Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra and Dashami, is one of the major festivals of Sanatan Dharma. It is considered a symbol of the victory of Dharma over Adharma and good over evil.
According to religious belief, Lord Shri Rama defeated Ravana, the king of Lanka, and ended his rule of Adharma. Vijayadashami is celebrated to remember this victory.
If you want to know when Vijayadashami 2026 is, when Dussehra 2026 is, what the auspicious Vijay Muhurat is, when Ravana Dahan will be performed, how to perform Vijayadashami Puja, what the mythological story of Vijayadashami is, and what the religious significance of this festival is, this article provides all the important information about Vijayadashami 2026 in detail.
When is Vijayadashami 2026?
Vijayadashami is observed on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. On this day, devotees remember Lord Shri Rama's victory and the establishment of Dharma.
In 2026, Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20.
On this day, Lord Shri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman are worshipped in many places. In the evening, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burned.
Vijayadashami 2026 Date and Auspicious Muhurat
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) Date: October 20, 2026, Tuesday
• Dashami Tithi Begins: October 20, 2026, at 12:51 P.M.
• Dashami Tithi Ends: October 21, 2026, at 02:13 P.M.
• Vijay Muhurat: October 20, 2026, from 02:20 P.M. to 03:06 P.M.
• Ravana Dahan: Ravana Dahan is generally performed during Pradosh Kaal, after sunset. The local timing may vary depending on the city, event and local Panchang.
The exact time for Vijayadashami Puja and other religious activities may vary by location. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local Panchang for the exact timings in your city.
For the Vijayadashami 2026 date, Vijay Muhurat and exact timings according to your city:See the Sanatan Jyoti Panchang.
What is Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami is also known as Dussehra. This festival is observed on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.
In religious tradition, Vijayadashami is associated with Lord Shri Rama's victory over Ravana. Ravana is considered a symbol of Adharma and tyranny, while Shri Rama is worshipped as a symbol of Dharma, righteousness and truth.
The burning of Ravana's effigy on this day gives the message of the end of evil and Adharma.
Vijayadashami is not only a religious festival. It also inspires people to follow the path of truth, Dharma and good conduct.
Why is Vijayadashami Celebrated?
The main religious belief behind Vijayadashami is Lord Shri Rama's victory over Ravana.
According to the religious story, Ravana and his demonic army spread tyranny and Adharma across the three worlds. The gods and other beings were troubled by his actions. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Shri Rama to restore Dharma and defeat Ravana.
During his exile, Shri Rama defeated many demons. Later, after Ravana abducted Mata Sita, Shri Rama fought a war against him. After the battle in Lanka, Shri Rama defeated Ravana.
Shri Rama's victory over Ravana is considered the victory of Dharma over Adharma. This is why the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Ashwin is celebrated as Vijayadashami.
What is the Religious Significance of Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami is considered a symbol of the victory of Dharma, truth and righteousness.
The message of this festival is not limited to the defeat of Ravana. It inspires people to overcome the ego, anger, greed, attachment and other negative tendencies within themselves.
On Vijayadashami, people remember Lord Shri Rama and resolve to follow Dharma and good conduct in their lives.
Religious activities performed on this day may be followed according to one's family traditions and faith.
What is the Story of Ravana's Origin?
To understand the story of Vijayadashami, the religious story related to Ravana's origin is also considered important.
In ancient times, a king named Satyaketu ruled the kingdom of Kekaya. He had two sons. The elder son was named Pratapabhanu, and the younger son was named Arimardana.
They were noble, powerful, and skilled warriors. Satyaketu handed the kingdom over to his elder son, Pratapabhanu, who ruled according to Dharma. He had a very wise minister named Dharmaruchi and had defeated many kings in battle.
One day, King Pratapabhanu went hunting in the dense forests of Vindhyachal. He killed many deer there. In the same forest, he saw a wild boar that was very strong and healthy. While chasing it, the king reached a very dense part of the forest. There, he saw a small hermitage.
A king whom Pratapabhanu had defeated in battle was living in that hermitage in disguise as a sage. He was staying there to take revenge. A magical demon named Kalaketu was his friend, and Kalaketu had taken the form of the wild boar.
Exhausted and thirsty, the king reached the hermitage. The disguised sage recognized Pratapabhanu, but the king believed that he was a real sage. To take revenge, the sage spoke to the king and gained his trust. He told him that he had been living in that forest since the creation of the world.
"My name is Ekatanu. I am very pleased with you. Ask me for a boon." The king believed in the sage and asked him for the boon of being invincible and immortal. The dishonest sage said that the king would not be destroyed unless he was cursed by Brahmins.
