Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 2026 will be on October 20th, 2026 which is a Tuesday. This festival celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and in another Hindu tradition, it also marks the triumph of goddess Durga over Mahishasura.
During this time, the festival is also part of the wider celebrations which are held in Mathura and Vrindavan following Navratri. A visit from here can be a combination of a religious pilgrimage to Braj and celebrating the holiday of Vishwakarma Dashami/ Vijayadashmi.
For people planning a Mathura-Vrindavan tour package in October 2026, knowing the exact date of Dussehra, Dashami Tithi, Vijay Muhurat, local celebrations, temple visits, and road traffic conditions can greatly help with itinerary planning.
Published Panchang has listed the Vijayadashami date as October 20th, 2026, which is a Tuesday with the Dashami Tithi beginning at around 12:50 PM on 20 October and ending at approximately 9 AM (Local time) on 21 October. In Mathura Vijay Muhurat would be from 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM on 20 October.
👉 Dussehra 2026 Date, Vijayadashami, Ravan Dahan, Puja Muhurat & Mathura Vrindavan Travel Guide
Dussehra 2026 Quick Answer
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
When does Navratri start in 2026?
Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October 2026 and the ninth day falls on 19 October 2026, followed by Vijayadashami on 20 October.
What is the Dussehra 2026 Vijay Muhurat in Mathura?
A: The Mathura Panchang calculation lists Vijay Muhurat from approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM on 20 October 2026.
When is Ravan Dahan in 2026?
Ravan Dahan traditionally takes place on Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, although the exact event time varies according to the local Ramlila committee and venue.
Dussehra 2026 Date & Timings
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Sharad Navratri Begins | 11 October 2026 |
| Navratri Ninth Day | 19 October 2026 |
| Dussehra / Vijayadashami | 20 October 2026, Tuesday |
| Dashami Tithi Begins | 12:50 PM, 20 October |
| Dashami Tithi Ends | 2:11 PM, 21 October |
| Vijay Muhurat – Mathura | Approximately 1:58 PM–2:43 PM, 20 October |
| Main Dussehra Rituals | 20 October |
| Ravan Dahan | 20 October, local event timing |
The exact muhurat can vary slightly by location because Panchang calculations depend on the local sunrise, sunset and geographical coordinates. For Mathura, the listed Vijay Muhurat is approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM.
For Vrindavan, the corresponding Panchang calculation lists Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026, with a Vijay Muhurat of approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM as well.
What Is Dussehra or Vijayadashami?
Dussehra is one of India’s most widely celebrated Hindu festivals and is traditionally associated with the victory of righteousness over evil.
The name Vijayadashami refers to the tenth day of the Hindu festival cycle. One of the best-known traditions connects the day with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana.
Another major tradition, particularly prominent in eastern and southern parts of India, associates Vijayadashami with Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
The Government of India’s tourism portal describes Dussehra as a festival with diverse regional traditions, with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana forming one of its most widely recognized narratives.
This regional diversity is one reason Dussehra can look very different from one part of India to another. Some places emphasize Ramlila and Ravan Dahan, while others focus on Durga Puja, processions, temple rituals, cultural performances or traditional fairs.
What Is Dussehra or Vijayadashami?
It is a famous Hindu festival in India. People often say it marks how good defeats bad.
The name Vijayadashami points to the tenth day of the Hindu festival season. Many folks link it to the Ramayana story, where Lord Rama defeats Ravana.
In other parts of India, especially in the east and south, Vijayadashami connects more with Goddess Durga. On this day, the main theme is her victory over Mahishasura.
India’s tourism website notes that Dussehra looks different from place to place. It also mentions that the Rama and Ravana story is among the most well known parts.
Local customs can make the festival feel unique across India. Some communities watch Ramlila and then see Ravana burned. Other areas may hold Durga Puja, join in processions, do temple prayers, attend cultural events, or go to local fairs.
Why Is Dussehra Celebrated?
Many people link the main idea of Dussehra with winning, doing what is right, and pushing away bad forces.
In the Ramayana story, Rama fought Ravana. Ravana had taken Sita. Rama’s success is marked on Vijayadashami.
In several areas of North India, people burn large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. This act is seen as the end of evil. It also points to dharma.
So, the festival has a religious side and a cultural side too.
It is more than just standing and watching a figure burn. For many devotees, Vijayadashami is also a chance to think about key values.
- Dharma and righteousness
- Truth
- Courage
- Humility
- Self discipline
- Victory over negative habits
- The start of a new phase
Dussehra 2026 in Mathura Vrindavan
A Dussehra trip to Mathura and Vrindavan feels a bit different than places that focus only on huge Ravan burning shows.
Mathura and Vrindavan sit in Braj Bhoomi. This is the area linked with the life and stories of Lord Krishna. The local administration says Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna. It also lists Vrindavan and other Braj spots as key religious and tourist stops.
