Dussehra 2026: Why Vijayadashami Is the Day to Begin Something New

QUICK ANSWER Dussehra 2026, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October. In Delhi, the Vijay muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:44 PM. The afternoon puja window runs from 1:13 PM to 3:30 PM. It's one of the most auspicious days of the year to start something new, buy gold or a keepsake, and wear something new.

 

Every Dussehra, my father would buy one new thing for the house. It was never anything grand. A brass lamp one year. A new pen for my exams another year. When I asked him why, he gave me the same answer every time. "Today, whatever you begin, wins."

I didn't understand it then. I do now. I've written about Indian festivals and festive clothes for twenty years. Dussehra is still the day I find most hopeful. It isn't only about Ravan burning on a Ramlila ground. It's about fresh starts.

This guide covers the 2026 date and muhurat. It shares the stories and rituals behind the day and how India celebrates. And it shows you how to dress for each part of it.

Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the day after Navratri ends.

What	Date and time (Delhi)
Dashami tithi begins	20 October, 12:50 PM
Aparahna puja window	20 October, 1:13 PM to 3:30 PM
Vijay muhurat	20 October, 1:59 PM to 2:44 PM
Dashami tithi ends	21 October, 2:12 PM
Bengal's Bijoya Dashami	Wednesday, 21 October
Mysuru Jamboo Savari	Wednesday, 21 October

 

The Vijay muhurat is the short window considered best for starting anything new. The aparahna, or afternoon, window is when Shami puja and Aparajita puja are done.

Dussehra carries more than one story, and that's part of its beauty.

Ram and Ravan. In North India, Dussehra marks the day Lord Ram defeated Ravan, who had taken Sita. Ramlila, the stage telling of the Ramayana, runs for nine nights. It ends with the burning of the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad. UNESCO added Ramlila to its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Durga and Mahishasura. In the East, especially Bengal, the day marks Maa Durga's win over the buffalo demon Mahishasura after nine nights of battle. Vijayadashami is when the goddess is bid farewell and her idol is immersed.

The Pandavas and the Shami tree. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their year in hiding. Arjun took them back on this day. That's where the custom of Shami puja and weapon worship comes from.

Three stories. One idea. Good wins, even after a long fight.

Vijayadashami is one of the sade teen muhurat, the "three and a half" days that are seen as auspicious all day long. The other full days are Gudi Padwa and Akshaya Tritiya. The half day is Bali Pratipada, the day after Diwali.

On these days, many families believe you don't need to check a separate muhurat to begin something. That's why Dussehra is a big day for:

·         Starting a new business or job

·         Buying gold, silver or jewellery

·         Bringing home a new car or two-wheeler

·         Moving into a new home

·         Beginning lessons, music or a new course

In Kerala and parts of South India, small children begin learning on this day. It's called Vidyarambham. Their first letters are written in rice.

And yes, it's a lovely day to buy something you'll keep for years. A piece of couture bought on Vijayadashami feels a little more special. Many of our clients time their wedding orders for this day.

The rituals change from home to home, but these are the most common.

Shami puja

Families worship the Shami tree in the afternoon. In Karnataka and Maharashtra, people exchange Shami or Apta leaves as "sona", or gold, with friends and elders. It's a wish for a rich and happy year.

Aparajita puja

Aparajita means "the undefeated". Devi Aparajita is worshipped in the afternoon of Vijayadashami. Some homes offer the blue Aparajita flower, also known as butterfly pea.

Shastra puja and Ayudha puja

In the North, many Rajput, Sikh-Rajput, Maratha and Gorkha families, and army regiments, worship their weapons. In the South, Ayudha puja honours tools, books, vehicles and machines, usually on Navami.

Ravan Dahan

In Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the evening ends at the Ramlila ground. Huge effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad are set alight, often with fireworks.

Buying something new

Even in homes with no formal puja, most families buy at least one new thing. My father's brass lamp still sits in our mandir.

One of the things I love about Dussehra is how different it looks from city to city.

