Dussehra 2026: Ravana Dahan Time, Durga Visarjan Muhurat and Auspicious Yoga

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. The day celebrates the victory of good over evil and holds special importance for devotees of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga.

In 2026, Dussehra will be observed on Tuesday, October 20, according to the commonly followed North Indian calendar. Devotees will perform Vijayadashami puja, participate in Ramlila celebrations, witness Ravana Dahan and, in many regions, perform Durga Visarjan.

As the festival approaches, many people want to know the correct time for Ravana Dahan, the auspicious Muhurat for Durga Visarjan and the planetary or Panchang combinations associated with the day.

Here is everything you need to know about Dussehra 2026, including important timings, the yoga formed on Vijayadashami and the religious significance of the festival.

When Is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20, 2026, Tuesday, in most parts of North India.

The festival falls on the tenth day, known as Dashami, of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. It marks the conclusion of Sharad Navratri and is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

According to the New Delhi Panchang, Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21.

Although the lunar date continues into the following afternoon, Vijayadashami is observed on October 20 in the commonly followed North Indian calendar. In Bengal, the timing and observance of Durga Puja rituals may follow regional traditions and a different calendar calculation.

Dussehra 2026: Important Dates and Timings

Here are the key timings for Vijayadashami according to the New Delhi Panchang:

Festival: Dussehra or Vijayadashami

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Dashami Tithi begins: 12:50 PM on October 20

Dashami Tithi ends: 2:11 PM on October 21

Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM

Aparahna Puja Time: 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM

Sunset in New Delhi: Approximately 5:46 PM

These timings are location-specific. Check your local Panchang before planning religious ceremonies.

What Is the Auspicious Time for Ravana Dahan in 2026?

Ravana Dahan is one of the main attractions of Dussehra, particularly in North India. On this day, effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are traditionally burned to symbolise the destruction of arrogance, injustice and evil.

Ravana Dahan is generally performed after sunset during the evening celebrations, often following the conclusion of Ramlila performances.

In New Delhi, sunset on October 20 is expected at approximately 5:46 PM. Public celebrations and the exact time of the effigy burning will depend on the arrangements made by local Ramlila committees.

Devotees planning to attend an event should check the official announcement from their local organisers rather than treating a single evening time as applicable everywhere.

Why Is Ravana Dahan Performed on Dussehra?

According to the Ramayana tradition, Lord Rama defeated Ravana after a battle in Lanka and rescued Goddess Sita. The victory is remembered as a triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing.

The burning of Ravana's effigy carries a symbolic message. It encourages people to overcome qualities such as anger, greed, pride and dishonesty.

For many families, watching Ravana Dahan is also an important cultural tradition that brings communities together through religious performances and celebrations.

Durga Visarjan 2026: Date and Auspicious Muhurat

Durga Visarjan marks the ceremonial farewell to Goddess Durga after the Durga Puja festivities. Devotees offer prayers, seek the Goddess's blessings and bid farewell to the deity with the hope of welcoming her again the following year.

In many North Indian traditions, Durga Visarjan takes place on Vijayadashami, October 20, 2026.

The New Delhi Panchang lists the following relevant time windows:

Aparahna Puja: 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM

Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM

These are important windows for Vijayadashami-related worship. The exact Durga Visarjan Muhurat can vary by location and the specific ritual being performed.

In West Bengal and some other regions, Durga Visarjan follows the local Durga Puja schedule and ritual traditions. Therefore, devotees should consult their regional Puja committee or local Panchang for the final immersion schedule.

What Is the Significance of Durga Visarjan?

Durga Visarjan represents the conclusion of the Goddess's annual visit to her devotees. The ritual is performed with devotion, gratitude and prayers for happiness, prosperity and protection.

In many communities, the farewell ceremony includes devotional songs, processions and traditional greetings. The immersion also reflects the Hindu understanding of the cycle of arrival, departure and renewal.

When participating in immersion ceremonies, devotees should follow local arrangements and use designated immersion facilities wherever available.

Which Auspicious Yoga Is Forming on Dussehra 2026?

The Panchang is used to determine the Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and other details associated with a particular day.

