Dussehra 2026: Mark your calendar for Ravana Dahan auspicious timing

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, stands as a cornerstone festival in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the victory of virtue over vice and dharma over adharma. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's triumph over the demon king Ravana, a narrative central to the ancient epic Ramayana.

The festival falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashwin, typically occurring in September or October by the Gregorian calendar. Devotees across India and the diaspora observe this occasion with elaborate rituals, cultural performances, and the ritualistic burning of Ravana effigies.

For those planning celebrations in 2026, consulting the Hindu lunar calendar and astrological almanacs will provide precise dates and auspicious moments for conducting ceremonies. The most propitious timing for Ravana Dahan, the symbolic immolation of the demon's effigy, is calculated based on planetary positions and traditional Vedic principles.

While the exact timings vary by geographic location and regional customs, many temples and community organizations publish detailed schedules well in advance. Devotees are encouraged to verify local observance times through established religious institutions and traditional calendars to ensure their participation aligns with prescribed auspicious hours.

The festival's spiritual significance extends beyond ritualistic observance, embodying values of courage, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between moral forces—themes that resonate across generations and communities throughout the subcontinent.