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when is dashera

Dussehra (also spelled Dashera / Dasara / Vijayadashami) in 2026 falls in October , but exact dates can differ slightly by tradition, region, and which panchang (Hindu calendar) is followed.

Quick Scoop: When is Dashera?

Most commonly cited dates for Dussehra 2026 are:

  • Tuesday, 20 October 2026 – widely given in Hindu festival date references and calendar sites.
  • Some regional or educational resources mention early October 2026 (for example, 2 October) based on different local calendar calculations.

Because Dussehra is based on the Dashami tithi of the Ashwin month (Hindu lunar calendar), local observance can shift by a day depending on:

  • The panchang used.
  • Your location/time zone.
  • Whether the community follows a particular sampradaya or regional tradition.

For planning travel or puja, it is safest to confirm with a local temple or regional Hindu calendar close to the time.

What Dussehra Commemorates

  • Marks the victory of good over evil , associated with:
    • Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
* Goddess **Durga’s victory over Mahishasura** (hence also called Vijayadashami).
  • Celebrated with:
    • Burning effigies of Ravana.
    • Ram Lila performances and processions.
    • Special pujas and community gatherings.

Timing & Muhurat (Why Times Differ)

Traditional references for 2026 also specify auspicious time windows (muhurat) for puja on that Dashami tithi, which is why you may see:

  • Specific afternoon or Aparahna periods recommended for worship and rituals.

These muhurats are calculated using:

  • Local sunrise/sunset times.
  • Start and end of the Dashami tithi for that location.

Regional Angle & “Latest News” Flavor

In recent years, online forums and local news often discuss:

  • Which city has the biggest Ramlila or Ravana effigy that year.
  • Travel buzz around famous celebrations like Mysore Dussehra in Karnataka, known for royal processions and cultural events.

As 2026 gets closer, expect:

  • Event schedules, traffic advisories and public-holiday notifications in India mentioning Dussehra dates and major city celebrations.

TL;DR:
For 2026, Dussehra/Dashera is generally placed in October , with many major calendars giving Tuesday, 20 October 2026 as the key date, but local practice can vary, so double‑check with a local temple or regional Hindu calendar nearer the time.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.