Dussehra 2026: date and Vijay muhurat
Dussehra is on Tuesday, 20 October, 2026. In Kochi, the afternoon (aparahna) window is 1:20 pm to 3:43 pm. Shukla Dashami runs from 12:40 pm, 20 Oct to 2:05 pm, 21 Oct.
About Dussehra
Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, the day after the nine nights of Navaratri. It celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. In South India it is a favoured day to begin learning (Vidyarambham); in North India Ravana effigies are burnt at the end of Ramlila; in Mysuru it closes the Dasara celebrations with the Jamboo Savari procession.
How the timing is decided
The main observances, including Shami puja and Aparajita puja, are done in the afternoon (aparahna) while Dashami prevails. The whole day is traditionally considered auspicious for new beginnings.
What to do
- Worship the Shami tree and exchange Shami (Jammi) leaves
- Begin a new course, instrument or skill
- Worship tools, vehicles and books if not done on Navami
Dussehra 2026 muhurat by city
Shukla Dashami runs from 12:40 pm, 20 Oct to 2:05 pm, 21 Oct (Indian Standard Time).
| City | Date | Puja window | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi | 20 Oct | 1:20 pm to 3:43 pm | 6:05 pm |
| Hyderabad | 20 Oct | 1:10 pm to 3:30 pm | 5:51 pm |
| Delhi | 20 Oct | 1:13 pm to 3:30 pm | 5:46 pm |
| Mumbai | 20 Oct | 1:32 pm to 3:52 pm | 6:12 pm |
| Chennai | 20 Oct | 1:04 pm to 3:25 pm | 5:47 pm |
| Bengaluru | 20 Oct | 1:15 pm to 3:36 pm | 5:58 pm |
| Kolkata | 20 Oct | 12:40 pm to 2:48 pm | 5:07 pm |
| Vijayawada | 20 Oct | 1:02 pm to 3:22 pm | 5:43 pm |
| Visakhapatnam | 20 Oct | 12:51 pm to 3:11 pm | 5:31 pm |
| Pune | 20 Oct | 1:29 pm to 3:48 pm | 6:08 pm |
| Ahmedabad | 20 Oct | 1:33 pm to 3:51 pm | 6:10 pm |
| Jaipur | 20 Oct | 1:19 pm to 3:36 pm | 5:53 pm |
| Lucknow | 20 Oct | 12:59 pm to 3:16 pm | 5:33 pm |
Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes, so for a vrata or homam confirm the exact muhurat with your purohit.
Also on Tuesday, 20 October in Kochi
- Rahu Kalam3:07 pm to 4:36 pm
- Sunrise and sunset6:13 am and 6:05 pm
- Moonrise and moonsetMoonrise 1:55 pm, moonset 1:04 am
- Tithi at sunriseShukla Navami
- NakshatraShravana
Dussehra 2026 Choghadiya in Kochi
Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Dussehra from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.
| Time | Choghadiya | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 6:13 am to 7:42 am | Rog | Avoid |
| 7:42 am to 9:11 am | Udveg | Avoid |
| 9:11 am to 10:40 am | Char | Weak |
| 10:40 am to 12:09 pm | Labh | Good |
| 12:09 pm to 1:38 pm | Amrit | Good |
| 1:38 pm to 3:07 pm | Kaal | Avoid |
| 3:07 pm to 4:36 pm | Shubh | Good |
| 4:36 pm to 6:05 pm | Rog | Avoid |
| 6:05 pm to 7:36 pm (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
| 7:36 pm to 9:07 pm (night) | Labh | Good |
| 9:07 pm to 10:38 pm (night) | Udveg | Avoid |
| 10:38 pm to 12:09 am (night) | Shubh | Good |
| 12:09 am to 1:40 am (night) | Amrit | Good |
| 1:40 am to 3:11 am (night) | Char | Weak |
| 3:11 am to 4:42 am (night) | Rog | Avoid |
| 4:42 am to 6:13 am (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
Questions people ask
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra is on Tuesday, 20 October, 2026.
What is the Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026 in Kochi?
Vijay Muhurat, the eleventh of the fifteen daytime muhurtas, is 2:08 pm to 2:55 pm in Kochi. It is traditionally the most favoured time on Dussehra for Shami puja and new starts.
What is the Dussehra 2026 Vijay muhurat in Kochi?
In Kochi, the afternoon (aparahna) window is 1:20 pm to 3:43 pm. Shukla Dashami runs from 12:40 pm, 20 Oct to 2:05 pm, 21 Oct.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, the day after the nine nights of Navaratri. It celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.