According to the New Delhi Panchang, Shravana Nakshatra continues until approximately 6:02 PM on October 20, 2026. Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM that day, so the festival's important daytime rituals coincide with the Dashami period and Shravana Nakshatra.

The Panchang also lists Shula Yoga until approximately 12:49 AM on October 21. Shula Yoga should not automatically be described as an auspicious yoga; its interpretation depends on the specific activity and astrological tradition.

What Is the Importance of Shravana Nakshatra?

Shravana Nakshatra is traditionally associated with listening, learning, knowledge and spiritual understanding.

Its presence on Vijayadashami adds an astrological detail to the day's Panchang. However, the religious significance of Dussehra comes primarily from its association with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

People who follow astrology may consult a knowledgeable astrologer or a reliable local Panchang for guidance on specific ceremonies.

Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026

Vijay Muhurat is considered an important period for worship and certain auspicious activities on Vijayadashami.

For New Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat on October 20, 2026, is 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM.

During this period, devotees may perform traditional Aparajita Puja and Shami Puja, according to their family customs. Some people also consider this period suitable for beginning a new project or undertaking an important task.

The name Vijay Muhurat is associated with victory and success. Nevertheless, the outcome of any undertaking depends on practical circumstances and individual effort, rather than timing alone.

How Is Dussehra Celebrated Across India?

Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across the country, reflecting India's rich cultural diversity.

Ravana Dahan in North India

In many northern states, people attend Ramlila performances that narrate episodes from the Ramayana. The celebrations often conclude with the burning of Ravana's effigy.

Durga Visarjan in Eastern India

In West Bengal and neighbouring regions, Vijayadashami marks the farewell to Goddess Durga following several days of elaborate Durga Puja celebrations.

Devotees visit decorated pandals, offer prayers and participate in farewell processions.

Ayudha Puja in Southern India

In several southern states, Vijayadashami is associated with Ayudha Puja, during which tools, instruments, vehicles and work-related equipment are worshipped.

The practice expresses gratitude for the objects and skills that support everyday work.

Shami Puja and Traditional Worship

In various parts of India, people worship the Shami tree and perform traditional rituals associated with Vijayadashami. These practices are connected with prosperity, courage and the beginning of new endeavours.

What Should You Do on Dussehra?

Devotees can observe Dussehra by following their family traditions and regional customs.

Offer prayers to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga.

Attend a Ramlila or local Dussehra celebration.

Perform Shami Puja or Aparajita Puja according to tradition.

Spend time with family and exchange festive greetings.

Reflect on personal habits and make an effort to overcome negative behaviour.

Participate responsibly in community celebrations.

Those attending public events should follow safety instructions and keep a safe distance from burning effigies and fireworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in most parts of North India.

2. What is the Vijay Muhurat for Dussehra 2026?

For New Delhi, Vijay Muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM on October 20, 2026.

3. What is the Ravana Dahan time in 2026?

Ravana Dahan is generally performed after sunset on Dussehra. In New Delhi, sunset is approximately 5:46 PM. The actual time of the event depends on local Ramlila arrangements.

4. When is Durga Visarjan in 2026?

In many North Indian traditions, Durga Visarjan is observed on October 20, 2026. Regional Durga Puja traditions may follow different ritual schedules, so check your local Panchang or Puja committee's announcement.

5. Which yoga is formed on Dussehra 2026?

The New Delhi Panchang lists Shula Yoga until approximately 12:49 AM on October 21. Shravana Nakshatra continues until approximately 6:02 PM on October 20. The interpretation of these combinations varies across astrological traditions.

Conclusion

Dussehra 2026 will be observed on October 20, marking the victory of good over evil and the conclusion of Sharad Navratri.

For New Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM, while Ravana Dahan is traditionally performed after sunset. Durga Visarjan follows the appropriate local ritual schedule, which may differ across regions.

Shravana Nakshatra continues into the evening, while the Panchang lists Shula Yoga during the day. Devotees should verify local timings before performing rituals or attending public celebrations.

Beyond its ceremonies, Dussehra carries a timeless message: true victory comes from choosing honesty, courage, compassion and righteousness over pride and wrongdoing.

Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Dussehra 2026!