Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October, and across the UK & London the Hindu diaspora celebrates the victory of good over evil with Ramlila, Durga Puja, Garba and Ravana Dahan. This HinduTone guide explains how Hindus in the UK & London celebrate Dussehra 2026 — the devotional observance and where the community gathers.

For city event listings and garba logistics, see our partner guide on NRIGlobe. This page focuses on the devotional celebration.

Vijayadashami 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October; most diaspora events run on the nearest weekend.

How Hindus Celebrate Dussehra in the UK

  • Sharad Navratri (11–20 Oct) with Devi worship, garba and Durga Puja
  • Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja around Maha Navami
  • Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan on Vijayadashami
  • Community feasts, cultural programmes and Vijayadashami greetings

Where the Community Gathers

Temples and Indian/Hindu associations across London, Leicester, Birmingham and Manchester host Dussehra and Durga Puja programmes, Ramlila and Ravana Dahan events, often on the weekend nearest 20 October. Check your local temple or association for the schedule.

Keeping the Tradition Abroad

  • Perform Ayudha Puja for your tools, books and vehicles at home
  • Begin a new skill or a child’s learning (Vidyarambham) on this auspicious day
  • Attend a community Ramlila or Ravana Dahan
  • Exchange Vijayadashami greetings with family and friends

Dussehra 2026 guides by country

Detailed 2026 dates and local Vijay Muhurat for your city:

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

For Hindus in the UK and London, Vijayadashami is a day to celebrate the victory of dharma, even far from India. As commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana, and light overcame darkness. Sharing blessings on this day keeps that victory alive in our families and passes it on to our children. Take a moment to send a warm Dussehra blessing to your loved ones, here and back home, and let the light of this day reach every heart.

Advertisement

Shami shloka for Vijayadashami

शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी। अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥

Shami shamayate papam shami shatru-vinashini, arjunasya dhanurdhari ramasya priyadarshini.

Meaning: The Shami tree takes away sin and destroys enemies; it held Arjuna's bow and is dear to Lord Rama. Many families recite this while offering Shami (Jammi) leaves on Vijayadashami.

Rama mantra to chant on Dussehra

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Ramaya ramabhadraya ramachandraya vedhase, raghunathaya nathaya sitayah pataye namah.

Meaning: Salutations to Rama, to Ramabhadra, to Ramachandra the creator, to the lord of the Raghu clan, to the husband of Sita.

Vijayadashami 2026 messages to share

Happy Vijayadashami to our dear family! 🪔 May goodness triumph in our home, may love keep us close, and may every new beginning this year be blessed. Share on WhatsApp

Dear Mum and Dad, and all our elders, your love is our light. On this Dussehra, may Maa Durga and Lord Rama bless you with health, peace and many happy years. 🙏 Share on WhatsApp

Advertisement

Warm Dussehra wishes from London! 🌼 May this Vijayadashami bring you joy, courage and the sweet feeling of light winning over every darkness. Share on WhatsApp

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Dussehra. May this festival bring fresh energy, wise decisions and success in every good effort, at work and at home. Share on WhatsApp

May Maa Durga, the victorious Mother, give you strength to face every challenge and courage to overcome every fear. Happy Vijayadashami to you and your family! 🌺 Share on WhatsApp

From our home in the UK to yours, Happy Dussehra! May Lord Rama's truth and compassion guide your path and fill your life with peace and righteousness. 🏹 Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, Lord Rama, on this Vijayadashami I bow to you with gratitude. Give me strength when I feel weak, courage when I feel afraid, and wisdom when I am unsure of the way. Drive away negativity from my heart and my home, and keep my family together in love, far from home or near. Let me live by truth and kindness, and let your light guide us always.

Use the share buttons on this page to send these blessings to your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Dussehra 2026 in the UK and London?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October in the UK and London, as listed by Drik Panchang. Most diaspora community events take place on the nearest weekend.

Advertisement

When is Navratri 2026 in the UK?

Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday 11 October to Monday 19 October, leading up to Vijayadashami on Tuesday 20 October. Follow your local mandir's calendar for Ashtami and Navami pujas.

What is the Vijay Muhurat for Dussehra 2026 in London?

The Vijay Muhurat depends on local sunrise and sunset, so check your local panchang or your temple for the London time. Do not convert India's muhurat into UK time.

How do Hindus in the UK celebrate Dussehra?

Hindus across the UK mark the season with Devi worship, garba and Durga Puja during Navratri, Ayudha and Saraswati Puja around Maha Navami, and Ramlila and Ravana Dahan on Vijayadashami, followed by community feasts and greetings.

Where do Hindus gather for Dussehra in the UK?

Temples and Indian and Hindu associations in London, Leicester, Birmingham and Manchester host Dussehra, Durga Puja, Ramlila and Ravana Dahan programmes, often on the weekend nearest 20 October. Check your local temple or association for its schedule.

How can I keep Dussehra traditions at home in the UK?

Perform Ayudha Puja for your tools, books and vehicles, begin a child's learning with Vidyarambham, attend a community Ramlila or Ravana Dahan if one is near you, and exchange Vijayadashami greetings with family and friends.

Explore More on HinduTone

  • Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 — Complete Guide
  • Ravana Dahan — Why We Burn Ravana & What It Means
  • Ayudha Puja, Vahana Puja & Shami Puja — Vijayadashami Vidhi
  • Dussehra Wishes, Quotes & Vijayadashami Greetings 2026