Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Himachal Pradesh is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Himachal is home to the world-famous Kullu Dussehra, which uniquely begins on Vijayadashami — the day the rest of India ends the festival — and runs for a week. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Shimla with a local panchang.

Himachal is home to the world-famous Kullu Dussehra, which uniquely begins on Vijayadashami — the day the rest of India ends the festival — and runs for a week.

How Himachal Pradesh celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

At Kullu’s Dhalpur maidan, hundreds of village deities (devtas) are carried in palanquins to pay their respects to Lord Raghunath, whose chariot (rath) is pulled by thousands of devotees to open the festival. The celebration was granted international-festival status and blends worship, a huge fair and cultural performances.

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The festival closes with the Lanka Dahan ritual on the banks of the Beas. Elsewhere in Himachal, the Shakti temples of Naina Devi, Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi and Chamunda Devi draw large Navratri crowds.

Where to celebrate in Himachal Pradesh

  • Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu (Kullu Dussehra)
  • Lord Raghunath temple, Kullu
  • Naina Devi, Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi and Chamunda Devi Shakti temples
  • Shimla and Mandi town celebrations

Dussehra 2026 dates in Himachal Pradesh

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 Shimla and other cities in Himachal Pradesh. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Kullu Dussehra 2026?

Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami, Tuesday 20 October 2026, and continues for about a week — unlike most of India, where the festival ends on Dussehra. Confirm exact dates with the Kullu district administration.

What makes Kullu Dussehra unique?

It starts when other Dussehras finish, centres on Lord Raghunath rather than Ravan effigies, and gathers hundreds of village devtas at Dhalpur maidan.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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