Hindu festival
Dussehra
Also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
In short
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. It honours two triumphs remembered on the same day: Rama's defeat of the demon-king Ravana of Lanka, told in Valmiki's Ramayana, and Goddess Durga's slaying of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Dussehra at a glance
- Dussehra 2026
- Monday, 19 October 2026in 39 days
- Tithi / rule
- Dashami (10th tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in Ashwin, the day after the nine nights of Navratri
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Rama
- Significance
- Victory of good over evil, and of dharma over pride.
- Region
- Celebrated across India; Ramlila in the north, Durga Puja in the east.
The tenth day of the Navratri cycle. In the north, effigies of Ravana are burned; it is also Vijayadashami, the Goddess's day of victory.
The story of Dussehra
The most widely told story of Dussehra comes from Valmiki's Ramayana. Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, carried off Sita, the devoted wife of Rama, prince of Ayodhya. To win her back, Rama crossed to Lanka with his brother Lakshmana and an army of vanaras led by Hanuman and Sugriva, and a great war began.
The fighting was long and costly. Ravana sent his towering brother Kumbhakarna, roused from his months-long sleep, into the field, and Rama cut him down with a storm of arrows. Ravana's son Meghnad, called Indrajit for once defeating Indra himself, fought with terrible sorcery and slipped in and out of sight; he was finally struck down by Lakshmana, guided by Ravana's own righteous brother Vibhishana, who had crossed to Rama's side.
How is Dussehra celebrated?
In much of northern and western India, the weeks before Dussehra fill with Ramlila, open-air enactments of Rama's story, closing on the tenth day when towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, packed with firecrackers, are set ablaze at sunset. In the east, the day is Vijayadashami, the close of Durga Puja, when clay images of the Goddess are carried in procession and immersed in rivers and the sea. Many families also honour their tools, books and instruments, and the day is considered especially auspicious for beginning new ventures.
Characters in the story
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ श्री रामाय नमः
oṃ śrī rāmāya namaḥ
I bow to Sri Rama, embodiment of dharma and gentle strength.
More Hindu festivals
About Dussehra
Why is Dussehra / Vijayadashami celebrated?
Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil. Tradition remembers two triumphs on this same tenth day: Rama's defeat of the demon-king Ravana of Lanka, told in Valmiki's Ramayana, and Goddess Durga's slaying of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura after nine nights of war. It marks dharma winning over pride and cruelty.
What is the story of Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
The best-known story, from Valmiki's Ramayana, tells how Ravana abducted Sita, and Rama waged a long war to free her. Ravana's brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad fell in the fighting, and on the tenth day Rama killed Ravana himself, rescuing Sita and restoring righteousness.
How is Dussehra / Vijayadashami celebrated?
In the north and west, communities stage Ramlila plays for days and burn giant firecracker-filled effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad at sunset. In the east it is Vijayadashami, the last day of Durga Puja, when images of the Goddess are immersed. Many also worship their tools and begin new work.
Who is worshipped on Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
Two divine figures are honoured. Devotees of Rama celebrate his victory as an avatar of Vishnu, while in the Devi tradition the Goddess Durga is worshipped for slaying Mahishasura. In many homes the day also blesses the tools, books and instruments of one's craft, a custom linked to Ayudha Puja.
When is Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026?
In 2026, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, 20 October. By rule it is the tenth day, Dashami, of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin, coming immediately after the nine nights of Navratri.
What does Vijayadashami mean?
Vijayadashami combines 'vijaya', meaning victory, and 'dashami', the tenth day. The name marks the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, on which both Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura are remembered. It is, literally, the day of triumph.
Why are effigies of Ravana burned on Dussehra?
The effigies represent Ravana, the ten-headed king who abducted Sita, along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad, all of whom fell in the war of the Ramayana. Burning them each year enacts the destruction of arrogance and cruelty, and the renewed victory of good over evil.
What is the connection between Navratri and Dussehra?
Navratri is the nine nights honouring the Goddess in her many forms, recalling Durga's long battle with Mahishasura. Dussehra is the tenth day that immediately follows, celebrating her victory, and Rama's over Ravana. The nine nights of struggle lead to the tenth day of triumph.
Mark Dussehra with Bhagavan
Ask about the festival's meaning, its deity, or a verse or mantra to observe the day — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan