Dussehra — also called Vijayadashami — is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It falls on the tenth day after Navratri; because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, the date varies, usually in September–October. Here's the history.
See the Dussehra holiday page for the exact date, or India's holiday calendar.
What does Dussehra celebrate?
Vijayadashami combines vijaya (victory) and dashami (tenth day) — the victory celebrated on the tenth day. There are two great stories behind it, both about good defeating evil:
- Rama defeats Ravana — in the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama kills the ten-headed demon king Ravana, rescuing Sita. This is the basis of the North Indian celebration.
- Durga defeats Mahishasura — the goddess Durga slays the buffalo-demon after a nine-night battle (the nine nights of Navratri). This is central to the East Indian (Durga Puja) tradition.
How Dussehra is celebrated
- Burning effigies of Ravana (along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad), often filled with firecrackers — the dramatic highlight in much of North India.
- Ramlila — folk plays re-enacting the story of Rama, performed over the preceding days.
- Durga Puja immersion (Vijayadashami) in West Bengal, when Durga idols are taken to rivers.
- It's considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures.
Dussehra and Diwali
Dussehra comes about 20 days before Diwali — the festival of lights marks Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after the victory celebrated at Dussehra.
Why the date changes each year
Because Dussehra is set by the Hindu lunar calendar (the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin), its Gregorian date shifts each year, usually falling in September or October. Check the holiday page for the exact date.
Quick answers
What is Dussehra? A Hindu festival (Vijayadashami) celebrating the victory of good over evil — Rama's defeat of Ravana and Durga's of Mahishasura.
Why are effigies burned at Dussehra? Burning effigies of the demon king Ravana symbolises the destruction of evil.
What is the link between Dussehra and Diwali? Dussehra marks the victory over Ravana; Diwali, about 20 days later, celebrates Rama's return home.
When is Dussehra 2026? It falls in autumn 2026 — see the holiday page for the exact date.