Vijayadashami

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Hindu Indian Holidays
Where:: India
Date change rule:: Tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin (September–October)
Holiday emoji:: 🕉️

Vijayadashami, also known as Dusshera, culminates the nine-day Navratri festival every October. This auspicious Hindu observance on October 20, 2026, celebrates the universal triumph of good over evil, honoring both Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana. Join in the vibrant celebrations, burn effigies of Ravana, and reflect on the enduring promise of righteousness.

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Expected Vijayadashami Deals

As a deeply spiritual and cultural observance, Vijayadashami’s commercial landscape centers on traditional attire, devotional items, and community-focused events rather than widespread retail deals. While major national promotions are less common, local markets and specialty stores often see a surge in activity. Expect artisans and small businesses to offer special discounts on puja essentials, handcrafted idols, traditional sweets, and ethnic wear like sarees and kurtas. Many cultural organizations and temples will host elaborate cultural programs, Ramlila performances, and community feasts, often accepting donations to support their activities and outreach. Online retailers specializing in Indian ethnic fashion, spiritual books, and religious artifacts may run targeted promotions leading up to the festival. Shoppers can also find deals on festive home decor and ingredients for traditional dishes. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and community initiatives as October 20 approaches, encouraging participation and support for local vendors.

Platform Guide for Vijayadashami

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Vijayadashami. Share vibrant photos of your family’s celebrations, traditional attire, and puja decorations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Vijayadashami. Share stories of how your community celebrates Dusshera and its significance.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch and share videos of Ravana effigy burnings, Durga Puja immersions, and traditional dances.

Vijayadashami Hero

Lord Rama

Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, revered for his unwavering adherence to dharma. Vijayadashami commemorates his legendary victory over the formidable demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil. His life story, filled with courage, devotion, and sacrifice, continues to inspire millions worldwide, making him a timeless emblem of moral strength and divine justice.

History of Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, has several different stories related to it, with the common theme being the victory of good over evil.

It is often reported that the story of Rama’s victory over Ravana can be traced as far back as 5114 BC. This famous Hindu celebration says that the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, killed the ten-headed devil Ravana. Lord Rama, along with his brother Larkshman and follower Hanuman, trekked to Ravana’s kingdom to fight him and bring back Sita, Rama’s wife. On their way Rama prayed to Durga and was eventually victorious.

It was from around 1500BC that the first Durga Puja celebrations are mentioned, with these in Dinajpur and Malda. These celebrations often draw upon Goddess Durga’s assassination of the demon Mahidhasur

Vijayadashami timeline

5114 BC

The Story of Rama and Ravana

Many historians believe this is the date for Ramayana — the story of the life of King Rama.

1500 BC

The First Durga Puja Celebration

Landlords of Dinajpur and Malda organized the first formal Durga Puja celebration.

2008

UNESCO recognized the performing arts

UNESCO inscribed the performance arts tradition during Vijaydashmi as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."

Vijayadashami Traditions

For some, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja and they remember the goddess Durga’s victory Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. For others Vijayadashami remembers god Rama’s victory over Ravan.

Traditional ways to celebrate include processions to a river or ocean, during which people carry statues of Surga, Lakshmi, and Ganesha as they chant and listen to music. The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali (the festival of lights) which comes twenty days after Vijayadashami.

Vijayadashami FAQs

When is Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20. This auspicious Hindu festival marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri celebrations.

How is Vijayadashami celebrated?

Celebrations vary by region, but common traditions include burning large effigies of the demon king Ravana, immersing Durga idols in water, and performing Ramlila plays. Many also exchange sweets and visit temples.

What is the significance of Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami primarily signifies the triumph of righteousness and good over evil. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana, reinforcing faith in divine justice.

Is Vijayadashami a federal holiday in India?

While not a federal holiday across all of India, Vijayadashami is a gazetted holiday in many Indian states. This means government offices and banks are closed in those regions.

How to Observe Vijayadashami

Attend a Dusshera fair
During the fair you can enjoy displays of idols, foods, handicrafts, and the enactment of "Ram Leela." Mostly all of them end with the ceremonial burning of a Ravana effigy that might also include a fireworks display!
Read the Ramayana
The epic Ramayana is available in many languages. It's a fascinating story to read about the life of King Rama.
Visit a Hindu temple
During Vijaydashmi special events are held in temples that anyone can attend.

5 Enlightening Facts About Vijaydashmi

Why the idols are immersed
Immersing the idol on Vijaydashmi symbolizes how a deity moves from the formless (clay) to form (the idol) and then again to formlessness in water — bringing a balance to nature and cosmic energy.
Kullu Dusshera is famous
The Kullu Dusshera of Himachal Pradesh in India is an international festival where 500,000 people from all over the world come to participate in the festivities.
The real battle is inside us
Most importantly Vijaydashmi is about spiritual growth. There is a battle between good and evil inside each one of us and we must strive to conquer the inner negativity.
Asoka became a Buddhist on this day
The great conqueror Asoka converted to Buddhism on Vijaydashmi — vowing never to lift a weapon again.
Why Ravana had 10 heads
Ravana's 10 heads represent his knowledge of the six "Shastras" and the four "Vedas." But some say they stand for the 10 human vices that we must symbolically burn in our quest for salvation.

Why Vijayadashami is Important

It celebrates the victory of good over evil
It reaffirms our faith in the fact that evil cannot win and that a divine power is watching over us.
It's a time for spiritual awareness
Rama killing Ravana is symbolic too — with Ravana's 10 heads representing 10 human vices. This is a time to pray and conquer our weaknesses.
It's an auspicious day to begin anything new
In many parts of southern India young children are introduced to learning on this day. In fact it is a great day to begin any project.