दशहरा
Dussehra
Vijayadashami, the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura, with Ravana effigies burned at dusk.
About Dussehra
Dussehra falls on Ashwina Shukla Dashami, the day after Navratri ends. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, of Rama over Ravana in Lanka and of Durga over Mahishasura.
Ramlilas end with effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran burned at sunset. In Bengal, Durga idols are immersed. Shami puja and Aparajita puja are done in the Aparahna muhurat.
How to celebrate
Do Aparajita puja and Shami puja in the afternoon muhurat.
Exchange shami or apta leaves as gold with friends and elders.
Watch the Ravana Dahan at a Ramlila ground in the evening.
Start new learning, business or travel, as the day is considered fully auspicious.
Questions
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Shukla Dashami tithi begins at 12:51 PM on Tuesday 20 October and ends at 2:12 PM on Wednesday 21 October IST.
What is the Dussehra muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi, the aparahna muhurat is from 1:13 PM to 3:30 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why are shami leaves exchanged on Dussehra?
The Pandavas hid their weapons in a shami tree during exile and recovered them on Vijayadashami. The leaves are exchanged as gold for prosperity.
Is Dussehra a good day to start something new?
Yes. Vijayadashami is one of the three and a half most auspicious days of the year, good for any new beginning.
Around Dussehra
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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