the burning of giant effigies on Dussehra evening.
• Kota Dussehra Mela, Rajasthan: A long-running Dussehra fair in Kota, known for its towering effigies and festivities around Vijayadashami.
• Ramlila across India: The Ramlila tradition is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and countless towns and neighbourhoods stage their own. See Ramlila: a vibrant retelling of Ramayana.

Not every region celebrates with Ravan Dahan. Mysuru marks Dasara with the royal Jamboo Savari procession, Bengal immerses Durga, and Kullu's week-long Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami. For dates and schedules of any specific event, check the organisers' official announcements.

Safety and eco-friendly tips

• Keep your distance: Stay behind barricades. Burning effigies throw sparks and debris, and firecrackers can misfire.
• Watch children: Hold small children's hands in crowds and agree on a meeting point if anyone gets separated.
• Protect ears and lungs: Carry ear protection for young children, and a mask if you are sensitive to smoke.
• Follow police directions: Use designated entry and exit routes, and avoid pushing towards the effigy after it falls.
• Choose greener celebrations: Support committees that use eco-friendly materials, fewer firecrackers and proper clean-up afterwards.
• Home version: Many families instead make a small paper Ravana with children and discuss the story, without fire.

Ravan Dahan for NRIs

Outside India, temples and community organisations often hold Dussehra programmes, Ramlila performances or symbolic Ravan Dahan on a convenient weekend, subject to local fire regulations. Do not convert India's times to your time zone; local events set their own schedules. For the USA, see Dussehra 2026 USA: Vijayadashami muhurat and Ravana Dahan timings, and for Canada see Dussehra 2026 Canada, province by province.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ravan Dahan 2026 time?

Ravan Dahan 2026 takes place on the evening of Dussehra, Tuesday 20 October 2026. There is no single all-India time: effigies are traditionally burnt after sunset by local Ramlila and Dussehra committees, each of which announces its own schedule. Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM IST on 20 October to 2:11 PM IST on 21 October 2026.

When is Dussehra 2026?

Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in India, per Drik Panchang. Sharad Navratri runs from Sunday 11 October, with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both on Monday 19 October.

Is Vijay Muhurat the same as Ravan Dahan time?

No. Vijay Muhurat is an auspicious afternoon window on Vijayadashami, used for Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, Shastra Puja and starting new ventures. In New Delhi it is 1:59–2:45 PM on 20 October 2026. Ravan Dahan happens later, in the evening after sunset.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in my city on Dussehra 2026?

The table in this guide gives Vijay Muhurat for 16 major cities, for example Mumbai 2:19–3:06 PM, Kolkata 1:16–2:02 PM, Chennai 1:51–2:38 PM and Bengaluru 2:02–2:49 PM. For other places, check Drik Panchang for your city or see our state-wise Dussehra 2026 guides.

Whose effigies are burnt on Dussehra?

Traditionally three: Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad (Indrajit). The effigies are often filled with firecrackers, and an actor playing Lord Rama shoots a flaming arrow to set them alight.

When is Ravan Dahan in the USA?

Temples and community groups in the USA usually hold Dussehra programmes on dates and times that suit local schedules, often on a weekend. See our Dussehra 2026 USA guide and check your temple's official website.

Editor's note

Editor's note (6 October 2026): This guide has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. The Dussehra date, Dashami tithi and city-wise Vijay Muhurat timings are from Drik Panchang for 20 October 2026, in local Indian time. Ravan Dahan has no fixed panchang time; it is set by local committees, so please follow the official announcements of the Ramlila or Dussehra committee near you.

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