Vijaya Muhurat - Aparahna★★★★★
1:33 pm – 3:52 pm · 2 hr 20 min
Worship, Ayudha Puja and the launch of new ventures and journeys.
Why this rank: The afternoon 'victory' window is the day's most auspicious hour for triumphant beginnings.
Deity: Rama
Dussehra - Vijayadashami
The triumph of good over evil, sealed in the afternoon Vijaya Muhurat.
Tuesday, 20 October 2026·Ashwin Shukla Dashami, at Aparahna (Vijaya Muhurat)·Mumbai, Maharashtra
Main Muhurta★★★★★
Vijaya Muhurat - Aparahna
1:33 pm – 3:52 pm(2 hr 20 min)
Time to muhurta…
On the Day
- Perform worship in the Vijaya Muhurat (Aparahna)
- Conduct Ayudha Puja - worship tools, machines, vehicles and books
- Begin new learning, ventures or journeys on this auspicious day
- Offer and exchange Apta (Shami) leaves as symbolic gold
Muhurtas
Abhijit Muhurat★★★★☆
11:59 am – 12:46 pm · 47 min
Alternative window for worship and starting ventures.
Why this rank: The auspicious solar-noon window as an alternative for puja and new beginnings.
Deity: Durga
Auspicious Choghadiya★★★☆☆
- Labh 10:55 am – 12:23 pm
- Amrit 12:23 pm – 1:50 pm
- Shubh 3:17 pm – 4:44 pm
General auspicious activity, purchases and travel.
Why this rank: The day's good Choghadiya blocks for general auspicious activity.
This day's panchang
TithiShukla Navami
NakshatraShravana
YogaShula
KaranaKaulava
MasaAshwin
SamvatVikram 2082
Significance
Importance
Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, marks the ultimate victory of good over evil and closes the nine nights of Navratri. On this day Lord Rama slew the ten-headed demon-king Ravana, and Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura. The afternoon Vijaya Muhurat - the 'victory' window - is the most auspicious hour of the day to begin new ventures, worship one's tools and books, and undertake any bold new endeavour.
Religious significance
Vijayadashami embodies the certainty that righteousness triumphs, however long the struggle. It is regarded as one of the most auspicious days of the year for beginnings - new learning, new ventures, journeys and purchases - needing no separate muhurat to be considered fortunate.
Why it is celebrated
To honour Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's over Mahishasura, and to draw that victorious energy into new beginnings.
The story
Two great victories converge on Vijayadashami. In the Ramayana, Rama besieged Lanka to rescue Sita and, after worshipping Durga through the nine nights, slew Ravana on the tenth day - Ravana's ten heads standing for the ten vices the soul must conquer. In the Devi Mahatmya, Durga battled the shape-shifting buffalo-demon Mahishasura and, on the culminating day, struck him down as Mahishasuramardini. Both stories crown the tenth day as the moment dharma prevails over adharma, and so it became the day to burn effigies, worship the instruments of one's craft, and set out on new roads.
Who celebratesHindu households and communities across India, from Ramlila audiences in the north to Ayudha Puja observers in the south.
Where observedPan-India - Ravana effigy burning in the north, Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka, Bijoya in Bengal, and Seemollanghan in Maharashtra.
Associated deities
RamaDurga
What to do
Recommended
- Perform worship in the Vijaya Muhurat (Aparahna)
- Conduct Ayudha Puja - worship tools, machines, vehicles and books
- Begin new learning, ventures or journeys on this auspicious day
- Offer and exchange Apta (Shami) leaves as symbolic gold
- Attend the evening burning of the Ravana effigy
Avoid
- Beginning inauspicious or tamasic activity on a day meant for righteous victory
- Undertaking key rituals during Rahu Kalam
Regional variations
- North India: towering Ravana effigies are burned at dusk after Ramlila performances.
- Maharashtra: Seemollanghan (crossing the village border) and the exchange of Apta leaves as gold.
- South India: Ayudha Puja and Saraswati worship of tools, instruments and books; Mysuru celebrates the grand Dasara.
Special notes
- Vijayadashami is considered auspicious in its entirety, so new ventures may begin even outside the marked muhurats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Vijaya Muhurat?
It is the afternoon 'victory' window (Aparahna) - the most auspicious hour of Dussehra for worship and for beginning any new endeavour.
Why is Dussehra good for starting new things?
The day carries the victorious energy of Rama over Ravana and Durga over Mahishasura, making it one of the most fortunate days to begin learning, ventures and journeys.
What is Ayudha Puja?
The worship of one's tools, machines, vehicles, instruments and books on Vijayadashami, seeking success in one's craft.
What are the Apta leaves exchanged in Maharashtra?
Apta (Shami) leaves are offered and exchanged as symbolic gold during Seemollanghan, the ceremonial crossing of the border.
All timings are computed for Mumbai, Maharashtra and follow Drik-style rules (sunrise/sunset, Pradosh-vyapini placement, sthir-lagna muhurtas). Times shift with your location - change your city on the calendar to recompute.