Vijayadashami 2026: Date, rituals and the significance of the palapitta

Vijayadashami is a major Hindu festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. It commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The Dashami Tithi is said to arrive at 12.50pm on 20 October 2026 and to end at 2.11pm on 21 October. Vijayadashami will thus be celebrated on 20 October, while the Mysore festival is scheduled for 21 October.

Devotees worship Goddess Aparajita and it is believed that prayers to her bring success and auspiciousness. The Shami tree is also worshipped for good fortune and prosperity.

Ayudha Puja, the worshipping of tools and implements, is performed on the day. Many people also offer prayers for their tools, vehicles and machinery, while some families hold aksharabhyasam, a ceremony signifying a child’s first steps in formal education.

Why the Indian Roller Bird matters

In Telangana, seeing an Indian Roller Bird, locally known as the palapitta, on Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious sign. The bird, recognised by its striking blue and brown wings, has a special place in the state’s Dussehra traditions and is Telangana’s state bird.

As the nine-day Sharannavaratri festival ends, people traditionally cross their village boundaries in a custom called seemollanghanam. Spotting a palapitta during this ritual is believed to bring good fortune and success.

Folklore links the belief to the Pandavas, who are said to have seen an Indian Roller while returning after their forest exile, or aranyavasa, and period in disguise, or ajnathavasa. The story holds that success followed the encounter.

Villagers say the bird is less commonly seen than many others and tends to appear after the monsoon rains have passed. Some believe it avoids water.

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Pavan Bandari

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I am content writer with six years of experience in entertainment and politics besides other modules as well.