Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Meghalaya is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October). Meghalaya’s Bengali and Nepali Hindu communities celebrate Durga Puja in Shillong, home to some of North-East India’s oldest puja pandals. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Shillong with a local panchang.

Meghalaya’s Bengali and Nepali Hindu communities celebrate Durga Puja in Shillong, home to some of North-East India’s oldest puja pandals.

How Meghalaya celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Shillong has a long Durga Puja tradition dating back over a century, with heritage pandals in areas such as Laitumkhrah, Jail Road and Rilbong, alongside newer community pujas. The festival runs through Shashthi to Bijaya Dashami with cultural programmes and immersion.

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Where to celebrate in Meghalaya

  • Laitumkhrah and Jail Road Durga Puja pandals, Shillong
  • Rilbong and Police Bazaar community pujas

Dussehra 2026 dates in Meghalaya

Date

Observance

Sunday, 11 October

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Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

Tuesday, 20 October

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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. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Durga Puja / Dussehra 2026 in Meghalaya?

The main puja days fall over 18–20 October 2026, with Bijaya Dashami on 20 October.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

Explore Dussehra, Navratri and Dasara 2026 across India: