Dussehra 2026 in Singapore: Vijayadasami Date, Muhurat & Area-by-Area Guide to Navarathiri, Golu, Durga Puja and Temples

Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadasami) falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in Singapore, the same date as in India. Navarathiri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Drik Panchang's Singapore calendars place Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on Monday 19 October. The Vijay Muhurat is 2:50–3:38pm, and because the Dashami tithi begins at 3:20pm, the part of that window that falls in Dashami is 3:20–3:38pm. Deepavali follows on Sunday 8 November, with Monday 9 November as the in-lieu public holiday.

Dussehra 2026 in Singapore is celebrated above all as Navarathiri and Vijayadasami. For nine nights, the goddess is adorned in a new form at temples from Serangoon Road to Toa Payoh, families and temples display Golu, and the festival closes with Ambu Viduthal, the arrow ceremony that marks the goddess's victory over evil. About 5% of Singapore residents are Hindu, most of them Tamil, alongside Telugu, Malayalee, North Indian, Gujarati, Bengali and Sri Lankan communities who bring their own traditions to the season.

This guide covers Dussehra and Navarathiri 2026 across Singapore, area by area. You'll find the festival calendar on Singapore time, Vijay Muhurat and Aparahna timings for every part of the island, the temples best known for their Navarathiri celebrations, and the fireworks rules to know before Deepavali. For the legends, rituals and meaning behind the festival, read our complete Dussehra 2026 guide.

Editor's note: Temple and event details were checked on 16 September 2026. Temples publish their Navarathiri schedules closer to the festival, and we will update this page as they do. Please confirm timings with your temple before you go.

Dussehra 2026 in Singapore at a glance

• Main day: Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Dashami).
• Navarathiri: Begins on Sunday 11 October. On Singapore time this year, one tithi spans two sunrises, so the festival runs 10 days, with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on Monday 19 October and Navami rituals and Vijayadasami on Tuesday 20 October.
• Tamil observances: Tamil calendars published in India list Saraswathi Poojai and Ayutha Poojai on Monday 19 October, while Drik Panchang's calendar for Singapore's time zone lists Ayudha Puja on Tuesday 20 October, so follow your temple's schedule.
• Vijay Muhurat: 2:50 to 3:38pm. The Dashami tithi begins at 3:20pm, so the last 18 minutes of that window fall in Dashami.
• Temple highlight: On Vijayadasami, temples hold Ambu Viduthal, taking the goddess in procession and shooting wooden arrows in different directions.
• Holiday status: Navarathiri and Vijayadasami are not public holidays. Deepavali on Sunday 8 November is, with Monday 9 November as a public holiday for those whose rest day falls on 8 November.
• Fireworks: Fireworks are classified as explosives, and illegal possession, discharge or import can bring up to three years' jail and a fine of up to S$50,000.

Navarathiri and Vijayadasami 2026 dates in Singapore

These key dates follow Drik Panchang's 2026 calendars for Singapore, and for Kuala Lumpur, which shares Singapore's time zone.

• A 10-day Navarathiri: The Shashthi tithi is running at sunrise on both 16 and 17 October on Singapore time, which is why the festival spans 10 days this year.
• Saraswathi and Ayutha Poojai: Tamil calendars published in India list both on Monday 19 October, with Vijaya Dhasami on Tuesday 20 October. Drik Panchang lists Ayudha Puja on Tuesday 20 October for Singapore's time zone. Your temple's schedule will confirm which day it follows.
• Bathukamma: Saddula Bathukamma is celebrated on Durgashtami, Monday 19 October, so Telugu associations usually celebrate on a nearby weekend.
• Bengali families: Drik Panchang's Singapore Durga Puja calendar places Bengal Durga Visarjan and Sindoor Utsav on Wednesday 21 October, a day after Vijayadasami.

Why is Vijayadasami on 20 October in Singapore?

The Dashami tithi begins at 3:20pm Singapore time on Tuesday 20 October and ends at 4:41pm on Wednesday 21 October. Vijayadasami is observed when Dashami prevails during Aparahna, the afternoon period, and Drik Panchang's Singapore calendar keeps the festival on Tuesday 20 October, the same day as India. Because Dashami begins in the middle of the afternoon, only the later part of the afternoon window falls in Dashami.

Vijayadasami 2026 Vijay Muhurat in Singapore

The Vijay Muhurat is the 11th of the 15 muhurtas of daylight. Aparahna is the wider afternoon window used for Aparajita Puja, Shami Puja and new beginnings such as Vidyarambham. On an island Singapore's size, timings differ by only a minute or two from west to east.

Don't convert India's times. India's Vijay Muhurat is 1:59–2:45pm IST, which reads 4:29–5:15pm in Singapore. That converted window isn't a Singapore muhurat. In Singapore, the Vijay Muhurat is 2:50–3:38pm.

• The Dashami part of the afternoon: Dashami begins at 3:20pm, so the Dashami part of Aparahna runs from 3:20 to 4:27pm in central Singapore, and the Dashami part of the Vijay Muhurat from 3:20 to 3:38pm.
• Daily panchang: For tithi and nakshatra details, check today's panchangam.

