Dussehra 2026: V-P Radhakrishnan greets citizens, hails triumph of good over evil
Synopsis
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan marked Dussehra 2026 with a post on X calling the festival a living reminder of Bharat's civilisational values and the eternal victory of good over evil — a message that resonates as millions gather for Ravan Dahan and Ramlila performances across the country.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan extended Dussehra and Vijayadashami greetings on 20 October 2026 via a post on platform X.
He described the festivals as a symbol of the eternal triumph of good over evil and a reaffirmation of faith in truth, righteousness and justice.
Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana , while Vijayadashami also marks Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura .
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 auspicious Vijay Muhurat is observed between 1:59 pm and 2:45 pm on 20 October .
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday, 20 October extended warm greetings to citizens across India and to members of the Indian diaspora worldwide on the occasion of Dussehra and Vijayadashami, describing the festivals as a reaffirmation of faith in truth, righteousness and justice and a symbol of the eternal victory of good over evil.
What Radhakrishnan Said
Posting on social media platform X, the Vice-President wrote: 'Celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across the country in diverse forms, these festivals reflect Bharat's rich cultural heritage, shared civilisational values and the enduring spirit of unity in diversity. They remind us of the eternal triumph of good over evil and reaffirm our faith in truth, righteousness and justice.'
He added: 'May these festive occasions strengthen our bonds of harmony and brotherhood and inspire us to work together towards a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Bharat.'
Significance of Dussehra and Vijayadashami
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is being celebrated across most of the country on 20 October. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, the king of Lanka, as narrated in the epic Ramayana. It is marked by religious ceremonies, cultural programmes, Ramlila performances and the traditional burning of effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad, and his brother Kumbhakarna. According to Drik Panchang, the Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 pm on 20 October and concludes at 2:11 pm on 21 October. In New Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat — considered an auspicious window for performing Vijayadashami rituals — falls between 1:59 pm and 2:45 pm on 20 October.
Ravan Dahan and Celebrations Across India
The annual Ravan Dahan ceremony remains one of the most prominent highlights of Dussehra festivities. The burning of effigies represents the destruction of evil and the victory of virtue over arrogance and injustice. Large gatherings are expected at celebration venues nationwide, following days of Ramlila performances depicting key episodes from Lord Rama's life.
In several eastern and north-eastern regions, Vijayadashami also marks the culmination of Durga Puja celebrations, commemorating Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura — another expression of divine power's triumph over evil.
A Festival of Unity Amid Diversity
Although celebrated through varied customs and traditions across the subcontinent, Dussehra carries a consistent message of courage, integrity, and the importance of standing up for righteousness. This comes amid the broader festive season that unites millions of Indians irrespective of region or community — underlining the Vice-President's emphasis on 'unity in diversity.' As celebrations unfold nationwide, the day serves as both a cultural milestone and a civic reminder of the values that bind the country together.
Point of View
And this one follows that ritual form. What is worth noting is the consistent official framing of the festival as a vehicle for civic values — unity, righteousness, harmony — rather than purely religious observance. That framing reflects a broader state effort to present India's diverse festival traditions as a shared civilisational inheritance. Whether those values translate beyond ceremonial messaging into policy and public life remains, as always, the harder question.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan say on Dussehra 2026?
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan extended Dussehra and Vijayadashami greetings on 20 October 2026, posting on social media platform X that the festivals symbolise the eternal triumph of good over evil and reaffirm faith in truth, righteousness and justice. He expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen bonds of harmony and brotherhood among citizens.
What is Dussehra and why is it celebrated?
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana as described in the Ramayana. It is celebrated through Ramlila performances, religious ceremonies and the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, symbolising the defeat of evil.
When is the Vijay Muhurat for Vijayadashami 2026 in New Delhi?
According to Drik Panchang, the Vijay Muhurat in New Delhi on 20 October 2026 falls between 1:59 pm and 2:45 pm. The Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 pm on 20 October and concludes at 2:11 pm on 21 October.
How is Vijayadashami connected to Durga Puja?
In several eastern and north-eastern regions of India, Vijayadashami marks the culmination of Durga Puja celebrations, commemorating Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. The dual significance makes the day particularly important across different communities and traditions.
What is the significance of Ravan Dahan on Dussehra?
Ravan Dahan — the ceremonial burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna — is one of the central events of Dussehra celebrations across India. It represents the destruction of evil and the victory of virtue over arrogance and injustice, drawing large public gatherings at celebration venues nationwide.
