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In Sanatan Dharma, the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is considered to have special religious and spiritual significance. This holy date is celebrated with great joy and devotion in the entire country by the name of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. According to mythological beliefs, on this auspicious day, Lord Shri Ram had hoisted the flag of victory of religion over unrighteousness and truth over untruth by killing Lankapati Ravana. Apart from this, Mother Durga had liberated the gods and the three worlds from his atrocities by killing Mahishasura. This year in 2026, Dussehra is being celebrated with devotion across the country on 20th October. On this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, the time of Pradosh Kaal is considered to be the best time for burning Ravana. Let us know the exact auspicious time of Ravana Dahan and 4 such religious activities to be done on this day which bring immense happiness, prosperity and success in life.
According to the Vedic calendar, this year Dashami Tithi is starting from 12:50 pm on 20th October 2026, which will continue till 2:11 pm on the next day i.e. 21st October. Since Aparahan (afternoon time) and Pradosh Kaal Vyapini Tithi have special significance in Vijayadashami, it is scriptural to celebrate the main Dussehra and Ravana Dahan on 20 October 2026 only. On this day, ‘Vijay Muhurta’ of puja will be from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm. Additionally, the total auspicious time of puja in the afternoon will be available from 1:14 pm to 3:30 pm.
There is a provision in the scriptures to burn the effigy of Ravana in the evening after sunset during Pradosh period. Pradosh Kaal will start after sunset on 20th October 2026 at 5:47 pm. In such a situation, the most auspicious and best time for burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad is considered to be from 05:47 pm to 08:23 pm. It will be very auspicious to complete the tradition of burning Ravana in various Ramlila grounds and major events of the city within this time limit.
According to religious scriptures, Vijayadashami is such an auspicious Muhurat (unexplained Muhurat) in which starting any new work brings unprecedented success. There is a special tradition of performing the following 4 tasks on this auspicious day:
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Worship of Shami tree (Shami Puja): Worshiping the Shami tree on the evening of Dussehra is considered very auspicious. It is believed that the Pandavas, during their exile, had hidden their weapons in the Shami tree. On this day, bringing Shami leaves home and distributing them among your loved ones and lighting a lamp under the tree eliminates Shani Dosha and increases wealth.
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Worship of weapons and tools (Shastra / Ayudha Puja): On the day of Vijayadashami, weapons are worshiped according to Kshatriya tradition. Common citizens and businessmen worship tools, vehicles, books, pens and computers related to their work. With this, obstacles in the workplace are removed and victory is achieved from all ten directions.
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Aparajita Puja: There is a tradition to worship Maa Aparajita in the afternoon on the day of Dussehra. Seeing Neelkanth bird or worshiping Aparajita plant defeats enemies, brings victory in court cases and destroys negative forces.
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Starting a new job, new business or investment: Vijayadashami is considered a symbol of unprecedented victory. Buying a new vehicle, entering a new house (griha pravesh), starting a new business or signing an important contract is considered extremely auspicious on this day. One never faces failure in any work started on this day.
In northern and central India, the sight of Neelkanth bird on the day of Dussehra is considered a very auspicious omen. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram had darshan of Neelkanth before attacking Lanka. Additionally, after the burning of Ravana, there is an old folk tradition of bringing home a little ash or a piece of wood of his burnt effigy and keeping it in a safe or temple. It is believed that by doing this, no one’s evil eye falls on the house and negative energy is not able to enter the house.