Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated across India on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and will be observed with traditional prayers, rituals and Ravana Dahan ceremonies. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami celebrations linked to Durga Puja and Durga Visarjan will continue on Wednesday, October 21.
As per the New Delhi Panchang, Dashami Tithi will begin at 12:50 PM on October 20 and end at 2:11 PM on October 21. Since the auspicious timings vary from one city to another, devotees should consult their local Panchang before conducting the puja.
Dussehra 2026 Vijay Muhurat: City-wise timings
Vijay Muhurat is regarded as an auspicious period for Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Shastra or Ayudha Puja. On October 20, the timings will differ across major Indian cities.
- New Delhi: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM
- Mumbai: 2:19 PM to 3:06 PM
- Pune: 2:16 PM to 3:02 PM
- Bengaluru: 2:02 PM to 2:49 PM
- Kolkata: 1:17 PM to 2:03 PM
The Aparahna Puja period, another significant window for Dussehra observances, generally falls between 1:13 PM and 3:30 PM. The precise duration depends on the location.
When will Ravana Dahan take place?
Ravana Dahan will traditionally be held after sunset on October 20. In New Delhi, sunset is expected at around 5:47 PM. The exact timing of the programmes will depend on local Ramlila committees, venues and event schedules.
Devotees have been advised to check local announcements before attending the celebrations. With Vijayadashami falling on October 20 in most regions, people can plan their rituals and visits on the basis of city-specific muhurat timings and local Panchang guidance.
History of Dussehra
The Ramayana describes Ravana, the king of Lanka, abducting Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Rama, supported by Lakshmana, Hanuman and the Vanara army, fought Ravana to rescue her. Ravana was eventually defeated, symbolising the victory of righteousness over arrogance, injustice and evil. The burning of his effigies during Dussehra commemorates that victory.
In eastern India, especially West Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja. Hindu tradition holds that Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura after a fierce battle, restoring peace and balance. The occasion represents the strength of divine feminine energy and the triumph of good over destructive forces.
Significance of Vijayadashami
Dussehra draws from ancient Hindu epics and reflects the varied traditions followed across India. Northern and western regions primarily celebrate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while eastern regions observe Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
The festival brings together religious rituals, dramatic performances and community celebrations around the enduring message that righteousness, truth and courage prevail over evil.
50+ Dussehra 2026 wishes
- May Dussehra remove your worries, problems and obstacles just as Ravana’s effigy is consumed by fire. Happy Dussehra 2026!
- May Lord Rama bless you with the strength, courage and wisdom to face every challenge.
- As good triumphs over evil, may positivity, love and light enter your life this Vijayadashami.
- May this auspicious festival bring fresh hope, new beginnings and lasting happiness to your family.
- May Dussehra fill your life with success and prosperity.
- Let us burn away ego, anger and greed along with Ravana’s effigy. Happy Dussehra!
- May Lord Rama and Goddess Durga remain a source of grace for you and your loved ones.
- Wishing you a bright, safe and joyful Dussehra 2026.
- May truth prevail and peace remain a part of your life. Have a blessed Vijayadashami.
- May Rama’s courage and Ma Durga’s blessings guide you as you begin new ventures.
- May the flames of Ravan Dahan remove negative energy from your home.
- Warm wishes for a cheerful Dasara filled with sweet memories and festive happiness.
- May you succeed in every endeavour you take up this year. Happy Dussehra!
- Celebrate the victory of good over evil with a peaceful and blessed Vijayadashami.
- May Lord Rama guide you towards righteousness and truth.
- May the festive spirit inspire kindness, patience and compassion in your relationships.
- Wishing your family togetherness, good health and prosperity on Dussehra 2026.
- May hope’s light overcome every dark phase in your life. Happy Dussehra!
- Respect traditions, value your loved ones and celebrate the triumph of light.
- May wisdom and noble intentions illuminate your path today and always.
- Wishing you a spirited Vijayadashami filled with laughter, music and devotion.
- May you find the inner strength to overcome self-doubt and every inner struggle.
- Celebrate with a grateful heart, a fresh beginning and hope for the future.
- May the blessings associated with Shami trees and divine grace bring abundance to your home.
- Warm festive greetings to you and your family this Dussehra.
- May righteousness and justice always guide you. Happy Dussehra 2026!
- May the festive season bring peace, unity and shared happiness.
- May Goddess Durga give you resilience and grace. Happy Vijayadashami!
- May your hard work produce sweet results this festive season. Happy Dussehra!
- Let us celebrate the timeless victory of light over darkness. Have a wonderful day.
- May your home be filled with laughter and festive blessings.
- Wishing you a vibrant Ravan Dahan and a peaceful, auspicious Dussehra.
- May courage replace fear and kindness overcome hostility in our world.
- May Sita-Ram bless your marriage and family with harmony.
- Share smiles and sweets as we celebrate Vijayadashami.
- May you overcome life’s challenges with the courage shown by Lord Rama.
- Wishing you and your colleagues a productive and happy Dussehra holiday.
- May the colours of Navratri and Dussehra bring joy to your life.
- May truth prevail in your personal and professional struggles. Happy Dussehra!
- May you receive steadfast faith and positive energy.
- May this festival mark the end of darkness and the beginning of a bright chapter.
- May every prayer you offer today receive a gracious answer. Happy Dussehra!
- Wishing you good health, prosperity and a life guided by righteousness. Happy Dussehra 2026!
- May the beats of Bijoya Dashami fill your heart with nostalgia and happiness.
- May wisdom and humility be your strongest weapons this year.
- Wishing you a safe evening as you watch the effigies light up the night sky.
- May prosperity enter your life and remain there. Happy Vijayadashami!
- May goodness guide your thoughts, words and actions.
- May the Almighty protect you and your family from harm. Happy Dussehra!
- May this Dussehra begin your most successful year yet.
- Warm festival greetings to you. May light always show you the way forward.