Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. In 2026, the festival falls on Tuesday, October 20, marking the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana and Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura. Many people consider the occasion an opportunity to make a fresh start and welcome positivity and prosperity into their homes.
Along with prayers and traditional celebrations, simple Vastu practices are followed by many families during the festival. These include cleaning the house, decorating the main entrance, lighting a diya and performing Shastra Puja. Gurudev Vikrant Jain, chairman and founder of the Indian Institute of Vedic Science (IIVS), has shared seven Vastu tips that devotees can follow while preparing for Dussehra.
Dussehra 2026: Date and puja time
Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Vijay Muhurat is approximately from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm, a period traditionally considered auspicious for new beginnings and Shastra Puja.
The timings may vary slightly from one city to another, so devotees should check their local Panchang for the precise muhurat. Ravana Dahan is traditionally performed after sunset.
7 Vastu tips to follow on Dussehra
1. Clean and declutter your home
Start your Dussehra preparations by cleaning your home and removing broken items and belongings that are no longer in use. According to traditional Vastu beliefs, unused and broken objects can obstruct positive energy.
A clean and organised home is associated with prosperity and provides a fresh start as you welcome the festive occasion.
2. Make your main entrance welcoming
The main entrance is considered an important point for welcoming positive energy into the home. Keep the doorway clean and decorate it with a toran made of mango leaves and marigolds.
You can also draw a rangoli near the entrance. These traditional decorations add a festive touch while making the doorway welcoming for family members and visitors.
3. Light a diya in the northeast corner
The northeast direction, known as Ishan, is associated with calmness and clarity in traditional Vastu practices.
Keep this corner clean and tidy, and light a mustard oil diya there in the evening. This simple ritual is followed by some families as part of their Dussehra preparations.
4. Perform a simple Shastra Puja
Shastra Puja is an important Dussehra tradition in which people worship the tools and objects associated with their work. These may include books, pens, laptops and vehicles.
Clean the items before the puja, apply a tilak and offer a flower. The ritual is observed as a way of expressing gratitude for the tools that support one's work throughout the year.
5. Sprinkle Ganga jal or salt water
Some families use Ganga jal or salt water as part of their traditional home-cleansing practices. You can sprinkle Ganga jal in different rooms before the evening puja.
Salt water is also used in some household traditions with the belief that it helps clear negative energy. These practices are rooted in religious and cultural beliefs.
6. Repair broken items before the festival
Check your home for things that need repairing or replacing. A leaking tap, a stopped watch or other damaged household items can be attended to before Dussehra.
Taking care of these repairs can help you begin the festive period with a cleaner, more organised living space.
7. Offer Shami leaves during puja
The Shami tree has a traditional association with Dussehra. Many families offer Shami leaves during worship and share them with loved ones as a symbol of good luck.
If Shami leaves are unavailable, a fresh flower can be offered as an alternative, according to the practices outlined in the source material.
Dussehra 2026: Dos and don'ts to remember
Along with the Vastu practices, a few simple customs can help families prepare for the festival.
Dos
- Wake up early in the morning.
- Bathe before performing the puja.
- Keep your home bright with lights.
- Wear clean, bright clothes.
- Offer sweets to family members and friends.
Don'ts
- Avoid leaving rubbish and dirty plates lying around throughout the day.
- Avoid arguments and anger at home or outside.
- Do not skip the evening lamp.
- Keep the puja area clean and tidy.
Dussehra is traditionally associated with new beginnings and the victory of good over evil. Following these household practices can help families observe the occasion while maintaining their festive and religious traditions.
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