So, when you visit Braj around Dussehra, you can plan the festival days with stops like these.
- Mathura temples
- Vrindavan temples
- Krishna Janmabhoomi
- Vishram Ghat
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Prem Mandir
- ISKCON Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Govardhan
- Barsana
- Nandgaon
- Local markets
- Yamuna ghats
- Evening devotional moments
October can work well for people who want both Vijayadashami celebrations and the spiritual side of Braj.
Dussehra in Mathura
Mathura is about 11 km from Vrindavan. It is also one of the main pilgrimage places in Braj. The administration notes Mathura is around 50 km from Agra and about 145 km from Delhi.
During the Dussehra days, visitors can see the city and also check for announcements about Ramlila, Vijayadashami, and Ravan Dahan events in the area.
The plan can shift each year. This includes the programme details, the venue, the procession path, and the timing for Ravan Dahan. Because of this, it is best to verify the local schedule close to your travel dates instead of using an old notice.
Places to Include in a Mathura Dussehra Trip
- Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Vishram Ghat
- Yamuna River
- Mathura Museum
- Local bazaars
- Ramlila or Dussehra event venue, if it runs
- Vrindavan temples as part of the same itinerary
Dussehra in Vrindavan
Vrindavan is mostly linked with Krishna and Radha devotion. It is not usually treated as a place only for Dussehra.
That is why a Dussehra visit fits well inside a wider Braj trip.
You can use the day to see temples and nearby spots. After that, you may join a Vijayadashami or Ramlila event that locals run, when such a programme is held.
Key temples and places to visit
- Banke Bihari Temple
This is one of the best known temples in Vrindavan. People come here all through the year. During festival weeks, crowds can be heavy. So it helps to choose your travel time for arriving and leaving. - Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir is known for its marble work and devotional displays. In the evening it looks bright and grand due to lights. It can work in an evening sightseeing plan. - ISKCON Temple
The Krishna Balaram Mandir is another major stop for pilgrims in Vrindavan. It draws both visitors from within India and guests from abroad. - Radha Raman Temple
Radha Raman Temple is an older temple in Vrindavan. It is tied to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. The tourism site for Mathura district lists it among the important historic temples in Vrindavan. It also mentions the link to Gopala Bhatta Goswami.
Ravan Dahan on Dussehra 2026
Ravan Dahan is set to be held on Vijayadashami, which falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
In many cities in North India, people watch Ramlila shows based on the Ramayana. In these shows, the story’s characters are shown in sequence. After the performance, big effigies are brought out. They can include Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. Later, the effigies are burned.
The Incredible India tourism portal calls Ravan Dahan a well known part of the Dussehra season. It notes that effigies of Ravana and other characters are burned as part of the festival.
Travel note for 2026
If you plan to visit Mathura or Vrindavan, you should check the details close to the event. The Ravan Dahan spot and the start time for 2026 need local confirmation.
Local committees may adjust several things, such as:
- Venue details
- When the programme begins
- Procession route
- Ticket and entry steps
- Traffic rules
- Parking plans
- Security checks
So, it is best not to treat an unconfirmed 2026 time as a fixed fact in your plans.
Dussehra 2026 Ravan Dahan: What Time Is It?
There is no one Ravan Dahan time for all of India. The timing is usually tied to the local Ramlila event and the Vijayadashami day schedule. Because of this, different towns and groups can set different start times.
If you are traveling to Mathura or Vrindavan, do this:
- Verify the local Ramlila programme
- Confirm where the Ravan Dahan will happen
- Look up the expected start time
- Arrive in the area early
- Follow what police and the event team say
- Keep extra time for road delays after the show
This matters even more for families and for visitors coming by private cab.
Dussehra and Navratri 2026 Connection
Dussehra arrives at the end of the nine-day Navratri stretch.
For 2026, the key dates line up like this.
- 11 Oct 2026: Navratri starts
- 19 Oct 2026: Navratri ends on the ninth day
- 20 Oct 2026: Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra
Because of this, the window from 11 Oct to 20 Oct 2026 is a big time for people who travel for autumn festivals in India.
The tourism site from the Government of India shows Dussehra 2026 on 20 Oct 2026.
Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026
The Vijay Muhurat is traditionally regarded as an auspicious period associated with Vijayadashami.
For Mathura in 2026, the published Panchang calculation gives:
Vijay Muhurat: approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
The duration is approximately 46 minutes.
For Vrindavan, the published calculation similarly lists approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM.
Important Note
Panchang timings are location-sensitive. The time shown above is specifically relevant to the Mathura/Vrindavan area and should not automatically be used for another city.
Dashami Tithi on Dussehra 2026
For Mathura, the Dashami Tithi is listed as:
- Dashami Tithi begins: approximately 12:50 PM on 20 October 2026
- Dashami Tithi ends: approximately 2:11 PM on 21 October 2026
Even though the Tithi continues into the following Gregorian date, Vijayadashami is observed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 in Mathura.
