Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Rajasthan is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Rajasthan’s Dussehra is led by the famous Kota Dussehra Mela, a fair of towering effigies, alongside Jaipur’s celebrations and Jodhpur’s unusual reverence for Ravana at Mandore. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Jaipur with a local panchang.

Rajasthan’s Dussehra is led by the famous Kota Dussehra Mela, a fair of towering effigies, alongside Jaipur’s celebrations and Jodhpur’s unusual reverence for Ravana at Mandore.

How Rajasthan celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Kota’s Dussehra Mela is one of the country’s largest, known for gigantic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad set alight before huge crowds, with a multi-day fair. Jaipur and other cities hold Ramlila and Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami.

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At Mandore near Jodhpur — linked in tradition to Ravana’s wife Mandodari — some families of the Shrimali/Dave Brahmin community regard Ravana as a son-in-law and mark the day differently. Navratri draws pilgrims to Karni Mata (Deshnok) and other Devi shrines.

Where to celebrate in Rajasthan

  • Kota Dussehra Mela grounds
  • Jaipur Ramlila and Ravan Dahan venues
  • Mandore, Jodhpur
  • Karni Mata temple, Deshnok

Dussehra 2026 dates in Rajasthan

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Rajasthan?

Vijayadashami is on Tuesday 20 October 2026; the Kota Dussehra Mela runs for several days around it.

Is Ravana worshipped in Rajasthan?

At Mandore near Jodhpur, some families connected to Mandodari’s legend treat Ravana as a son-in-law and do not celebrate his burning, a rare regional tradition.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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