SS Bhakthi

Namaskaram

2026

Vijayadashami 2026

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Vijayadashami (Dasara)

Vijayadashami (Dasara): The Day of Victory

Vijayadashami, popularly called Dasara, is celebrated on Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami, the tenth day after the nine nights of Devi (Sharad) Navaratri. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and of Lord Rama over Ravana, and is one of the biggest festivals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Stories Behind Vijayadashami

According to the Devi Bhagavatam, Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and slew him on the tenth, which is why the day is called Vijaya Dashami, the Dashami of victory. The Ramayana tradition holds that Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day. The Mahabharata adds another link: the Pandavas had hidden their weapons in a Shami (Jammi) tree during their year of hiding, and Arjuna took them back on Vijayadashami. This is the origin of the Telugu custom of Jammi Chettu puja.

How Dasara Is Celebrated

  • Morning puja: After bathing, worship Goddess Durga or Aparajita Devi in the home shrine and offer naivedyam.
  • Shami (Jammi) puja: In the evening, people go to a Jammi tree, offer prayers, and exchange its leaves as "gold" with family and friends while greeting elders for blessings.
  • Palapitta darshan: In Telangana, seeing the Palapitta (Indian roller bird) on Dasara is considered very lucky.
  • Vehicle and tool puja: Many families clean and worship their vehicles, tools and books, continuing the Ayudha Puja of Navami.
  • Feasting: Homes prepare pulihora, payasam, garelu and other festive dishes.

Dasara in Telugu Lands

At the Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, the goddess is decorated in a different alankaram on each day of Navaratri, and the Dasara utsavams draw huge crowds. In Telangana, the Bathukamma festival runs alongside Navaratri and ends with Saddula Bathukamma. Vijayadashami is also considered an excellent day to begin new learning, start a business or perform Aksharabhyasam for children.

Significance

Dasara reminds us that dharma always wins over adharma, and that the inner demons of anger, pride and greed can be overcome through devotion and effort. It is a day for reconciliation, for seeking the blessings of elders and for starting afresh.

May Goddess Durga bless you with victory in every good effort this Vijayadashami.

Frequently asked questions

When is Vijayadashami celebrated?
Vijayadashami, also called Dasara, is celebrated on Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami. It comes on the tenth day, right after the nine nights of Devi (Sharad) Navaratri.
Why is Vijayadashami celebrated?
Vijayadashami celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
What is Jammi Chettu puja on Dasara?
On Dasara evening, people worship the Shami (Jammi) tree, recalling how the Pandavas retrieved their weapons from it. They then exchange Jammi leaves as gold and seek blessings from elders.
Why is seeing the Palapitta bird lucky on Dasara?
In Telangana, sighting the Palapitta (Indian roller) on Dasara is considered a sign of good fortune. Many families go out in the evening especially hoping to see the bird.
Is Vijayadashami a good day for Aksharabhyasam?
Yes, Vijayadashami is considered one of the best days to begin learning. Many Telugu families perform Aksharabhyasam for young children or start new studies and ventures on this day.
Which temple is famous for Dasara in Andhra Pradesh?
The Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada is famous for its Dasara celebrations. The goddess is decorated in a different alankaram on each day of Navaratri and the festival draws very large crowds.

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