This distinction between Tithi and the festival’s observed date is important because many searches for “Dussehra 2026 date” become confusing when the lunar Tithi crosses midnight.
How to Celebrate Dussehra in Mathura and Vrindavan
You can plan a trip with temple visits, local culture, and the main Dussehra events.
Morning
Go early so you can see the temples before the crowd grows.
You may include visits like these:
- Banke Bihari Temple
- ISKCON Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Prem Mandir
- Krishna Janmabhoomi
Midday
After lunch, head to Mathura.
In Mathura, try:
- Krishna Janmabhoomi
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Vishram Ghat
- Local markets
- Dussehra themed activities
For Mathura, the Vijay Muhurat is said to be in the afternoon. It is roughly 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM based on the Panchang you mentioned.
Evening
Keep the evening for the main festival moments:
- Ramlila
- Ravan Dahan
- Dussehra Mela
- Local cultural shows
- Evening temple darshan
Check the exact public schedule where you travel. Confirm it before you leave.
Explore taxi services and Mathura–Vrindavan tour packages: Vrindavan Mathura Tourism
Dussehra 2026: Mathura, Vrindavan or Ayodhya?
Each destination offers a different type of experience.
| Destination | Main Experience |
|---|---|
| Mathura | Braj pilgrimage + local Dussehra celebrations |
| Vrindavan | Krishna-Radha temples + Braj spiritual atmosphere |
| Ayodhya | Rama-associated pilgrimage + Vijayadashami celebrations |
| Delhi | Large-scale Ramlila and Ravan Dahan traditions |
| Kolkata | Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami traditions |
| Mysuru | Traditional Dasara celebrations |
| Kullu | Distinctive regional Dussehra traditions |
There is no single format for Dussehra across India. The Government of India’s tourism information highlights the festival’s regional diversity, including Ravan Dahan traditions and different local forms of celebration.
Plan Your Dussehra 2026 Mathura Vrindavan Trip
Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October, making it an excellent date around which to organize an October journey through Braj. The festival combines the traditional significance of Vijayadashami with India’s diverse Ramlila, Ravan Dahan and cultural traditions.
For travellers choosing Mathura and Vrindavan, the experience can go beyond a single Dussehra event. A well-planned itinerary can combine Mathura’s Krishna heritage, Vrindavan’s temples, Govardhan’s pilgrimage landscape, Barsana’s Radha traditions and locally organized Vijayadashami celebrations.
The most important dates to remember are:
- Navratri Begins: 11 October 2026
- Navratri Day 9: 19 October 2026
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami: 20 October 2026
- Day: Tuesday
- Dashami Tithi Begins: approximately 12:50 PM, 20 October
- Dashami Tithi Ends: approximately 2:11 PM, 21 October
- Vijay Muhurat in Mathura: approximately 1:58 PM–2:43 PM
- Ravan Dahan: 20 October, according to individual local event schedules
Panchang timings should be checked for the specific destination, while public Ramlila and Ravan Dahan programmes should be confirmed locally before travelling.
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FAQ’s About Dussehra 2026
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is the Dussehra date in Mathura in 2026?
Dussehra or Vijayadashami in Mathura falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is the Dussehra date in Vrindavan in 2026?
Vijayadashami in Vrindavan will be observed on 20 October 2026.
When is Vijayadashami in 2026?
Vijayadashami is on 20 October 2026.
When is Ravan Dahan in 2026?
Ravan Dahan is traditionally performed on Vijayadashami, so the main date is 20 October 2026. The exact local timing depends on the venue and Ramlila programme.
When does Navratri start in 2026?
Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October 2026.
What is Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra 2026 in Mathura?
The Mathura Panchang calculation lists Vijay Muhurat from approximately 1:58 PM to 2:43 PM on 20 October 2026.
What time does Dashami Tithi begin in 2026?
In Mathura, Dashami Tithi begins at approximately 12:50 PM on 20 October 2026.
When does Dashami Tithi end in 2026?
Dashami Tithi ends at approximately 2:11 PM on 21 October 2026 according to the Mathura Panchang calculation.
Is Dussehra celebrated in Mathura?
Yes. Mathura participates in the wider Vijayadashami and Dussehra festival traditions, while the city itself is primarily known for its Krishna and Braj pilgrimage heritage.
Is Dussehra celebrated in Vrindavan?
Yes, although Vrindavan’s primary religious identity is associated with Radha and Krishna devotional traditions. Dussehra falls during the broader festive season.
Can we visit Mathura and Vrindavan on Dussehra?
Yes. A Dussehra holiday can be combined with Mathura and Vrindavan temple sightseeing, although visitors should expect festival-related crowds and possible traffic restrictions.
Can we see Ravan Dahan in Mathura?
Visitors may be able to attend a locally organized Ravan Dahan programme, but the exact 2026 venue and timing should be confirmed closer to the festival.
