Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in New Zealand is on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 — a day after India — because the Dashami tithi begins on Tuesday evening local time. In New Zealand, as in eastern Australia, Vijayadashami falls a day after India — on Wednesday 21 October 2026 — and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch host the country’s Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window (New Zealand Daylight Time (UTC+13)) — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Auckland with a local panchang.

In New Zealand, as in eastern Australia, Vijayadashami falls a day after India — on Wednesday 21 October 2026 — and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch host the country’s Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations.

How New Zealand celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Because the Dashami tithi begins on Tuesday evening New Zealand time, panchangs place Vijayadashami on Wednesday 21 October. Gujarati communities hold garba and dandiya nights, Bengali associations raise Durga Puja pandals, and Nepali and Indo-Fijian families keep Dashain.

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Dussehra 2026 city by city in New Zealand

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest Indian community holds garba nights, Durga Puja and temple programmes across the city and North Shore.

Wellington

The capital’s community celebrates Navratri and Durga Puja at temples and community halls.

Christchurch & Hamilton

South Island and Waikato communities hold Navratri and Dussehra gatherings.

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Community associations and temples usually announce their exact 2026 garba, Durga Puja and Dussehra dates a few weeks ahead — check your local temple or association for venues and times.

Dussehra 2026 dates in New Zealand

Date

Observance

Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

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Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

Wednesday, 21 October

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

The Vijay Muhurat falls in the early afternoon and follows local sunrise and sunset — use a panchang set to your city or check today's panchangam. Don’t apply India’s IST muhurat directly.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in New Zealand?

Vijayadashami falls on Wednesday 21 October 2026, a day after India, because the Dashami tithi begins on Tuesday evening New Zealand time.

Why is Dussehra a day later in New Zealand?

New Zealand is far ahead of India, so Dashami reaches its afternoon (Aparahna) window on 21 October local time.

Dussehra 2026 around the world

More country and regional guides, each with local dates, muhurat and events: