Dussehra 2026: CMs from 5 states extend Vijayadashami greetings
Synopsis
Five Chief Ministers — from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Bihar — used Dussehra to send public messages rooted in the symbolism of Lord Ram's victory, each weaving in themes of development, public welfare, and inner renewal. The Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi falls between 1.59 pm and 2.45 pm on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is being celebrated across India on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 with Ramlila performances, public gatherings, and Ravan Dahan.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis posted Marathi greetings on social media, urging citizens to channel the festival's spirit toward state development.
MP CM Mohan Yadav , Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma , Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami , and Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary each extended wishes invoking Lord Ram's ideals.
The Dashami Tithi begins at 12.50 pm on 20 October and ends at 2.11 pm on 21 October , per Drik Panchang.
The Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi is observed from 1.59 pm to 2.45 pm on Tuesday.
Vijayadashami also marks Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura in the Shakta tradition, giving the festival a pan-India cultural resonance.
Chief Ministers of at least five states extended greetings to their constituents on Tuesday, 20 October on the occasion of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, describing the festival as a celebration of the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil. Festivities unfolded across most parts of India, with Ramlila performances, public gatherings, and the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna marking the occasion.
Messages from Chief Ministers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted his wishes in Marathi on social media, urging citizens to channel the spirit of the festival toward the state's growth. 'Warm wishes to all on Vijayadashami! Come, on this auspicious occasion of Dussehra, let us strengthen new initiatives, turn new opportunities into gold, and give a fresh direction to the development of Maharashtra! Felicitations to all on the auspicious Vijayadashami,' he wrote.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav underlined the values of truth, hard work, and cooperation, invoking the ideals of Lord Ram. 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the great festival of Vijayadashami, the victory of righteousness over evil, truth over falsehood, and the destruction of ego. The inspiration of Lord Shri Ram guides us towards building an ideal life by progressing on the path of truth, hard work, and cooperation,' he said. Yadav also expressed hope that the ideals of Ram Rajya, centred on public welfare, would be realised.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma highlighted the festival's message of justice and righteousness. 'Heartfelt congratulations and infinite best wishes to all the residents of the state on the sacred festival of Vijayadashami, a symbol of the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil! May the ideals of Lord Shri Ram inspire us all to tread the path of truth, justice, and duty,' he said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on people to draw personal inspiration from the occasion. 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the sacred festival of Vijayadashami, celebrating the victory of truth over falsehood, righteousness over unrighteousness, and justice over injustice,' Dhami said. He urged citizens to resolve to eliminate internal failings — ego, anger, and ill will — while promoting love, harmony, and national dedication.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed hope that the festival would renew positivity and prosperity. 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state on the auspicious festival of Vijayadashami, a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood and righteousness over unrighteousness,' he said, concluding his message with 'Jai Shri Ram'.
Tithi, Timings and Significance
According to Drik Panchang, the Dashami Tithi begins at 12.50 pm on 20 October and ends at 2.11 pm on 21 October. In New Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat — considered the most auspicious window for Vijayadashami puja and related rituals — falls between 1.59 pm and 2.45 pm on Tuesday.
The Ravan Dahan ritual commemorates Lord Ram's victory over Ravana, the king of Lanka, as narrated in the Ramayana. The burning of Ravana's effigy symbolises the defeat of arrogance and the affirmation of righteousness.
Dual Traditions of Vijayadashami
Beyond the Vaishnava tradition centred on Lord Ram, Vijayadashami also holds deep significance in the Shakta tradition: it marks Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, making it the culminating day of Durga Puja celebrations. Across both traditions, the festival serves as a collective reminder to embrace truth, courage, and justice in daily life. This dual resonance gives Dussehra a pan-India cultural sweep rarely matched by other festivals on the Hindu calendar.
National Celebrations
Public festivities this year followed the familiar contours of past Dussehra observances — large effigy burnings in city grounds, the conclusion of week-long Ramlila performances depicting key episodes from Lord Ram's life, and community gatherings. The festival is observed widely regardless of regional linguistic or cultural differences, reinforcing its status as one of India's most inclusive public occasions. As evening falls on Tuesday, the skyline across major cities is expected to be lit by the symbolic fires of Ravan Dahan.
Point of View
But their content this cycle reveals a recurring pattern: BJP-governed states consistently frame Dussehra's symbolism through the prism of Ram Rajya and Lord Ram's ideals — language that doubles as political messaging ahead of various state cycles. What is less examined is how these public statements, amplified through social media in regional languages, serve as low-cost, high-reach outreach to culturally engaged voters. The dual Vaishnava-Shakta significance of Vijayadashami, though routinely noted, rarely gets the editorial depth it deserves — it is one of the few festivals that speaks simultaneously to North India's Ramlila tradition and Bengal's Durga Puja conclusion, a breadth that makes it politically and culturally irreducible.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami?
Dussehra and Vijayadashami refer to the same festival observed on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Ashwin. 'Vijaya' means victory, marking Lord Ram's triumph over Ravana as well as Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura — two distinct but converging traditions celebrated on the same day.
What is the Vijay Muhurat timing for Vijayadashami 2026 in New Delhi?
According to Drik Panchang, the Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi on Vijayadashami 2026 falls between 1.59 pm and 2.45 pm on Tuesday, 20 October. This window is considered the most auspicious time for puja and related rituals.
Which Chief Ministers extended Dussehra greetings in 2026?
Chief Ministers of at least five states extended greetings: Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra, Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh, Bhajanlal Sharma of Rajasthan, Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand, and Samrat Choudhary of Bihar. Each message invoked themes of truth, righteousness, and public welfare.
What is the significance of Ravan Dahan on Dussehra?
Ravan Dahan — the burning of Ravana's effigy — commemorates Lord Ram's defeat of Ravana, the king of Lanka, as narrated in the Ramayana. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and typically marks the conclusion of week-long Ramlila performances across India.
When does the Dashami Tithi begin and end in 2026?
According to Drik Panchang, the Dashami Tithi begins at 12.50 pm on 20 October 2026 and concludes at 2.11 pm on 21 October 2026.
