Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Vijayadashami / Dussehra

Vishnu Pan-India Major festival Rama / Durga

Dates for the Bay Area

  • Tuesday, 20 October 2026Major festival
  • Saturday, 9 October 2027Major festivalnext
  • Wednesday, 27 September 2028Major festival
Traditions differ. What follows describes common practice, not the only correct practice. Observance varies by region, sampradāya and family, and Sri Kumar Gurukkal will follow your family’s tradition. Our editorial & ritual standards →

Why it matters

Marks the victory of dharma over adharma and traditionally concludes Navratri.

The story behind it

Northern traditions emphasize Rama’s victory over Ravana; Shakta traditions celebrate Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. In the South, the day is also auspicious for beginning education and arts.

Prayers and worship

Rama or Durga worship, recitation of Ramayana or Devi texts, shami/apta worship in some regions, Vidyarambham and arati.

Fasting and devotional customs

Fasting and household customs vary; follow the temple or family tradition for this observance.

What is typically offered

Flowers, lamps, shami/apta leaves where customary, books, instruments and tools.

Visiting a temple that day

Expect different emphases by community—Ramlila, Durga visarjan, Mysuru Dasara, Vidyarambham or Ayudha-related ceremonies.

Spiritual themes

Victory of dharma, courage, learning, renewal and righteous action.

Request this pooja

Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for Vijayadashami / Dussehra — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.

Request a pooja Add 20 Oct 2026 to calendar

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Related festivals

KanumaMattu PongalHolika DahanHoliUgadiAll Navarātri dates
← Vasant PanchamiVishu → Full festival calendar

The 2026–27 dates were compiled from a Northern-California Panchāṅgam reference for the Fremont / Bay Area location. The 2028 date is computed by this site’s own engine from the festival’s standard definition, tested against the 2026–27 dates: Āśvina śukla daśamī, judged at the tithi at sunrise (udaya-vyāpinī). No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →