Bathukamma and Dasara 2026 in Australia, City by City: Dates, Events and Vijay Muhurat

Quick answer: Bathukamma 2026 runs from Saturday 10 October (Engili Pula Bathukamma) to Sunday 18 October (Saddula Bathukamma) on the Telangana calendar. Australian panchangs list Durga Ashtami on Monday 19 October, so you will see Saddula Bathukamma on both the 18th and the 19th. Dasara (Vijayadashami) is Wednesday 21 October in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin, but Tuesday 20 October in Perth. Vijay Muhurat is 2:51–3:43 PM in Sydney and 3:18–4:11 PM in Melbourne. No Australian Bathukamma event had a confirmed 2026 date when we last checked.

Australia's Telugu community has grown quickly, and Bathukamma is now celebrated in every state capital, from community halls in Western Sydney and Melbourne's south-east to parks in Brisbane and Perth. The Australian twist in 2026 is that the calendar splits: the Bathukamma finale and Dasara do not fall on the same day across the country. This guide explains why, gives the Vijay Muhurat for each city and sets out what to expect from local associations. For Dussehra across Australia more broadly, see our Dussehra 2026 Australia city-by-city guide.

Bathukamma and Dasara 2026: Australian dates at a glance

"Eastern" here means New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory — every capital except Perth.

Why Australia has two dates for Saddula Bathukamma

Ashtami tithi begins at 8:27 AM IST on 18 October. East of India, the clock shift pushes that start time well past local sunrise, so Australian panchangs (Drik Panchang for Australia among them) list Durga Ashtami on Monday 19 October. Telangana's own calendar keeps Durga Ashtami and Saddula Bathukamma on Sunday 18 October.

• If you follow the Telangana calendar (as most Telangana families and associations do), Saddula Bathukamma is Sunday 18 October, which is conveniently a weekend.
• If you follow your local temple, Durga Ashtami pujas are likely on Monday 19 October.
• Community events are often on whichever weekend the hall is available, before or after these dates.

Both dates are correct for what they measure. We show both throughout this guide so you can plan around your family's practice.

Why Dasara is 21 October in the east but 20 October in Perth

Dashami tithi runs from 12:50 PM IST on 20 October to 2:11 PM IST on 21 October. In Sydney that start time becomes 6:20 PM on Tuesday 20 October (a little earlier on the clock in Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin, but still after the afternoon Vijay Muhurat has passed), so the first full Dashami afternoon is Wednesday 21 October. Perth, three hours behind Sydney in October, sees Dashami begin at 3:20 PM on Tuesday 20 October and keeps the 20th as Dasara.

Even in Perth, the calculated Vijay Muhurat (2:11–3:03 PM) ends before Dashami begins at 3:20 PM. Perth readers should use the later part of the Aparahna period or follow their temple's published timing.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 by Australian city

These windows are local time and account for daylight saving where it applies: New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, South Australia and Tasmania moved to daylight time on 4 October, while Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia stay on standard time.

Do not use India's time. India's Vijay Muhurat is 1:59–2:45 PM IST on 20 October. Converted to Australian time it falls outside every local Vijay Muhurat window in the table above — and in the eastern states it lands on Tuesday evening, the day before Dasara. It is never the right window in Australia.

Confirmed and expected events in Australia, October 2026

No Bathukamma event in Australia had a confirmed 2026 date when we last checked. The two events below are Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations from our confirmed list; both are marked † because they come from third-party event sites — listed by third-party sites, confirm with the organiser before you travel.

Telangana associations that usually host Bathukamma

• ATSA: usually hosts — 2026 date not yet announced.
• ATF: usually hosts — 2026 date not yet announced.
• Melbourne Telangana Forum (MTF): usually hosts — 2026 date not yet announced.
• Telangana Association of Queensland (TAQ): usually hosts — 2026 date not yet announced.

Follow these groups' social media pages, and ask at your local Telugu association or temple. Smaller cities often have a single combined Telugu Bathukamma and Dasara evening.

City by city

Sydney (NSW)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 2:51–3:43 PM. Sydney has the country's largest Telugu population, concentrated in Western Sydney and the Hills, and Bathukamma gatherings are usually held in community halls and parks on a weekend near Saddula Bathukamma. The Sri Venkateswara Temple at Helensburgh is a major focus for Navratri and Dasara. A VMS Durga Puja at St Marys Memorial Hall on Saturday 24 October is listed by third-party sites (†) — confirm with the organiser.

Melbourne (Victoria)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 3:18–4:11 PM. The Melbourne Telangana Forum usually hosts a Bathukamma celebration (2026 date not yet announced). The Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs and Melbourne's Sri Durga Temple hold Navratri programmes; check their websites for 2026 timings. The Dussehra Mela at Epping Soccer Stadium on Saturday 24 October is listed by third-party sites (†).

