Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Kerala is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). In Kerala the festival peaks on Vijayadashami with Vidyarambham, when young children are guided to write their first letters, alongside Saraswati Puja and the Navaratri music season. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Thiruvananthapuram with a local panchang.

In Kerala the festival peaks on Vijayadashami with Vidyarambham, when young children are guided to write their first letters, alongside Saraswati Puja and the Navaratri music season.

How Kerala celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

On Vijayadashami morning, thousands of children begin formal learning (Ezhuthiniruthu) at temples and cultural centres such as Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple, Thunchan Parambu in Tirur and North Paravur. Books and instruments placed for Puja Vaypu on Ashtami are taken back on Vijayadashami (Puja Eduppu).

Advertisement

Thiruvananthapuram’s Navaratri Mandapam hosts a celebrated classical music festival, and the deities of Saraswati, Munnoottinmelkavu and Padmanabhapuram are brought in procession for the nine nights.

Where to celebrate in Kerala

  • Navaratri Mandapam, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple, Kottayam
  • Thunchan Parambu, Tirur
  • North Paravur and Kottiyoor Vidyarambham centres

Dussehra 2026 dates in Kerala

Date

Observance

Advertisement

Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

Advertisement

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Vijayadashami / Vidyarambham 2026 in Kerala?

Vijayadashami is on Tuesday 20 October 2026, when Vidyarambham (a child’s first writing) is performed; Saraswati Puja and Puja Vaypu are on the preceding days.

What is Vidyarambham?

A ceremony on Vijayadashami in which young children are guided to write their first letters, marking the beginning of formal learning, especially popular in Kerala.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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