Dussehra / Vijayadashami Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil—Rama over Ravana and Durga over Mahishasura. It is the tenth day of Navratri and is auspicious for new beginnings.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Mythology & Legend
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon Ravana on this day after a long battle, rescuing Sita. In the Markandeya Purana tradition, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura after nine nights of battle. Vijayadashami also celebrates the day Arjuna retrieved his weapons and the Pandavas ended their exile.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- At dawn, perform Shami tree worship and offer its leaves to one another.
- In North India, attend or witness Ravana effigy burning (Ravan Dahan).
- Perform Ayudha Puja—worship tools, weapons, books, and vehicles.
- Start new learning (Vidyarambham in the South) or business ventures.
- Visit relatives and exchange greetings and sweets.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ श्री रामाय नमः
oṃ śrī rāmāya namaḥ
Salutations to Lord Rama
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Prasad from Navratri
- ●Sundal (South)
- ●Jalebi and fafda (Gujarat)
- ●Traditional sweets
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Regional Celebrations across India
North India(दशहरा)
Ramlila and Ravan Dahan
South India(ವಿಜಯದಶಮಿ)
Vidyarambham, Ayudha Puja
East India(দশহরা)
Durga Visarjan
West India(विजयादशमी)
Simollanghan (crossing border)
Dussehra / Vijayadashami Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Attend or watch Ramlila if possible
- ✓Worship tools and books
- ✓Start new learning or business
- ✓Wear festive clothes
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid inauspicious activities
- ✗Do not skip the significance of the day
Dussehra / Vijayadashami — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
- Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil—Rama over Ravana and Durga over Mahishasura.
- When is Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026?
- In 2026, Dussehra / Vijayadashami falls on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
- What are the Dussehra / Vijayadashami puja rituals?
- At dawn, perform Shami tree worship and offer its leaves to one another.; In North India, attend or witness Ravana effigy burning (Ravan Dahan).; Perform Ayudha Puja—worship tools, weapons, books, and vehicles.; Start new learning (Vidyarambham in the South) or business ventures.
- What to eat on Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
- Prasad from Navratri, Sundal (South), Jalebi and fafda (Gujarat), Traditional sweets
- What should you do on Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
- Attend or watch Ramlila if possible; Worship tools and books; Start new learning or business
- What should you avoid on Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
- Avoid inauspicious activities; Do not skip the significance of the day
- Which deity is worshipped on Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami is dedicated to Rama.
Upcoming Dussehra / Vijayadashami Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Dussehra / Vijayadashami is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | 02:50 pm | — |
| 10 Oct 2027 | Sunday | 03:01 pm | — |