Place	How it's celebrated	What people wear
Delhi	Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds and in every colony, Ravan Dahan	New suits, sarees and kurtas
Bengal	Bijoya Dashami, Sindoor Khela, visarjan	Red-bordered white sarees
Mysuru	Royal Dasara, Jamboo Savari procession	Mysore silk sarees
Kullu	A week-long fair of village deities that begins on Vijayadashami	Kullu shawls and woollens
Maharashtra	Shami and Apta leaf exchange	Paithani or nauvari sarees
Bastar	Around 75 days of tribal rituals for Goddess Danteshwari	Local tribal dress

 

Delhi's Ramlilas are an experience in themselves. The Lav Kush Ramlila and the Shri Dharmik Leela Committee near the Red Fort draw huge crowds. Well-known actors and leaders often attend.

Mysuru Dasara ends with the Jamboo Savari. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari rides on an elephant in a golden howdah from Mysore Palace. In 2026, it's on Wednesday, 21 October.

Kullu Dussehra starts on the day the rest of India finishes. Hundreds of village deities are carried to Dhalpur Maidan for about a week.

In Bengal, Vijayadashami is a day of goodbyes. Married women offer sindoor to Maa Durga and then to each other in Sindoor Khela. Then everyone wishes each other "Shubho Bijoya" and shares sweets.

New clothes are a tradition on Dussehra in many North Indian homes. The day follows Navratri, so many women carry the festive mood into one more look.

Warm, bright colours feel right for a day about victory. Yellow, orange, mustard, red and rust are the classic picks. This season, we're seeing a lot of joyful yellow and orange in our new pieces, and they suit Dussehra beautifully.

The grand Dussehra look

If you're hosting the family or attending a big puja, go for a festive lehenga.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Yellow lehenga choli with sequins work Rs. 1,14,500 A yellow georgette lehenga with resham, crystal, sequins and cut dana. Yellow is the colour of joy and new beginnings, and georgette keeps it light for a long day. View this piece

 

Style it: Polki earrings, a gold potli and fresh marigold in a low bun.

The heirloom anarkali

If you want one piece you'll wear for years, this is the day to buy it.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Zarnigar Anarkali set Rs. 90,900 A mustard silk anarkali with dapka, dori and zardosi. It's rich enough for a family puja and grand enough for a winter wedding later. View this piece

 

The fresh orange lehenga

Orange stands for energy and courage. It's a lovely choice for a festival about winning.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Kesarika Lehenga set Rs. 36,900 An orange silk and georgette lehenga with metal studs, sequins and acrylic mirror. Bright, cheerful and easy to move in at a busy Ramlila ground. View this piece

 

The easy anarkali for puja and visits

For the morning puja and visits to relatives, an anarkali with churidar is graceful and comfortable.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Zarqeen Noor Anarkali set Rs. 31,900 A burnt orange tissue silk anarkali with sequins, zari, pearl, kundan and aari dori. The tissue gives it a soft glow under evening lights. View this piece

 

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Ambarsariya Anarkali Set Rs. 27,500 An orange georgette short anarkali with churidar and dupatta, finished with metal studs, sequins, mirror and golden borders. Easy to sit in for a puja and easy to walk in for Ravan Dahan. View this piece

 

The modern dhoti set

For younger women and teens, a dhoti set feels fresh and lets you move freely.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Rumi Dhoti Shirt Set Rs. 28,900 An ivory and turmeric yellow organza shirt with a Nirwana crush dhoti, worked in resham, pearls, mirrors and crystals. A playful, modern choice that still feels festive. View this piece

 

For Sindoor Khela

The traditional Sindoor Khela saree is white with a red border. If you'd like a modern take, pair an off-white drape with a red blouse and red bangles.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Opal Whisper Rs. 28,500 An off-white cocktail satin saree with pearl, zarkan, poth and mirror work. With a red blouse and a red bindi, it gives you the classic Bijoya look with a modern drape. View this piece

 

Ramlila grounds are big, crowded and dusty, and there are fireworks. Your evening look needs to be practical as well as pretty.

·         Choose natural fabrics like silk, cotton and Chanderi near fireworks. Synthetics can melt.

·         Pin your dupatta across your body or leave it in the car.

·         Wear flat juttis or closed shoes. Grounds can be uneven.

·         Carry a light shawl. Delhi evenings start to cool by late October.

·         Keep jewellery simple. Crowds and heavy necklaces don't mix.

If you'd like to follow the old custom of buying something new, here are ideas that last.

·         Gold or silver, even a small coin

·         A brass or silver diya for your mandir

·         A piece of couture you'll wear for years, like a lehenga, a silk anarkali or a saree

·         Books or a musical instrument for the children

·         A plant, especially a Shami plant for your balcony

I'll be honest. The best Dussehra purchase is something you'll still love in ten years. Buy less, but buy well.