Are Navarathiri and Vijayadasami public holidays in Singapore?

No. Navarathiri and Vijayadasami are not public holidays, and Vijayadasami falls on a Tuesday this year. A few things to plan around:

• Work and school: If you want to attend the Vijayadasami puja, Ambu Viduthal or Vidyarambham, ask for leave early.
• Evening programmes: Temple Navarathiri prayers and cultural performances are mostly held in the evenings, and weekend nights draw the biggest crowds.
• Deepavali is the public holiday: Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and Monday 9 November is a public holiday for those whose rest day falls on 8 November.

Singapore temples known for Navarathiri and Vijayadasami

Temples publish their 2026 Navarathiri schedules closer to the festival. These temples are known for celebrating it grandly.

Dussehra 2026 in Singapore: area by area

Singapore's Navarathiri runs across the island, from heritage temples in the city centre to neighbourhood temples in the heartlands. For addresses and hours, use the HinduTone temple directory or each temple's own channels.

Jump to an area: Little India and Serangoon Road · Chinatown, Tank Road and the city centre · Toa Payoh and central Singapore · Geylang, Katong and the East · North and West Singapore

Where to celebrate Navarathiri and Vijayadasami 2026 across Singapore

Each area below lists the temples and communities that anchor the festival, with local timing notes.

Little India and Serangoon Road

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: The landmark Kali temple at 141 Serangoon Road, once known as Soonambu Kambam Kovil, is one of the temples where Navarathiri is celebrated most grandly.
• Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple: Both Serangoon Road temples hold Navarathiri prayers, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple takes part in the Hindu Endowments Board's festival.
• Shopping: Serangoon Road and the lanes around it are the place for Golu dolls, flowers, garlands, puja items and festive clothes.
• Getting there: Evenings in Little India are busy through the festival season, so public transport is the easiest option.

Chinatown, Tank Road and the city centre

• Sri Mariamman Temple: Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, on South Bridge Road, holds a Navarathiri festival organised by the Hindu Endowments Board. In 2023, the festival opened with Sri Mariamman Padi Iranguthal and concluded with Vijayadasami.
• Sri Thendayuthapani Temple: The Chettiars' Temple on Tank Road, built in 1859 and gazetted as a national monument in 2014, is among the temples best known for Navarathiri.
• Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple: The Chettiar temple on Keong Saik Road and the Sri Krishnan Temple on Waterloo Street, a national monument, are also part of the city centre's temple trail.
• Muhurat: The Vijay Muhurat is 2:50 to 3:38pm, within Aparahna from 2:02 to 4:27pm. Sunset is at 6:52pm.

Toa Payoh and central Singapore

Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple in Toa Payoh is one of the temples where Navarathiri is celebrated most grandly, and it is one of the four temples in the Hindu Endowments Board's festival programme.

Geylang, Katong and the East

• Sri Sivan Temple: The Geylang East temple takes part in the Hindu Endowments Board's Navarathiri festival.
• Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple: The Ceylon Road temple in Katong, long associated with Singapore's Ceylon Tamil community, celebrates Navarathiri grandly.
• Muhurat: In Tampines, the Vijay Muhurat is 2:50 to 3:38pm.

North and West Singapore

Neighbourhood temples in Woodlands, Yishun, Sembawang, Jurong and Bukit Batok hold Navarathiri prayers, and many families set up Golu at home. The Vijay Muhurat is 2:51 to 3:39pm in Woodlands and 2:51 to 3:39pm in Jurong East.

How to find Navarathiri and Vijayadasami 2026 events near you

• Start with your temple. Most temples announce their Navarathiri ubayam schedule, Golu display and Vijayadasami programme in early October. Search the HinduTone temple directory to find one near you.
• Check the Hindu Endowments Board. The board publishes festival schedules for Sri Mariamman, Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Sivan and Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman temples on its website.
• Follow community associations. Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalee and North Indian groups hold their own Bathukamma, Durga Puja, garba and Dasara programmes.
• Plan around crowds. Weekend nights and the final days of the festival draw the largest crowds to heritage temples.

Your Navarathiri and Vijayadasami 2026 planner for Singapore

For the prayers, see our collection of pooja slokas and mantras, and for prasadam and fasting dishes, browse our festival recipes.

How different communities celebrate Navarathiri and Vijayadasami in Singapore

• Tamil families set up Golu, attend nightly temple prayers, and mark Saraswathi Poojai and Ayutha Poojai by honouring books, instruments, tools and vehicles.
• Temple devotees gather on Vijayadasami for Ambu Viduthal, the arrow ceremony symbolising the goddess's victory over evil.
• Malayalee families celebrate Vidyarambham on Vijayadasami, when young children write their first letters.
• Telugu families celebrate Bathukamma with flower towers and circle songs, and on Dasara they exchange Jammi (Shami) leaves and Alai Balai embraces.
• North Indian and Gujarati families perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami and dance garba and dandiya raas through the nine nights.
• Bengali families celebrate Durga Puja with pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja and dhunuchi naach, then close with Sindoor Khela and Bijoya greetings.
• Sri Lankan Tamil and Nepali families mark the festival with their own temple traditions and, for Nepali families, Dashain tika from elders.

Fireworks, lamps and festival safety

• No fireworks. Under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021, fireworks are classified as explosives. Illegally possessing, discharging or importing them can bring up to three years' jail and a fine of up to S$50,000.
• Don't misuse sparklers. Police take a serious view of misusing sparklers, such as combining several together, which can bring up to a year in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both if it endangers others.
• Use lamps safely. Keep oil lamps away from Golu fabrics and paper decorations, and never leave them unattended, especially in HDB flats.
• Plan for weather and crowds. October evenings often bring thunderstorms, and roads around Serangoon Road get congested on festival nights.

Wherever you celebrate, from the Ambu Viduthal at a Serangoon Road temple to a Golu display in a Tampines flat, may Vijayadasami bring victory, knowledge and new beginnings to your family. Happy Navarathiri and Vijayadasami!

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra (Vijayadasami) 2026 in Singapore?

Dussehra (Vijayadasami) 2026 falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in Singapore, the same date as in India. Navarathiri begins on Sunday 11 October.

What is the Vijay Muhurat for Vijayadasami 2026 in Singapore?

On Tuesday 20 October 2026, the Vijay Muhurat in Singapore is 2:50 to 3:38pm. The Dashami tithi begins at 3:20pm, so the part of the window that falls in Dashami is 3:20 to 3:38pm.

Can I follow India's muhurat in Singapore?

No. India's Vijay Muhurat (1:59 to 2:45pm IST) converts to 4:29 to 5:15pm in Singapore, but the muhurat depends on local sunrise and sunset. In Singapore it is 2:50 to 3:38pm.

When is Navarathiri 2026 in Singapore?

Navarathiri 2026 begins on Sunday 11 October and runs 10 days on Singapore time, with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on Monday 19 October and Vijayadasami on Tuesday 20 October.

When are Saraswathi Poojai and Ayutha Poojai 2026 in Singapore?

Tamil calendars published in India list Saraswathi Poojai and Ayutha Poojai on Monday 19 October 2026, while Drik Panchang lists Ayudha Puja on Tuesday 20 October for Singapore's time zone. Check your temple's Navarathiri schedule for the day it follows.

Which Singapore temples celebrate Navarathiri?

Navarathiri is celebrated most grandly at Sri Mariamman Temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple and Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, and the Hindu Endowments Board runs a festival across its four temples.

What is Ambu Viduthal?

Ambu Viduthal is the arrow ceremony held at Singapore temples on Vijayadasami. The goddess is taken in procession around the temple, and wooden arrows are shot in different directions to symbolise the destruction of evil.

Is Navarathiri or Vijayadasami a public holiday in Singapore?

No. Navarathiri and Vijayadasami are not public holidays in Singapore. Deepavali, on Sunday 8 November 2026, is a public holiday, and Monday 9 November is a public holiday for those whose rest day falls on 8 November.

When is Durga Puja 2026 in Singapore?

Drik Panchang's Singapore Durga Puja calendar runs from Bilva Nimantran on Friday 16 October to Bengal Durga Visarjan and Sindoor Utsav on Wednesday 21 October, with Durga Ashtami and Kumari Puja on Monday 19 October.

Can I light fireworks during Navarathiri or Deepavali in Singapore?

No. Fireworks are classified as explosives, and illegally possessing, discharging or importing them can bring up to three years' jail and a fine of up to S$50,000. Police also take action against people who misuse sparklers.

When is Deepavali 2026 in Singapore?

Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November. Monday 9 November is a public holiday for those whose rest day falls on 8 November.

Related reading on HinduTone

• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Deepavali 2026 in Singapore
• Dussehra 2026 in Malaysia: state-by-state guide
• Dussehra 2026 in Australia: city-by-city guide
• Dussehra 2026 in the UK: region-by-region guide
• Dussehra 2026 in the USA: state-by-state guide
• Dussehra 2026 in Canada: province-by-province guide
• Hindu temple directory

Sources and verification

• Muhurat and calendar: Drik Panchang's Singapore pages for Vijayadashami, the 2026 Hindu calendar and Durga Puja; its Kuala Lumpur Shardiya Navratri calendar for the same time zone; Daily Calendar Tamil for Tamil observances in India; and ShubhDivas for India's Vijay Muhurat. Timings for other areas were calculated by HinduTone with the same sunrise-to-sunset muhurta method and cross-checked against Drik Panchang's published windows.
• Temples: National Library Board Infopedia on Navaratri in Singapore, the Hindu Endowments Board on its Navarathiri festival, and Wikipedia on Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple.
• Holidays: Ministry of Manpower.
• Fireworks: Singapore Police Force advisory for Deepavali 2025.
• Population: Singapore Department of Statistics, Census of Population 2020.
• Last verified: 16 September 2026. Temple schedules can change, so confirm with your temple before attending.