Dashami is the 10th day of every month’s lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It occurs twice in a lunar month, once during Shukla Paksha and once during Krishna Paksha. It appears once in the waxing phase of the Moon and once in the waning phase. But Dasmi only comes once a month in the Nanakshahi calendar, which is a Sikh calendar. In 2026, Dashami occurs 24 times. Some Dashami dates are linked with important religious observances such as Ganga Dashami and Vijayadashami. The exact Tithi can begin on one calendar date and end on the next, so the date and timing both matter when you are checking a Panchang.
Dashami is associated in Hindu tradition with ideas such as courage, progress, victory, and the continuation of dharma. Different Dashami dates also have their own religious significance. The festival observance is determined according to the relevant Panchang rules and local location.
When is Dashami in 2026? Know All Monthly Dasmi Dates
Gregorian & Nanakshahi Samvat dates for every month
Importance of Dashami Tithi?
Dashami is traditionally associated with victory, courage, discipline and righteousness. Its importance becomes especially visible through festivals that fall on this Tithi.
Vijayadashami connects Dashami with the victory of good over evil. Ganga Dashami is another important observance associated with the Tithi and is linked with the descent of the River Ganga to Earth.
For many devotees, Dashami also provides a suitable occasion for prayer, worship and reflection.
Do Dashami timings vary by location?
Yes, Dashami timings are based on the positions of the Sun and Moon, so they are calculated for a particular geographical location and time zone.
The difference can become important around midnight or sunrise. A Tithi may begin late at night and continue into the next calendar day. The date shown for religious observance can therefore depend on local Panchang rules.
For example, the Dashami Tithi for Vijayadashami begins at 12:50 PM on October 20 and ends at 2:11 PM on October 21 in the cited Indian calculations. The local Vijay Muhurat itself changes from city to city.
Your local Panchang is therefore the better reference when you need an exact puja time.
What people do on Dashami
The rituals depend on the particular Dashami and the regional tradition.
On Vijayadashami, some traditions observe Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Seema Avalanghan. These rituals are traditionally performed during the Aparahna period.
Ganga Dashami has different customs. Devotees traditionally take a sacred bath and offer prayers connected with the River Ganga.
At home, your observance can also be simple. Prayer, temple visits, devotional activities and acts of charity may form part of the day depending on your family tradition.
In Punjab, sikh go to Gurudwara for prayer and chanting the God’s name on Dasmi. They celebrate Dasmi every month. Some historically commemorated it as a day to honour shastar (weapons) and the warrior spirit for Sikhs.