The king then asked how the Brahmins could be brought under his control. The sage told him to invite all the Brahmins of his kingdom to a feast. He said that he would prepare the food and serve them. Once the Brahmins were satisfied, they would come under the king's control and he would never be destroyed. The sage then said that he would not come in the form of a sage and asked the king to sleep. He promised to use his magical powers to send the king quickly back to his kingdom.
Kalaketu then used his magic to take the king and his horse back to the palace. The next day, the disguised sage sent Kalaketu to prepare food in the kingdom. Kalaketu used his magical powers to prepare a large amount of food.
The king invited all the Brahmins of his kingdom, along with their families, to the feast. Using his magic, Kalaketu prepared countless dishes and secretly mixed animal meat into the food. As the Brahmins sat down to eat, Kalaketu created a voice from the sky that said, "O Brahmins! Do not eat this food. It contains the flesh of Brahmins."
When the Brahmins heard the voice, they cursed King Pratapabhanu and his family to become demons.
However, the king was innocent and had been deceived. He always followed Dharma and respected the Brahmins. Therefore, another voice from the sky said, "O Brahmins! You have wrongly cursed the king. The king is not at fault. He has been deceived."
After hearing the voice, the Brahmins were shocked. The king immediately went to his kitchen, but there was no food and no cook there. Seeing this, the king became extremely frightened. He told the Brahmins everything that had happened and then fainted on the ground. Taking advantage of the situation, the disguised king and Kalaketu used their magic to create an army, surround the kingdom and kill everyone.
No one from Satyaketu's family survived. Because of the Brahmins' curse, the mighty and powerful Pratapabhanu was reborn as the demon Ravana. His brother Arimardana became the huge and powerful Kumbhakarna, while his minister Dharmaruchi became his half-brother Vibhishana.
Why did Lord Vishnu Take Birth as Shri Rama?
Ravana performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva and received a boon that no one except a human or a monkey could kill him.
After receiving the boon from Lord Shiva, Ravana became arrogant. Because of his pride, Ravana and his demonic clan began spreading tyranny across the three worlds.
Because of their fear, people could no longer perform Yajnas and religious rituals properly, and the Vedas could not be recited freely. Ravana's tyranny caused great suffering across the three worlds. His fear allowed Adharma to spread everywhere, leaving little room for Dharma.
The Earth was also suffering because of Ravana's actions. However, she could not speak because of his power and fear. Unable to bear the suffering, the Earth took the form of a cow and went to Lord Brahma along with the gods.
Lord Brahma said that only Lord Vishnu could defeat this powerful tyrant.
The gods then joined together and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Vishnu told the gods not to worry and to return to their respective worlds. He promised to take human form to remove their suffering.
He said that he had previously blessed Sage Kashyapa and Aditi after being pleased with their penance. They had been born as King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. Lord Vishnu promised to be born as their son along with his divine aspects and defeat the demon.
The words of Lord Vishnu gave everyone hope, and the gods returned to their respective worlds. At the appropriate time, Lord Vishnu was born in Ayodhya as Shri Rama, along with his divine aspects, to King Dasharatha.
Lord Shri Rama, who was skilled in divine Leela, also fulfilled the curse given by Narada and experienced the pain of separation from his wife, Sita. Shri Rama remained within the limits of Dharma and destroyed many demons, bringing an end to Adharma.
Ravana knew that the Lord would eventually come to free him. Ravana had abducted Sita, but according to this religious tradition, he regarded her as his mother.
He wanted to free his entire demonic clan. He believed that there was no other way for him to attain liberation except through the hands of Shri Rama, and therefore he abducted Mata Sita. Shri Rama freed the demons from their demonic existence and destroyed Adharma. Vijayadashami is still celebrated today as a symbol of this victory of good over evil.
The War Between Shri Rama and Ravana
After Mata Sita was abducted, Lord Shri Rama marched toward Lanka with the help of the Vanara army.
A fierce battle took place between Shri Rama and Ravana's armies. The war continued for several days. Finally, Lord Shri Rama defeated Ravana.
Ravana's death is seen as the end of Adharma and the victory of Dharma. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Ashwin to remember this victory.
On this day, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burned in many places.
Why is Ravana Dahan Performed on Vijayadashami?
Ravana Dahan is seen as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
According to the religious story, Ravana was extremely powerful and knowledgeable. However, his ego and Adharma ultimately led to his downfall. Therefore, Ravana Dahan gives the message that knowledge and power alone are not enough. They must be used on the path of Dharma and good conduct.