Brisbane (Queensland)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 1:41–2:32 PM — noticeably earlier than Sydney because Queensland stays on standard time. The Telangana Association of Queensland usually hosts Bathukamma (2026 date not yet announced).

Gold Coast (Queensland)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 1:40–2:31 PM. Many Gold Coast families travel to Brisbane events; smaller local gatherings are organised through community groups.

Canberra (ACT)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 2:59–3:52 PM. Canberra's Telugu community is smaller but close-knit; check with local associations and temples for a combined Bathukamma and Dasara event.

Adelaide (South Australia)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 3:11–4:04 PM. Adelaide is half an hour behind Sydney. Ask your local Telugu association for the 2026 Bathukamma date.

Perth (Western Australia)

Dasara is Tuesday 20 October — a day earlier than the rest of Australia. The calculated Vijay Muhurat is 2:11–3:03 PM, but it ends before Dashami begins at 3:20 PM, so use the later part of the Aparahna period or your temple's published timing. Perth's Telangana families usually hold Bathukamma on a weekend; check local association pages.

Hobart (Tasmania)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 3:10–4:04 PM. Hobart's community is small, so many families celebrate Bathukamma at home or join a combined Indian community event.

Darwin (Northern Territory)

Dasara is Wednesday 21 October; Vijay Muhurat 2:35–3:25 PM. Darwin has no daylight saving and is half an hour behind Brisbane. Check with local Indian associations for Bathukamma gatherings.

Regional centres

For Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Toowoomba and other regional cities, use the date for your state and the nearest capital's window as a guide, and confirm with your temple; we have not calculated separate windows for these cities.

The nine days of Bathukamma

Bathukamma — "come alive, Mother" — is Telangana's festival of flowers in honour of Goddess Gauri. Women stack seasonal flowers in concentric rings on a brass plate (tambalam), crown the stack with a small turmeric Gauramma, sing in circles around it in the evening and finally immerse it in water. Each of the nine days has a name and an offering:

Offerings differ between families and districts. The ninth day, Saddula Bathukamma, has the biggest stacks and a feast of rice dishes — curd rice, tamarind rice, lemon rice, coconut rice and sesame rice are common — plus maleeda, a sweet of crumbled roti with jaggery and ghee.

How Bathukamma is celebrated in Australia

• Flowers: tangedu (yellow senna) and gunugu (celosia), the classic Telangana flowers, are rarely available. Spring in Australia helps: chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and roses are easy to find at markets and florists. Some families grow marigolds for the season.
• Immersion: putting flowers into rivers, lakes or the sea is often restricted by councils. Associations usually arrange a tank or pool for a symbolic immersion and then compost or dispose of the flowers. At home, a tub of water in the garden is fine.
• Weekends: the big community Bathukamma is almost always a Saturday or Sunday. In 2026 Saddula Bathukamma (18 October) is itself a Sunday.
• Songs and dress: the "Bathukamma Bathukamma uyyalo" songs, sarees and langa voni are central. Groups often share song lyrics so that children raised in Australia can sing along.
• Food: potluck saddulu (rice dishes) and maleeda are typical at community events; check whether your organiser wants home-cooked contributions.

Dasara traditions for Telangana families

On Vijayadashami, Telangana households perform Shami (jammi) puja and exchange jammi leaves with elders as a symbol of gold and blessings. Many families also start new learning or buy vehicles in the Vijay Muhurat. Ayudha Puja, honouring tools, books and vehicles, is listed by Drik Panchang on Tuesday 20 October in India; some families perform it on Maha Navami, Monday 19 October. Because Dasara is a Wednesday in eastern Australia, many associations hold Dasara celebrations on the following weekend.

Your 2026 planner

• Sat 10 Oct: Engili Pula Bathukamma; Mahalaya Amavasya (see our Mahalaya Amavasya 2026 guide).
• Sun 11 Oct: Navratri begins; Atukula Bathukamma.
• Mon 12 – Sat 17 Oct: daily evening Bathukamma at home; buy flowers and plan saddulu.
• Sun 18 Oct: Saddula Bathukamma (Telangana calendar).
• Mon 19 Oct: Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami (Australian panchang); Saddula Bathukamma for families following the local panchang; Ayudha Puja for some families (Drik lists it on Tue 20 Oct in India).
• Tue 20 Oct: Dasara in Perth.
• Wed 21 Oct: Dasara in all other capitals; Shami puja in the Vijay Muhurat.
• Sat 24 Oct: Dussehra Mela, Melbourne † and VMS Durga Puja, Sydney † (confirm with organisers).
• Sun 8 Nov: Diwali — see our Diwali 2026 guide for Australia, the UAE and Singapore.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami is the day we remember the victory of dharma over adharma and of light over darkness. As commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura after nine nights of battle, and Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this very day. For Telugu and Telangana Hindus in Australia, far from the fields of flowers back home, a blessing sent across the miles keeps that light burning bright. Take a moment today to send a heartfelt blessing to your family and loved ones.

