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Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area
Vijayadashami / Dussehra
Dates for the Bay Area
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026Major festivalnext
- Saturday, 9 October 2027Major festival
Why it matters
Marks the victory of dharma over adharma and traditionally concludes Navratri.
The story behind it
Northern traditions emphasize Rama’s victory over Ravana; Shakta traditions celebrate Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. In the South, the day is also auspicious for beginning education and arts.
Prayers and worship
Rama or Durga worship, recitation of Ramayana or Devi texts, shami/apta worship in some regions, Vidyarambham and arati.
Fasting and devotional customs
Fasting and household customs vary; follow the temple or family tradition for this observance.
What is typically offered
Flowers, lamps, shami/apta leaves where customary, books, instruments and tools.
Visiting a temple that day
Expect different emphases by community—Ramlila, Durga visarjan, Mysuru Dasara, Vidyarambham or Ayudha-related ceremonies.
Spiritual themes
Victory of dharma, courage, learning, renewal and righteous action.
Request this pooja
Sri Kumar Gurukkal performs Vijayadashami / Dussehra observances at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely.
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Subscribe to the festival calendar Share on WhatsAppThis date was validated against a location-specific Northern-California Panchāṅgam source. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →