TL;DR — Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil — Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura — on the tenth day after Navratri, Tuesday, 20 October 2026. It is one of the most auspicious days of the year (an abuja muhurat) to begin anything new — a venture, a course of study, a purchase. Shop idols, rudraksha for new beginnings, and gemstones at Divine Hindu, Jayanagar.
Vijayadashami — the “tenth day of victory” — is among the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It marks the triumph of righteousness over evil and is traditionally the perfect day to start a new venture, learn a new skill, or buy something meaningful, as anything begun on this day is believed to end in victory. Here is the complete guide from our Jayanagar desk.
Dussehra 2026 date
In 2026, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashvin, immediately after the nine days of Navratri. The Vijaya Muhurat is observed in the afternoon; check your local panchang for the exact timing in your city.
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra carries two great victories: Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s slaying of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. Both tell the same eternal truth — that good ultimately triumphs over evil. The burning of Ravana effigies (Ravana Dahan) symbolises destroying the ego, greed and negativity within.
How Dussehra is celebrated
| Tradition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ravana Dahan | Burning Ravana effigies — the victory of good and the burning away of inner vices. |
| Shastra & Vahan Puja | Worship of tools, instruments and vehicles — honouring the means of livelihood. |
| Vidya Aarambh | An auspicious day to begin learning, music, art or a new course (Saraswati’s blessing). |
| New beginnings | Starting ventures, signing deals, buying gold/vehicles — an abuja muhurat. |
| Aparajita & Shami puja | Worship for victory, strength and prosperity. |
Auspicious beginnings on Vijayadashami
Because Dussehra is an abuja muhurat — auspicious all day without needing a specific time — it is ideal for new starts. Begin a venture with an 8 Mukhi Rudraksha (Ganesha, remover of obstacles) or refresh your business and wealth setup; students can begin Vidya Aarambh with a 4 Mukhi Rudraksha and the Gayatri mantra; and it is a blessed day to bring home a new idol for the mandir.
Begin Something New this Vijayadashami
Idols, rudraksha for new ventures & certified gemstones — online with free shipping, or visit us in Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
Shop at Divine Hindu, Jayanagar →Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dussehra in 2026?
In 2026, Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashvin, immediately after the nine days of Navratri. The Vijaya Muhurat is traditionally observed in the afternoon. As exact timings vary by location, it is best to check your local panchang for the precise Vijaya Muhurat in your city.
Why is Dussehra considered auspicious for new beginnings?
Dussehra is considered an abuja muhurat, meaning the entire day is auspicious without needing a specific time. Because it celebrates the victory of good over evil, anything begun on this day is traditionally believed to end in success and victory. This makes it ideal for starting a new venture or job, beginning studies, music or art through Vidya Aarambh, performing Shastra and vehicle puja, and buying gold, vehicles or auspicious items.
What is the significance of Dussehra?
Dussehra marks two great victories of good over evil: Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s slaying of the demon Mahishasura. The burning of Ravana effigies, known as Ravana Dahan, symbolises destroying the ego, greed and negativity within oneself. The festival celebrates the eternal truth that righteousness ultimately triumphs, and inspires devotees to overcome their own inner vices.
Visit us or order online
For idols, rudraksha for new beginnings and certified gemstones this Vijayadashami, visit Divine Hindu Store, Jayanagar 3rd Block East, Bengaluru 560011, or shop our idols and rudraksha collections online with free shipping across India. Related reading: 8 Mukhi Rudraksha for New Ventures · Rudraksha for Business & Wealth.