Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 — Dhanbad
Dussehra or Vijayadashami, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura — the victory of good over evil.
In 2026, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
- Aparahna muhurat: 20 Oct 2026, 12:50 PM to 2:56 PM
- Shukla Dashami begins: 20 Oct 2026, 12:50 PM
- Shukla Dashami ends: 21 Oct 2026, 2:12 PM
Date and timings for Dhanbad.
How the date is fixed
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Shukla Dashami of Ashwin. The day is decided by the tithi prevailing in the afternoon (aparahna, the fourth fifth of the day). When the tithi touches that time on two days, the day it covers more is used.
Calculated for Dhanbad. Festival dates can differ by a day between cities and between regional traditions; your family priest's panchang has the final word.
How it is celebrated
Effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burned after the Ramlila; people worship weapons and tools (ayudha puja), exchange shami or apta leaves as "gold", and begin new learning. The Vijay muhurat in the afternoon (aparahna) is considered best for new beginnings.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) in 2026?
In 2026, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. (Dhanbad)
Why do calendars sometimes show different dates for Dussehra (Vijayadashami)?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar tithi, which begins and ends at different clock times. Each festival has a rule about which part of the day the tithi must cover — sunrise, midday, dusk or midnight. When the tithi straddles two days, calendars that apply the rule for a different city, or a different tradition, can land on different days. We show the rule we used and the tithi timings so you can check.