Festival guide
Dussehra
Dussehra, the tenth day of the bright half of Ashwin, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is considered an auspicious day to start new learning or ventures.
Dussehra dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday 20 October | Ashwin Shukla Dashami 20 Oct, 12:50 → 21 Oct, 14:12 |
| 2027 | Saturday 9 October | Ashwin Shukla Dashami 9 Oct, 09:02 → 10 Oct, 11:41 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi in the afternoon (aparahna).
Also known as: Vijayadashami, Dasara.
Story and significance
It commemorates Rama’s victory over Ravana and Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas retrieved their weapons from the shami tree on this day.
How Dussehra is celebrated
- Burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna after Ramlila performances
- Shastra puja — worship of tools, weapons and vehicles
- Immersion of Durga images in Bengal
- Exchanging shami or apta leaves as “gold” in Maharashtra and Karnataka
- The royal Mysuru Dasara procession
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Dussehra 2027?
Dussehra 2027 falls on Saturday, 9 October 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Dussehra change every year?
Dussehra is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha tithi 10 of Ashwin (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Dussehra fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.