Why is Vijayadashami also called Dussehra?

Dussehra comes from 'dasha' (ten) and 'hara' (defeat), marking the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana. Vijayadashami means the tenth day of victory, celebrating good triumphing over evil.

On which tithi does Vijayadashami fall?

It falls on the Dashami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, right after Sharad Navratri, usually in late September or October. Check the exact date on the Vandnaa Panchang.

What is Shastra Puja on Dussehra?

Shastra Puja is the cleaning and worship of tools, weapons, books, vehicles or instruments of one's livelihood. It honours the means of our work and seeks blessings for success and protection.

Why is the Shami tree worshipped on Vijayadashami?

The Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree during exile, and Lord Rama is said to have worshipped it before battle. Worshipping Shami invokes victory, courage and prosperity.

Why is Dussehra considered auspicious for new beginnings?

Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious muhurats of the year. The Vijaya Muhurat is ideal for buying property or vehicles, starting work or beginning Vidyarambha for children.

What does burning the Ravana effigy symbolise?

Burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad symbolises destroying arrogance, sloth and false pride - and a call to burn our own inner faults like ego and anger.

Vijayadashami Dussehra 2026 | Significance & Puja Vidhi

What Is Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Vijayadashami, popularly called Dussehra, is one of the most important Hindu festivals, marking the eternal triumph of good over evil. It honours two great victories - Lord Rama's slaying of the demon king Ravana, and Maa Durga's defeat of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura after nine nights of battle. The very name Vijaya-dashami means 'the tenth day of victory', and it is regarded as one of the most auspicious days to begin any new venture.

Tithi and When Dussehra Falls in 2026

Vijayadashami falls on the Dashami (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) in the month of Ashwin, immediately after the nine days of Sharad Navratri. In the Gregorian calendar this usually falls in late September or October. The festival is celebrated during the Vijaya Muhurat in the afternoon, which is considered the most powerful time to start new tasks. Confirm the exact date and Vijaya Muhurat timings for your city on the Vandnaa Panchang.

The Katha - Two Great Victories

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Maa Durga before battle and, on this day, slew the ten-headed Ravana to rescue Sita and end his tyranny over the world. In the Devi Mahatmya, Maa Durga fought the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura for nine nights and destroyed him on the tenth day, becoming Mahishasura Mardini. Both stories carry one message - however mighty evil grows, righteousness (dharma) ultimately wins.

Vijayadashami Puja Vidhi

Perform the puja during the Vijaya Muhurat: 1. Bathe, wear clean clothes and clean the puja space and threshold. 2. Place an image of Lord Rama or Maa Durga and offer a tilak, flowers, roli, akshat (rice) and a ghee lamp. 3. Offer seasonal sweets, jaggery and fruits as bhog. 4. Worship the Shami tree and the Apta (Bidi) leaves, exchanging them as a symbol of gold and goodwill. 5. Perform Shastra Puja - clean and honour tools, books, vehicles or instruments of your work. 6. Pray for victory over inner faults like anger, greed and ego, and seek blessings for a new beginning.

Ravana Dahan, Shami and Apta Tradition

In the evening, towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burned in public grounds, symbolising the destruction of arrogance, sloth and false pride. Worshipping the Shami tree recalls how the Pandavas hid their weapons in it during exile and the legend of Lord Rama's Shami worship before battle. Exchanging Apta leaves as 'sona' (gold) carries wishes for prosperity and harmony, mending relationships within families and communities.

Mantras for Vijayadashami

Chant these on Vijayadashami for victory and protection:

Om Aparajitayai Namah

Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute.

A simple Rama mantra for the day is Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. Reciting the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram or Durga Chalisa completes the worship beautifully.

Significance and Benefits

Vijayadashami is one of the three-and-a-half most auspicious muhurats of the year, ideal for buying property or vehicles, starting a business, beginning studies (Vidyarambha) or any important task. Spiritually, the day reminds us to burn our own 'inner Ravana' - ego, anger and bad habits. Worship on this day is believed to bring courage, success, protection from enemies and the blessings of a fresh, righteous start.

Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 2026 - Significance & Puja Vidhi