Dussehra Celebrations in Delhi 2026: Date, Muhurat and Best Places

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, will be observed in Delhi on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and reminds devotees that every obstacle, fear, and inner weakness can be overcome through faith, righteousness, and disciplined action.

In Delhi, the day is observed through Aparajita Puja, Shami Puja, Ramlila, and the sacred symbolism of Ravan Dahan.

The Vijay Muhurat in Delhi falls from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm. Aparahna Puja is observed from 1:14 pm to 3:30 pm. Ramlila celebrations and Ravan Dahan take place across the city after sunset.

Dussehra 2026: Delhi Date and Muhurat

Observance	Timing in Delhi
Dussehra / Vijayadashami	Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Dashami Tithi begins	12:50 pm, October 20
Dashami Tithi ends	2:11 pm, October 21
Aparahna Puja	1:14 pm to 3:30 pm
Vijay Muhurat	1:59 pm to 2:45 pm
Ravan Dahan	After sunset, around 5:46 pm onward; varies by venue

Some panchang listings mention October 21 because Dashami Tithi extends into that afternoon. The principal observances and public Ravan Dahan celebrations in Delhi are scheduled for October 20.

The Vijay Muhurat is regarded as an especially favorable window for new beginnings. Starting studies, work, travel plans, or a spiritual practice during this period is believed to invite success and the removal of obstacles.

Note: Celebrating Dussehra in Delhi holds a unique significance compared to the rest of India, as the city proudly hosts some of the tallest Ravan effigies in the country. The sheer scale of these towering models transforms the traditional Ravan Dahan into an unparalleled visual spectacle, drawing massive crowds to witness the grand theatrical experience.

Experiencing Dussehra in Delhi

Dussehra in Delhi has long been tied to Old Delhi and the Red Fort area. Ramlila was once staged on the Yamuna floodplains near the fort, where royal audiences watched from its jharokhas.

That tradition continues today. Ramlila gatherings begin during Navratri and culminate in Ravan Dahan on the evening of Vijayadashami.

Each gathering offers a different way to experience the festival, from large open ground celebrations to seated dance dramas centered on devotion and dharma.

Top 5 Best Places to Experience Dussehra in Delhi

Delhi Gathering	Event Highlights & Theme	Nearest Metro Station
Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society, Sector 10	Family-oriented Ramlila and community celebration. Features India's tallest Ravan.	Dwarka Sector 10 Metro Station (Blue Line)
Lav Kush Ramlila, Red Fort grounds	Large-scale Ramlila and collective celebration of Lord Rama's victory.	Lal Qila Metro Station (Violet Line) or Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)
Shri Dharmik Leela Committee, Subhash Maidan	Traditional Old Delhi Ramlila with a devotional atmosphere.	Lal Qila Metro Station (Violet Line) or Jama Masjid Metro Station (Violet Line)
Ramlila Maidan, Ajmeri Gate	Historic public Ramlila and fireworks.	New Delhi Metro Station (Yellow/Airport Line) or Delhi Gate Metro Station (Violet Line)
Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Mandi House	Seated Ramayana dance drama centered on devotion and dharma.	Mandi House Metro Station (Blue/Violet Line)

Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society, Sector 10

The DDA Grounds in Dwarka Sector 10 host a family-oriented Ramlila with large effigies and a warm community spirit. It offers a calmer setting for experiencing Ravan Dahan in West Delhi.

The society is renowned for creating India's tallest Ravan effigy, towering at a monumental 221 feet at the Sector 10 grounds.

Lav Kush Ramlila, Red Fort Grounds

The Red Fort grounds host one of Delhi's most prominent Ramlila gatherings. For many devotees, watching the Ramayana unfold beneath the evening sky becomes an act of collective remembrance.

It recalls Lord Rama's patience, Goddess Sita's strength, Lord Hanuman's devotion, and the ultimate defeat of ego. The effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are scheduled to be burned on the evening of October 20.

Early arrival is advisable, as the grounds draw large evening crowds.

Shri Dharmik Leela Committee, Subhash Maidan

This committee is closely associated with Delhi's traditional Ramlila heritage. Its productions keep a devotional character, presenting the story of Lord Rama in a style that has been cherished in Old Delhi for generations.

Located near the Red Fort, the venue is most conveniently reached via Lal Qila Metro.

Ramlila Maidan, Ajmeri Gate

Ramlila Maidan is among the capital's most historic public Ramlila grounds, with a tradition often traced to the 19th century. Families and community members gather here to witness the final victory of dharma over adharma.

The evening is marked by fireworks and one of the city's largest Ravana effigies. New Delhi Metro and Chawri Bazar Metro are the nearest stations.

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Mandi House

This venue presents the Ramayana as a seated dance drama. Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Chhau, music, and stagecraft come together to narrate the story of Lord Rama with devotion and artistry.

The 2026 season runs from October 11 to November 1, with shows generally beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are required, and Mandi House Metro is the nearest station.

Planning to Attend

Ravan Dahan timing is not uniform across Delhi, as each Ramlila committee sets its own schedule. Organizer announcements on the day give the most reliable information.

The Delhi Metro is the most practical way to travel, since roads near the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Ramlila Maidan see heavy diversions and limited parking. Open-ground Ramlilas are generally accessible to all, while special seating and cultural productions may be ticketed.

What to Do During Vijay Muhurat

The Vijay Muhurat, from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm, is traditionally used for the following:

• Performing Aparajita Puja or Shami Puja
• Offering prayers for success, protection, and clarity
• Starting a new course, business task, job search, travel plan, or spiritual practice
• Writing down one trait to release and one positive goal to begin

The muhurat is most meaningful when paired with sincere effort. Faith and disciplined action together are what Vijayadashami celebrates.