Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 — Date, Significance & Celebrations

Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated on the 10th day of Shukla Paksha in Ashwin month, marking Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana. It concludes the 9-day Navratri festival and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, dharma over adharma.

Vijayadashami means 'victorious 10th day.' Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada are burned across North India in spectacular Ravan Dahan events. In Mysuru (Karnataka), a grand Dasara procession features a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.

In Bengal, this day marks Durga Visarjan — the immersion of Goddess Durga's idol after 5 days of Durga Puja. Married women apply sindoor (vermillion) to each other in the Sindoor Khela tradition.

Vijayadashami is considered one of the most auspicious dates (Sade-teen Muhurat) for starting new ventures, buying property, vehicles, or weapons, and beginning education. The word Vijaya means 'certain victory' — anything started on this day is believed to succeed.

Astrologically, Ashwin month aligns with the Libra-Scorpio transition — representing balance followed by transformation.