Dussehra
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami — the 10th day after Navratri begins. In 2025 it was 2 Oct; in 2026 it is Tuesday, 20 Oct; in 2027 it is 9 Oct. It celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's defeat of Mahishasura — the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Dussehra Dates 2025, 2026 & 2027
Significance of Dussehra
Vijayadashami literally means "the tenth day of victory." Two overlapping victories are celebrated: Rama's defeat of Ravana (after the 9 days of battle that Navratri represents), and Durga's final slaying of Mahishasura on the 10th morning. Both events converge on this day. The effigy of Ravana — along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghanada — is burned in public grounds (Ramlila maidan) across North India. In Mysuru (Karnataka), the royal elephant procession to Chamundi Hill is one of India's grandest Dussehra traditions. In Bengal, Durga idols are immersed in rivers on this day (Vijaya Dashami), symbolising the goddess's return home to Mount Kailash.
The Story Behind Dussehra
After Sita was abducted by Ravana, Rama — accompanied by Lakshmana and Hanuman's army — besieged Lanka. For 9 days (represented by Navratri), fierce battle raged. Rama performed Durga Puja on the night before the final assault, receiving the goddess's blessings. On the 10th morning (Vijayadashami), Rama shot the decisive arrow that killed Ravana. The Ramayana says Rama first shot an arrow into Ravana's navel (the seat of his immortality elixir, which had to be emptied before he could die). Vijayadashami is thus the ideal day to begin new ventures, defeat obstacles, and seek victory in endeavours delayed by circumstance.
How to Celebrate Dussehra
- 1Witness or participate in Ramlila performances (theatrical re-enactment of Ramayana)
- 2Attend the Ravana Dahan (effigy burning) in your city — typically held in the evening
- 3Worship Shastra (weapons and tools) — vehicles, laptops, kitchen tools — as a Shastra Puja tradition
- 4Begin new business ventures, studies, or projects on this day during Vijay Muhurat
- 5Offer shami (Prosopis) leaves to Shiva and exchange with neighbors as a symbol of victory
- 6In West Bengal, immerse Durga idols in the river with music and celebration
Traditional Foods
Astrological Significance of Dussehra
Vijayadashami falls on the 10th day of the waxing Moon (Shukla Paksha) in Ashwin, when the Moon is bright and the Sun is in Libra. The Vijay Muhurat (Victory Window) — approximately 45 minutes on this day — is one of the five most auspicious muhurtas in the Vedic calendar. Electional astrology (muhurta shāstra) recommends this window for signing contracts, launching businesses, or taking any important first step.
“In my experience, the most spiritually productive way to observe Dussehra is to align your personal puja timing with the muhurat window for your city — not just the general date. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana specifies that offerings made during the peak muhurat carry ten times the merit of those made outside it. I have seen this shift outcomes meaningfully for clients who take the time to calculate it properly.”
— Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, PhD Vedic Astrology · 20+ Years Practice · 10,000+ Consultations
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology • 20+ Years Experience
Distinguished Vedic astrologer specializing in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures. Trusted by thousands for accurate Dussehra interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October — the same day Shardiya Navratri concludes. The Vijay Muhurat is 13:59 to 14:45 IST in Delhi. Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM on 20 October; Bengali Vijaya Dashami is observed on 21 October.
The burning of Ravana's effigy re-enacts Rama's victory over the 10-headed demon king. The 10 heads symbolise 10 vices (lust, greed, pride, anger, attachment, jealousy, selfishness, injustice, cruelty, ego) that are destroyed on this day.
Yes. Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar for new beginnings. The Vijay Muhurat window in the afternoon is especially powerful for starting businesses, studies, or journeys.
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Kundli & Muhurat Report
Know the exact muhurat window for Dussehra in your city, based on your personal birth chart. Prepared by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma.