Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Sri Lanka is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October), the same date as in India. Sri Lanka’s Tamil Hindu community celebrates Navaratri with Golu, Saraswati Puja and temple festivals, from Colombo to the great shrines of Jaffna and Kataragama. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window (Sri Lanka Time (UTC+5:30)) — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Colombo with a local panchang.

Sri Lanka’s Tamil Hindu community celebrates Navaratri with Golu, Saraswati Puja and temple festivals, from Colombo to the great shrines of Jaffna and Kataragama.

How Sri Lanka celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

Homes arrange Bommai Golu and visit each other with sundal, and temples hold nine nights of Devi worship. Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja are observed before Vijayadasami, when children begin their learning with Vidyarambham.

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Dussehra 2026 city by city in Sri Lanka

Colombo

City temples such as the Sri Kailawasanathan and New Kathiresan temples hold Navaratri pujas, and families set up Golu.

Jaffna & the North

The Nallur Kandaswamy temple and Devi shrines across the northern peninsula are focal points of Navaratri devotion.

Hill country & the East

Tamil communities in Kandy, Trincomalee and Batticaloa mark the festival at their temples.

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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 Sri Lanka

Date

Observance

Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

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Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

Tuesday, 20 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 Vijayadasami 2026 in Sri Lanka?

Navaratri runs 11–19 October 2026 and Vijayadasami is on 20 October.

Dussehra 2026 around the world

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