Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Chhattisgarh is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Chhattisgarh hosts the 75-day Bastar Dussehra, widely called the world’s longest Dussehra — a tribal festival centred on Goddess Danteshwari, not the Rama–Ravana story. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Raipur with a local panchang.

Chhattisgarh hosts the 75-day Bastar Dussehra, widely called the world’s longest Dussehra — a tribal festival centred on Goddess Danteshwari, not the Rama–Ravana story.

How Chhattisgarh celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Rooted in Bastar’s tribal traditions and the erstwhile Kakatiya rulers, Bastar Dussehra unfolds over rituals such as Kachan Gadi, Jogi Bithai, the towering wooden Rath Yatra pulled through Jagdalpur, Mavli Parghav and the Muria Durbar assembly of tribal leaders. It is one of India’s most distinctive festivals.

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Elsewhere in the state, Ramlila and Ravan Dahan are held in Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg, and the Mahamaya and Bamleshwari (Dongargarh) temples see large Navratri gatherings.

Where to celebrate in Chhattisgarh

  • Danteshwari temple and Jagdalpur (Bastar Dussehra)
  • Maa Bamleshwari temple, Dongargarh
  • Mahamaya temple, Ratanpur/Raipur
  • Raipur and Bilaspur Ravan Dahan grounds

Dussehra 2026 dates in Chhattisgarh

Date

Observance

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Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

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Tuesday, 20 October

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali

The Vijay Muhurat falls in the early afternoon and varies by city; use a panchang set to your town or check today's panchangam for Raipur and other cities in Chhattisgarh. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Bastar Dussehra 2026?

Bastar Dussehra spans about 75 days, beginning weeks before and culminating around Vijayadashami (20 October 2026). Check the Bastar district administration for the day-wise ritual schedule.

How is Bastar Dussehra different?

It honours Goddess Danteshwari through tribal rituals and a giant wooden chariot procession, and does not feature the burning of Ravana effigies.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

Explore Dussehra, Navratri and Dasara 2026 across India and the wider guides: