Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Gujarat is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Gujarat lives its Navratri through nine nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas danced in honour of Amba Mata, before Dussehra brings Ravan Dahan and the state’s beloved fafda-jalebi. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Gandhinagar with a local panchang.

Gujarat lives its Navratri through nine nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas danced in honour of Amba Mata, before Dussehra brings Ravan Dahan and the state’s beloved fafda-jalebi.

How Gujarat celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Across Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot, communities gather in grounds and society compounds for garba around a decorated garbo lamp, and dandiya-raas with sticks. Vadodara is especially famous for its traditional garba, and large organised events run every night of Navratri.

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On Vijayadashami, families eat fafda and jalebi, workshops perform Ayudha Puja, and effigies of Ravana are burned. The Shakti temples of Ambaji and Pavagadh (Mahakali) see huge Navratri footfall.

Where to celebrate in Gujarat

  • Ambaji temple, Banaskantha
  • Mahakali temple, Pavagadh
  • Vadodara’s traditional garba grounds
  • GMDC Ground and society garbas, Ahmedabad
  • Surat and Rajkot Navratri venues

Dussehra 2026 dates in Gujarat

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 Gandhinagar and other cities in Gujarat. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Navratri and Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat?

Navratri runs 11–19 October 2026 and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is on 20 October.

Why fafda and jalebi on Dussehra?

Eating fafda-jalebi on Vijayadashami is a much-loved Gujarati tradition, and sweet shops across the state prepare them in huge quantities that morning.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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