In many places, effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are also burned along with Ravana.
The exact time of Ravana Dahan may vary according to the local event, sunset and Pradosh Kaal. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local event schedule and Panchang for the exact timing in your city.
What is Vijay Muhurat?
Vijay Muhurat is considered a special auspicious period on Vijayadashami.
Vijay Muhurat on Vijayadashami 2026:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - 02:20 P.M. to 03:06 P.M.
According to religious traditions, this period is considered important for auspicious activities and resolutions related to victory.
However, when deciding the Muhurat for a specific Puja, ritual or activity, it is advisable to consider the local Panchang and location.
Which Deities are Worshipped on Vijayadashami?
The tradition of worshipping on Vijayadashami varies across different regions and families.
Many families remember and worship Lord Shri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman on this day.
In some parts of South India, traditions related to Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja are also followed on Vijayadashami.
For detailed information about Ayudha Puja, read our blog:What is Ayudha Puja?
For complete information about Saraswati Puja, read our article:Why is Saraswati Puja Performed?
According to family traditions, devotees may remember God, perform Puja and Aarti, and offer prayers.
What Should You Do on Vijayadashami?
On Vijayadashami, according to your faith and family traditions:
• Remember Lord Shri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman.
• Perform Puja and Aarti according to your tradition.
• You may perform an auspicious activity or make a religious resolution during Vijay Muhurat.
• Take part in Ravana Dahan and understand its message of the victory of Dharma.
• Celebrate the festival with your family.
• Help people in need and perform charity according to your ability.
• Resolve to remove negative tendencies from your life.
• Seek the blessings of elderly family members.
What Should You Avoid on Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami is a festival celebrating the victory of Dharma and good conduct. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to avoid unnecessary anger, arguments, harsh behavior and actions that may harm others.
Religious activities should be performed with faith and according to family traditions.
When attending Ravana Dahan or any public event, follow the instructions of the local administration and all necessary safety rules.
What is the Message of Vijayadashami?
The most important message of Vijayadashami is that Dharma and truth ultimately prevail.
Ravana was extremely powerful and knowledgeable, but his ego and Adharma became the cause of his downfall. Lord Shri Rama, on the other hand, achieved victory by following righteousness, truth and Dharma.
Therefore, Vijayadashami inspires us to overcome ego, anger, greed, attachment and other negative tendencies in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vijayadashami 2026
1. When is Vijayadashami in 2026?
Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
2. When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
3. What is the Vijay Muhurat for Vijayadashami 2026?
The Vijay Muhurat for Vijayadashami 2026 is from 02:20 P.M. to 03:06 P.M. on October 20.
4. When will the Dashami Tithi begin in 2026?
The Dashami Tithi will begin at 12:51 P.M. on October 20, 2026.
5. When will the Dashami Tithi end in 2026?
The Dashami Tithi will end at 02:13 P.M. on October 21, 2026.
6. Why is Ravana Dahan performed on Vijayadashami?
Ravana Dahan is considered a symbol of Lord Shri Rama's victory over Ravana and the victory of good over evil and Dharma over Adharma.
7. When is Ravana Dahan performed on Vijayadashami?
Ravana Dahan is generally performed during Pradosh Kaal after sunset. The exact time may vary according to the location and local event.
8. Which deities are worshipped on Vijayadashami?
Many families remember and worship Lord Shri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman on Vijayadashami. The Puja method may vary according to regional and family traditions.
9. Why is Vijayadashami celebrated?
Vijayadashami is celebrated to remember Lord Shri Rama's victory over Ravana and the victory of Dharma over Adharma. The festival is considered a symbol of the victory of truth and good conduct.
10. What is the religious significance of Vijayadashami?
Vijayadashami conveys the message of the victory of Dharma, truth and goodness. It inspires people to overcome ego, anger, greed and other negative tendencies.
Vijayadashami is an important festival in Sanatan Dharma. It conveys the message of the victory of Dharma over Adharma and good over evil.
Vijayadashami 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20. The Vijay Muhurat will be from 02:20 P.M. to 03:06 P.M. The Dashami Tithi will begin at 12:51 P.M. on October 20 and continue until 02:13 P.M. on October 21.
Ravana Dahan is generally performed after sunset during Pradosh Kaal. The exact time is decided according to the local event schedule and Panchang.
The true message of Vijayadashami is not limited to the burning of Ravana's effigy. It inspires us to remove Adharma, ego and negative tendencies from our lives and follow the path of truth, Dharma, righteousness and good conduct.
Heartfelt wishes for Vijayadashami 2026.
