Dussehra 2026: Date, Vijay Muhurat & Puja Time
The exact Dashami tithi window, why the date is Tue, 20 Oct 2026, and city-wise Aparahna puja and Vijay Muhurat.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tue, 20 Oct 2026. The Dashami tithi runs Tue 20 Oct, 12:51 pm to Wed 21 Oct, 2:12 pm IST, so it covers the afternoon (Aparahna) of Tue, 20 Oct 2026 — the rule Panchangs use to fix the day. The festival marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, and it follows the nine nights of Navratri.
Dussehra 2026 puja timings (city-wise)
| City | Aparahna Puja time | Vijay Muhurat | Sunset (Ravan Dahan after) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1:13 pm – 3:30 pm | 1:59 pm – 2:44 pm | 5:46 pm |
| Mumbai | 1:33 pm – 3:52 pm | 2:19 pm – 3:06 pm | 6:12 pm |
| Kolkata | 12:30 pm – 2:48 pm | 1:16 pm – 2:02 pm | 5:07 pm |
| Chennai | 1:04 pm – 3:25 pm | 1:51 pm – 2:38 pm | 5:47 pm |
| Bengaluru | 1:15 pm – 3:36 pm | 2:02 pm – 2:49 pm | 5:58 pm |
| Jaipur | 1:19 pm – 3:36 pm | 2:05 pm – 2:51 pm | 5:53 pm |
| Ahmedabad | 1:33 pm – 3:51 pm | 2:19 pm – 3:05 pm | 6:10 pm |
| Lucknow | 12:59 pm – 3:16 pm | 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm | 5:33 pm |
| Hyderabad | 1:10 pm – 3:31 pm | 1:57 pm – 2:44 pm | 5:51 pm |
| Pune | 1:29 pm – 3:48 pm | 2:15 pm – 3:02 pm | 6:08 pm |
| Patna | 12:42 pm – 3:00 pm | 1:28 pm – 2:14 pm | 5:17 pm |
| Chandigarh | 1:15 pm – 3:30 pm | 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | 5:46 pm |
| Indore | 1:20 pm – 3:38 pm | 2:06 pm – 2:52 pm | 5:57 pm |
| Bhopal | 1:14 pm – 3:32 pm | 2:00 pm – 2:46 pm | 5:50 pm |
Dashami and Shravana Nakshatra (Mon 19 Oct, 3:39 pm to Tue 20 Oct, 6:02 pm) both prevail in the afternoon of Tue, 20 Oct 2026, which strengthens the case for this date. Dashami ends Wed 21 Oct, 2:12 pm, so Ravan Dahan, done after sunset on the same day, falls while Dashami is still in force.
What families traditionally do
- Shastra / Ayudha puja: tools, books, vehicles and work instruments are cleaned and worshipped.
- Shami puja: offering to the Shami tree, linked to the Pandavas' weapons in the Mahabharata.
- Ravan Dahan: effigies are burnt after sunset in many cities.
- New beginnings and purchases: Vijayadashami is traditionally considered auspicious for starting things without searching for a separate muhurat.
Vijayadashami kharidari: a crystal checklist
If you are buying a crystal or gemstone on Dussehra, check authenticity first (see our free tester), cleanse it, and place it on the altar before wearing. Popular festival choices:
Remember the next dates: Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth and Ravi Pushya for planned purchases.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra 2026?+
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is Tue, 20 Oct 2026, the day the Dashami tithi covers the afternoon (Aparahna). Dashami runs Tue 20 Oct, 12:51 pm to Wed 21 Oct, 2:12 pm IST.
Dussehra 2026 ka shubh muhurat kya hai?+
Delhi mein Aparahna puja ka samay lagbhag 1:13 pm – 3:30 pm aur Vijay Muhurat 1:59 pm – 2:44 pm hai. Apne sheher ka samay upar table mein dekhein.
Is Vijayadashami a good day to buy gemstones or crystals?+
It is traditionally treated as auspicious for new beginnings and purchases. Verify the stone is genuine, cleanse it, and for precious gems consult a qualified astrologer first. No date guarantees any result.
What is Vijay Muhurat?+
Vijay Muhurat is the 11th of 15 daytime muhurtas, often cited for beginning important work on Dussehra. It lasts about 45 minutes.
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