Dussehra: Dussehra
Vijayadashami: Victory of Good over Evil
Dussehra by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dussehra?
Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) is a Hindu festival celebrated on Ashvin Shukla Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight in Ashvin month), the day after Navratri ends. 'Dussehra' is derived from 'Dasha' (ten) and 'Hara' (defeat), meaning the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana. It celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Lanka's demon king Ravana, and also Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on September 30, 2026 (Wednesday), Ashvin Shukla Dashami. Navratri 2026 runs from September 20-28, and Dussehra/Vijayadashami is celebrated on September 30. The Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana effigy) typically happens at sunset on Dussehra day.
What is Ravan Dahan?
Ravan Dahan is the ceremony of burning large effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad (Indrajit) on Dussehra evening. The effigies are packed with firecrackers and when lit, the explosions symbolize the destruction of evil. In cities across India, huge Ravan effigies (50-100+ feet tall) are erected and burned in public grounds. Delhi's Ramleela Maidan hosts India's most famous Ravan Dahan, often attended by political leaders.
What is Ram Leela?
Ram Leela is the theatrical performance of the Ramayana (the epic story of Lord Rama) performed across North India during the Navratri period leading up to Dussehra. The most famous Ram Leela is the Ramlila of Ramnagar (near Varanasi), which has been performed continuously for 200+ years and is recognized by UNESCO. Ram Leela culminates on Dussehra day with the burning of Ravana effigies. The Ram Leela of Delhi is also extremely popular.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is celebrated for two main reasons: Rama's Victory: After a 14-day war, Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana on Vijayadashami and rescued Goddess Sita from Lanka. This represents truth and dharma triumphing over deception and adharma. Durga's Victory: After nine nights of battle (Navratri), Goddess Durga slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura on the tenth day (Dashami). In Bengal, this is the main reason for the festival, celebrated as Durga Puja and concluding with Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami.
What is the connection between Dussehra and Durga Puja?
In West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of northeast India, the tenth day (Dashami) of Navratri is celebrated as Durga Visarjan day rather than the Ram-Ravana victory theme. Durga Puja is celebrated for four days (Saptami to Dashami/Vijaya Dashami), and on Dashami, the clay idols of Goddess Durga (along with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartikeya) are carried to rivers and immersed in water. The immersion (Visarjan) is an emotional farewell to the goddess.
What is Shami tree worship on Dussehra?
On Dussehra, Shami tree (Prosopis spicigera) worship is a traditional ritual. The Shami tree has significance in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata: In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their year of incognito exile. On Vijayadashami, they retrieved their weapons to begin their war campaign. In the Ramayana, the Shami tree is associated with Rama's campaign against Ravana. Worshipping the Shami tree on Dussehra and distributing its leaves is considered auspicious.
How is Dussehra celebrated in Mysuru (Mysore)?
Mysore Dasara (Dussehra) is one of the most spectacular festival celebrations in India, with a history spanning 400+ years from the royal Mysore Kingdom. The 10-day celebration includes: Daily cultural performances, exhibitions, and processions. The Golden Elephant procession (Jumbo Savari): The palace elephant carrying the golden howdah with the royal idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari processes through the city. Torch-light parade. The entire Mysore Palace is illuminated with 100,000 lights throughout the festival.
What is the astrological significance of Dussehra?
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is considered one of the three most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar (the other two being Akshaya Tritiya and Ugadi). No muhurat consultation is needed on this day - it is considered self-auspicious (Swayam Siddha Muhurat). Starting new ventures, buying gold or property, learning a new skill, getting a new vehicle, or beginning new weapons or tools on Dussehra is highly auspicious. The Sun is in Virgo (Kanya) during Dussehra, which is considered an especially fortifying position.