Shami shloka for Vijayadashami

शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी। अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥

Shami shamayate papam shami shatru-vinashini, arjunasya dhanurdhari ramasya priyadarshini.

Meaning: The Shami tree takes away sin and destroys enemies; it held Arjuna's bow and is dear to Lord Rama. Many families recite this while offering Shami (Jammi) leaves on Vijayadashami.

Rama mantra to chant on Dussehra

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Ramaya ramabhadraya ramachandraya vedhase, raghunathaya nathaya sitayah pataye namah.

Meaning: Salutations to Rama, to Ramabhadra, to Ramachandra the creator, to the lord of the Raghu clan, to the husband of Sita.

Vijayadashami 2026 messages to share

Happy Dasara to our whole family! 🌼 May Maa Durga fill our home with peace, our hearts with courage and our days with the sweet fragrance of Bathukamma flowers. Share on WhatsApp

Dear Amma and Nanna, on this Vijayadashami I bow to you with love. 🙏 May the Goddess bless you with good health, calm days and endless joy. Your blessings are my strength. Share on WhatsApp

Sending Dasara love from our home in Australia to all our friends! 🪔 May the victory of good over evil light up your path and bring you happiness all year long. Share on WhatsApp

Warm Vijayadashami wishes to you and your family. May this auspicious day bless your work with clarity, your team with harmony and every new beginning with success. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Maa Durga! 🌺 As the Goddess triumphed over darkness, may She give you the strength to overcome every obstacle and walk always on the path of truth and courage. Share on WhatsApp

From all of us here in Sydney, Happy Dasara! 🏹 May Lord Rama bless your family with righteousness, patience and the quiet courage to always choose what is right. Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

O Maa Durga, Mother of all strength, and Lord Rama, protector of dharma, I bow before you on this sacred Vijayadashami. Grant me the courage to face my fears, the wisdom to choose what is right and the humility to serve others. Keep my family safe and free from negativity, wherever we may live. Let the light of your victory shine in our hearts and guide our steps each day.

Use the share buttons on this page to send these blessings to your family and friends.

Bathukamma 2026 events: verified listings

Last updated: 9 October 2026. These 4 Bathukamma 2026 events were confirmed on the organiser's own page or an official ticketing page. Many more celebrations are announced only on association social pages and WhatsApp groups, so check with your local Telugu or Telangana association too.

Saddula Bathukamma in Telangana is on Sunday 18 October 2026; community events abroad are held on the dates the organisers choose, usually the nearest weekend. Details change, so always confirm the date, venue and registration on the organiser's page before you go. HinduTone is not affiliated with these organisers.

Frequently asked questions

When is Bathukamma 2026 in Australia?

Bathukamma 2026 runs from Engili Pula Bathukamma on Saturday 10 October to Saddula Bathukamma on Sunday 18 October on the Telangana calendar. Families who follow Australian temple panchangs may mark the finale on Monday 19 October, when Durga Ashtami is listed locally.

When is Dasara 2026 in Australia?

Dasara (Vijayadashami) is Wednesday 21 October 2026 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and the Gold Coast. In Perth it is Tuesday 20 October, a day earlier than the rest of the country.

Why is Dasara on a different day in Perth?

Dashami tithi begins at 6:20 PM on Tuesday 20 October in Sydney, after the afternoon has passed, so the eastern states keep Wednesday 21 October. Perth sees Dashami begin at 3:20 PM on Tuesday 20 October and keeps the 20th as Dasara.

What is the Vijay Muhurat for Dasara 2026 in Sydney and Melbourne?

The Vijay Muhurat on Wednesday 21 October is 2:51–3:43 PM in Sydney and 3:18–4:11 PM in Melbourne, in local daylight time. Brisbane's window is earlier, 1:41–2:32 PM, because Queensland stays on standard time.

Can I use India's Vijay Muhurat in Australia?

No. India's window converted to Australian time falls outside every local Vijay Muhurat, and in the eastern states it lands on the evening before Dasara. Use your city's own window or your temple's published timing.

Where is Bathukamma celebrated in Australia?

Telangana associations such as ATSA, ATF, the Melbourne Telangana Forum and the Telangana Association of Queensland usually host Bathukamma, though no 2026 dates were confirmed at last check. Gatherings are usually held in community halls and parks on a weekend near Saddula Bathukamma.

Related guides

• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 (main guide)
• Dussehra 2026 in Australia, city by city
• Bathukamma and Dasara 2026 in Dubai and the UAE
• Bathukamma and Dasara 2026 in Singapore
• Bathukamma and Dasara 2026 in Europe, city by city
• Bathukamma 2026 in the UK, region by region
• Dussehra and Bathukamma 2026 in the USA
• Diwali 2026 in Australia, the UAE and Singapore
• October 2026 Hindu festivals calendar