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Vijayadashami

Embrace the triumph of good over evil, ignite hope and courage this Vijayadashami - it's more than just a festival, it's a celebration of life!

Tuesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAshvin Shukla Dashami (drikpanchang)

OBSERVED INIndia

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYHindu

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Rejoice in the victory of good over evil this Vijayadashami on October 12! This ancient Hindu festival is steeped in rich history and mighty legends. Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the epic win of Lord Rama over the demonic king Ravana, signifying the conquest of good over evil. This joyous day also celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. These stories, told from generation to generation, light the fire of hope and courage within us each year. Let's welcome this glorious festival and immerse ourselves in the reverberation of life it brings! Embrace the triumph, ignite the hope, and soar high in the spirit of Vijayadashami! It's more than just a festival, it's a celebration of life!

TIMELINE

Vijayadashami Timeline

Epic Origin

Vijayadashami celebrations are based on the Indian epic, Ramayana, believed to have been written around this time.

Gupta Dynasty Celebrations

Under the Gupta Empire, massive celebrations and performances of the Ramayana began to flourish during Vijayadashami.

Royal Dussehra Festival

The Vijayanagara Empire in South India initiated a grand Dussehra festival in Mysore, which continues to this date.

Durga Pooja Association

The celebration of Vijayadashami became associated with Durga Pooja, a major event where Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura is celebrated.

Recognized by Indian Government

Official recognition by the Indian government established Vijayadashami as a national holiday.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations moved online with virtual performances and rituals, showing the adaptability of this ancient tradition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Vijayadashami

Nurture a new hobby

In India, Vijayadashami is seen as an auspicious day to start a new hobby or skill. It could be anything, from learning a musical instrument, painting, writing, to playing a new sport and more. Immerse yourself in something new and make it memorable.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Ramlila performance

Gather your community or family members and act out the story of Ramayana. Not only will this be fun and educational, it will also help keep alive the rich cultural traditions and stories that this festival celebrates.

DESIGN

Design eco-friendly effigies

The last day of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) often marks the burning of Ravana’s effigy. Keep this tradition alive but make it more environmentally-friendly by making your effigy from biodegradable materials or crafting a mini effigy at home.

HOST

Host a potluck feast

Offer a sumptuous feast by hosting a potluck where everyone contributes a dish. In this manner, the day can be made enjoyable and less taxing for everyone. Don’t forget to involve sweets typical of Vijayadashami like jalebi or rasgullas.

GIVE

Give back to your community

Charitable acts are another great way to celebrate Vijayadashami. Arrange a food drive, donate to a cause close to your heart or volunteer at an organization. Your good deeds can bring about the triumph of good over evil in your community!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Vijayadashami is Important

Promotes community spirit and giving back

The festival creates an occasion for communal harmony, joy, and sharing. From organizing Ramlila performances to hosting potluck feasts and participating in charitable acts, Vijayadashami strengthens community bonds and encourages individuals to give back to their community, further spreading the essence of goodness and benevolence.

Celebration of good over evil

Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, inspiring hope and courage. It's a festival that reminds us that righteousness always wins and encourages us to strive for goodness in our lives, a principle that resonates with people everywhere.

Rich in cultural and traditional significance

Vijayadashami is steeped in rich history and mighty legends that have been passed down through generations. This festivals offers insights into our cultural heritage, tradition and legends, inspiring us to maintain our connection to our roots.