Dasara (Vijayadashami)दसरा (विजयादशमी)

Dasara follows the nine nights of Navratri and celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is one of the sade-teen muhurta, and new work, purchases and learning are begun on it.

Next: Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Apta leaves as gold

Leaves of the apta tree are exchanged as "sone" (gold) with the greeting "sone ghya, sone sarkhe raha" (take gold and stay like gold). This recalls the story of Kautsa and King Raghu.

Seemollanghan and Shami puja

In the afternoon people cross the village boundary (seemollanghan) and worship the shami tree, where the Pandavas are said to have hidden their weapons.

Tools and books

Tools, vehicles, account books and books are worshipped (ayudh puja, saraswati puja). Children begin learning with Saraswati puja.

Across Maharashtra

Ravan dahan is held in many cities, and Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din is observed at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956.

How the date is fixed

Dashami of the bright half of Ashwin prevailing at aparahna (the fourth fifth of the day).

Dates are calculated for Mumbai. A printed panchang from another city or tradition can differ by a day. For rituals, follow your family priest.