Back to Canada Calendar
Spiritual Significance
Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) marks the victorious tenth day — the day Lord Rama slew Ravana and Goddess Durga slew Mahishasura. Across India, burning of Ravana effigies, Ram Leela performances, and Durga visarjan mark the day. It is a reminder that truth and righteousness (satya and dharma) always prevail over falsehood and adharma.
How to Celebrate in Canada
Observing Dussehra in Canada is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in Toronto (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
- Burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkarna
- Ram Leela performances and conclusion
- Shami Puja and exchange of Shami leaves
- Durga idol procession to rivers for visarjan
- Ayudha Puja in South India
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Shami leaves🌸 Aparajita flowers🌸 Gold🌸 Arms and tools🌸 Khichdi