Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Vijaya Dashami 2026
In short
Vijaya Dashami 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026: Shukla Paksha Dashami of Ashwin, the tithi current at mid-afternoon (aparahna) in New Delhi.
In Kathmandu it falls on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
- Date
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Tithi
- Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dashami
- Tithi begins
- 20 Oct, 12:51
- Tithi ends
- 21 Oct, 14:12
- Place
- New Delhi
How it is observed
Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day after Navratri, marks the victory of good over evil, recalled as Rama's defeat of Ravana and Durga's defeat of Mahishasura. In Nepal it is the main day of Dashain, when elders give tika and blessings.
In India, towns stage Ramlila performances and burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, while Bengal immerses Durga idols and Mysuru holds a Dasara procession. In Nepal, elders apply tika of rice, yoghurt and vermilion with jamara to younger relatives, giving blessings and dakshina, and the visits continue for several days.
Related festivals
Frequently asked questions
When is Vijaya Dashami in 2026?
Vijaya Dashami 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. In Kathmandu it falls on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
How is the date of Vijaya Dashami decided?
By the lunisolar calendar: it falls on Shukla Paksha Dashami of Ashwin, the tithi current at mid-afternoon (aparahna) in New Delhi. The date is computed from the positions of the Sun and Moon, which is why it moves against the Gregorian calendar from year to year.
How is Vijaya Dashami observed?
In India, towns stage Ramlila performances and burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, while Bengal immerses Durga idols and Mysuru holds a Dasara procession. In Nepal, elders apply tika of rice, yoghurt and vermilion with jamara to younger relatives, giving blessings and dakshina, and the visits continue for several days.