Here's something practical. Every Roop Vatika piece is made to order, and online orders take about three to four weeks to reach you. So for Dussehra on 20 October, an online order placed today won't arrive in time.

Need a look for Dussehra? Visit one of our stores. Try pieces in person, and ask our team what can be ready for you. If you're ordering online, think about the season ahead instead. Order now for Diwali on 8 November or for the wedding season in late November and December.

1.       Wearing a floor-length skirt to a Ramlila ground. It will drag through dust and mud.

2.      Ignoring the evening chill. Late October nights can surprise you.

3.      Choosing heavy synthetic dupattas near fireworks. Pick silk or cotton, or pin it well.

4.      Skipping the family colour chat. A quick call saves five people in the same shade.

5.      Leaving fittings too late. Tailors are busiest in October. Plan ahead.

The colours of Dussehra carry beautifully into the rest of the season.

·         Diwali: Your yellow or orange lehenga works for Lakshmi Puja with gold jewellery.

·         Haldi and mehendi: Bright yellows and oranges were made for these.

·         Gurpurab: A kesari anarkali with a dupatta over your head is right for a gurdwara visit.

·         Lohri: Bright suits look wonderful around the bonfire, with a warm shawl.

Not every family goes to a Ramlila. Many keep Dussehra simple. A small puja at home. A good lunch. A visit to the grandparents.

If that's your day, keep your look soft and easy. A suit or an anarkali in yellow or orange is ideal. You'll sit on the floor. You'll light a diya. You'll serve food. So pick fitted sleeves and a dupatta you can pin.

Wear small gold earrings and a few bangles. Tie your hair back for the aarti. Add a bindi. That's it. You'll look festive, and you'll feel free.

If there's a shastra puja in your home, you may be near swords or tools on the puja thali. Keep your dupatta well away from them, and from the flame.

Kids love Ramlila. They love the bows and arrows, the giant Ravan and the fair stalls outside. Dress them for fun and for safety.

·         Pick cotton. It's soft and safe near sparks.

·         Choose short hems. Little feet trip on long skirts.

·         Skip long dupattas. A small one, pinned, is enough.

·         Put them in closed shoes. The ground can be rough.

·         Carry a light jacket. It gets cool after sunset.

Many children dress up as Ram, Sita, Lakshman or Hanuman for the day. It makes for the sweetest photos.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Dussehra 2026, or Vijayadashami, is on Tuesday, 20 October. In Delhi, the Vijay muhurat is from 1:59 PM to 2:44 PM. Bengal observes Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday, 21 October.

What is the Vijay muhurat on Dussehra 2026?

The Vijay muhurat on Dussehra 2026 in Delhi is from 1:59 PM to 2:44 PM on 20 October. It's considered the best window to start new work. The afternoon puja window runs from 1:13 PM to 3:30 PM.

Why is Dussehra considered auspicious for new beginnings?

Dussehra is one of the sade teen muhurat, the three and a half most auspicious days of the Hindu year. Many families believe any new start on Vijayadashami will succeed, so they buy gold, vehicles or homes, or start new ventures.

What is Shami puja on Dussehra?

Shami puja is the worship of the Shami tree on the afternoon of Vijayadashami. It recalls the Pandavas hiding their weapons in a Shami tree. In Karnataka and Maharashtra, people exchange Shami or Apta leaves as symbolic gold.

What colour should I wear on Dussehra?

There's no fixed colour for Dussehra. Warm, festive shades like yellow, orange, mustard, red and rust are the most popular. Bengali women wear white sarees with red borders for Sindoor Khela.

What do people buy on Dussehra?

On Dussehra, people often buy gold, silver, new vehicles, homes, utensils and new clothes. It's also a popular day to start new work or order a special outfit, because the whole day is seen as auspicious.

Roop Vatika by Raj Arora has dressed Delhi's families for their biggest days since 1993. If you'd like to mark Dussehra with something you'll keep, our stylists would love to help.

·         Explore our Wedding Edit 2026, lehengas and suits.

·         Book an appointment at our stores in Old Rajinder Nagar, Rajouri Garden or Chhatarpur, Delhi.

·         Message us on WhatsApp at +91 85955 21162 for help from anywhere.

Wishing you a happy Dussehra. May everything you begin today win.