Dussehra 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Tithi Timings, Rituals And Mantras

Many of us eagerly await for the Dussehra festival to celebrate this colourful floral festival with our families and friends. As it brings the long holiday season, most of them flew to their home towns and spend some quality time with their parents. On the other hand, Dussehra also ups the festive fervour with cheerful dandiyas and colourful bathukammas. Goddess Durga is worshipped for nine days during this Navaratri and holds a special place in Indian traditions. This festival is celebrated in both North and South states according to their native traditions and rituals.

Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami that brings along Lord Rama’s win over Ravana which signifies the battle of Good Vs Bad. And thus, Ravan Dahan is specially celebrated in many cities. It reminds us the path of courage, righteousness and truth.

This year, Dussehra is celebrated on Tuesday i.e on 20th October, 2026. But in some states like West Bengal, it is observed on Wednesday according to their traditional panchangam. Let us also check out the puja muhurat and Dashami timings of this festival:

The Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21. In many parts of North, West and Central India, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20, as the auspicious afternoon period for Vijayadashami rituals falls on that day.

Thus, the festival date may vary across regions depending on local customs and Panchang calculations.

Dussehra 2026: Puja Muhurat And Tithi Timings:

Dussehra 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 on October 20

Aparahna Puja Time: 1:14 PM to 3:30 PM on October 20

Dussehra 2026: Puja Vidhi And Rituals

On the occasion of Dussehra, Goddess Durga is worshipped for nine days in nine different forms. Devotees perform special poojas and offer delicious prasadams to Goddess Durga for their well-being! Well, Aparajita Puja and Shami tree worship are also considered significant during Vijayadashami in several traditions. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings before beginning new ventures or important activities.

On the other hand, Ramlila performances are organised in many parts of North India, narrating the key episodes from the Ramayana. The celebrations often conclude with Ravana Dahan, in which effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burned to symbolise the destruction of evil. The exact timings of these events depend on local arrangements.

Mantras To Chant On Vijayadashami:

1. Lord Rama Mantra

“Om Shri Ramaya Namah”

2. Shri Ram Nama Chant

“Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram”

Well, Dussehra is more than a festival to the people of our country as it brings us closer and adds loads and loads of memories to our kitty!