Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Maharashtra is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Maharashtra observes Navratri with Ghatasthapana and pilgrimages to the great Devi temples, and Dussehra with Simollanghan and the exchange of apta (“gold”) leaves. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Mumbai with a local panchang.

Maharashtra observes Navratri with Ghatasthapana and pilgrimages to the great Devi temples, and Dussehra with Simollanghan and the exchange of apta (“gold”) leaves.

How Maharashtra celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Families install the ghat and grow the navadhanya on the first day, and devotees throng the goddess shrines of Tuljapur (Bhavani), Kolhapur (Mahalakshmi), Mahur (Renuka) and Vani (Saptashringi). Garba is popular in Gujarati neighbourhoods of Mumbai and Pune.

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On Vijayadashami, people perform Simollanghan (symbolically crossing the village boundary), worship the shami/apta tree, and exchange its leaves as “sone” (gold) with elders and friends, along with Saraswati and Ayudha Puja. Nagpur is known for its large Dasara gathering.

Where to celebrate in Maharashtra

  • Tuljapur Bhavani temple
  • Mahalakshmi temple, Kolhapur
  • Saptashringi Devi, Vani (Nashik)
  • Renuka Devi, Mahur
  • Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur Dasara venues

Dussehra 2026 dates in Maharashtra

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Maharashtra?

Ghatasthapana is on 11 October 2026, Navratri runs to 19 October, and Vijayadashami (Dasara) is on 20 October.

What are apta leaves on Dasara?

On Vijayadashami, Maharashtrians exchange leaves of the apta tree as symbolic gold (“sone”), greeting elders and friends for a prosperous year.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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