Last updated: June 2026.
When is Dasara in 2026?
Vijaya Dashami (Dasara) 2026 falls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in India, as computed by our astronomy engine for Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami. The full Devi Navaratri sequence for 2026 (IST, computed):
| Date | Observance |
|---|
| October 10 (Sat) | Mahalaya Amavasya — Bathukamma begins (Telangana) |
| October 11 (Sun) | Devi Navaratri begins — Kalasha Sthapana |
| October 19 (Mon) | Durga Ashtami |
| October 20 (Tue) | Maha Navami — Ayudha Puja, Saraswati Puja |
| October 21 (Wed) | Vijaya Dashami / Dasara |
About these dates: All dates below are computed by our astronomy engine for India (IST, Hyderabad reference) using Drik Ganita with Lahiri Ayanamsa. Timings shift with your location — a festival can fall one day earlier or later outside India. Use your
city-specific Panchangam page for local timings, and always confirm important observances with your temple or Pandit.
The Meaning of Vijaya Dashami
Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil — Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura, and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. The day is one of the three-and-a-half most auspicious muhurthams of the Hindu year (sade teen muhurat), considered favourable for beginning education, new ventures, and major undertakings without consulting any further Panchangam.
Telugu Traditions
- Jammi Chettu (Shami) Worship — families visit the Shami tree at dusk, exchange its leaves as \u201cbangaram\u201d (gold), and greet elders. This recalls the Pandavas retrieving their weapons from the Shami tree.
- Palapitta Darshanam — sighting the Indian Roller (palapitta) on Dasara is considered highly auspicious in both Telugu states.
- Ayudha Puja — on Maha Navami, tools, vehicles, machines, and books are cleaned, decorated, and worshipped.
- Bathukamma — Telangana's iconic flower festival runs through the Navaratri period, with women singing around concentric flower stacks each evening. The concluding Saddula Bathukamma falls during Navaratri; regional practice varies.
- Bommala Koluvu — the display of dolls arranged in odd-numbered steps, welcoming the Goddess into the home.
- Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada — the Navaratri alankarams at Indrakeeladri draw millions; the Goddess appears in a different form each day.
Dasara Outside India
Because each Navaratri day is fixed by the Tithi at local sunrise, dates can shift by one day for cities in the Americas. Diaspora Telugu associations typically celebrate on the nearest weekend — but for vratams and pujas performed at home, use your city's computed Tithi below.
Related Guides