Dussehra 2026 on 20 October: Vijay Muhurat timings by city and Ravan Dahan details

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 across most of India, including Delhi. The festival marks the close of Navratri and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, with effigies of Ravan burnt at public grounds in many northern cities.

Dashami tithi and the date question

The Dashami tithi begins at about 12:50 pm on 20 October and continues until about 2:11 pm on 21 October, according to Drik Panchang, which lists Tuesday, 20 October, as Vijayadashami for New Delhi. Dainik Jagran’s Ujjain panchang puts the end of the tithi at 2:12 pm on 21 October.

Because the tithi spans two days, local observance varies. Dainik Jagran reported that parts of West Bengal and Mysuru, as well as the Ujjain calendar, mark the day on Wednesday, 21 October. Readers are advised to confirm with their local temple or panchang.

Vijay Muhurat timings by city (20 October)

The Vijay Muhurat, regarded as the most auspicious window for worship and new beginnings on this day, lasts about 45 minutes. City-wise timings published by Dainik Jagran are:

• New Delhi: 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm
• Noida: 1:59 pm to 2:44 pm
• Mumbai: 2:19 pm to 3:06 pm
• Bengaluru: 2:02 pm to 2:49 pm
• Chennai: 1:52 pm to 2:39 pm
• Kolkata: 1:17 pm to 2:03 pm
• Jaipur: 2:06 pm to 2:51 pm

For those following the Ujjain calendar on 21 October, the newspaper listed a Vijay Muhurat of 2:05 pm to 2:50 pm and an Aparahna period for puja from 1:19 pm to 3:36 pm.

Ravan Dahan and regional customs

None of the sources gives a fixed muhurat for Ravan Dahan. Dainik Jagran noted that the timing of the effigy burning depends on local custom and on the schedule chosen by the committees organising each event. Effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are traditionally set alight at large public gatherings, the report added.

Sources: Dainik Jagran English, The Economic Times (via inkl), Drik Panchang