Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20 — the tenth day after Navratri, marking Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Tradition counts it among the year's most auspicious days: an abujh muhurat, when new beginnings need no further muhurat at all.
Significance
Vijayadashami is the day evil loses — on battlefields and within. Effigies of Ravana burn at dusk across the country, while homes perform Shami puja and Aparajita puja, honouring the tree that hid the Pandavas' weapons and the goddess of the undefeated.
Rituals of the Day
- Shami puja: worship of the Shami tree, with leaves exchanged as tokens of goodwill
- Aparajita puja: prayers to the undefeated Devi in the afternoon
- Shastra / tool puja: instruments of one's work — from pens to machines — honoured
- Ravan dahan: the burning of the effigies at dusk
The Day of New Beginnings
Because Vijayadashami is held to be self-auspicious, tradition reserves it for starting things: a new venture, a child's first lesson, a major purchase, the first wearing of a long-planned remedy. If a rudraksha, yantra or wealth piece has been on your list, this is the classical day to begin — explore Yantras, the Money & Prosperity collection, or start simple with the beginner's guide.
FAQ
What is the Dussehra 2026 date? Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Why is Dussehra called an abujh muhurat? Tradition treats the whole day as auspicious — new beginnings on Vijayadashami need no separate muhurat.
What is Shami puja? Worship of the Shami tree at dusk, remembering the Pandavas reclaiming their weapons from it before victory.
Dates follow published panchang data; ritual timings vary by city — confirm on a trusted panchang.
