Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Puducherry is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Puducherry follows the Tamil tradition, with Golu doll displays through Navarathri and Saraswathi and Ayutha Pooja before Vijayadasami. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Puducherry with a local panchang.

Puducherry follows the Tamil tradition, with Golu doll displays through Navarathri and Saraswathi and Ayutha Pooja before Vijayadasami.

How Puducherry celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Homes arrange Bommai Golu on tiered steps and exchange visits with sundal and thamboolam, and temples across Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam hold special Navarathri pujas. Saraswathi Pooja and Ayutha Pooja fall on 19 October, and Vidyarambham is performed on Vijayadasami.

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Where to celebrate in Puducherry

  • Manakula Vinayagar and city temples, Puducherry
  • Villianur and Karaikal shrines

Dussehra 2026 dates in Puducherry

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Navarathri and Vijayadasami 2026 in Puducherry?

Navarathri runs 11–19 October 2026, Saraswathi and Ayutha Pooja are on 19 October, and Vijayadasami is on 20 October.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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