Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in Uttar Pradesh is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). Uttar Pradesh is the heartland of Ramlila and Ravan Dahan, from Varanasi’s month-long Ramnagar Ramlila to Lucknow’s historic Aishbagh Ramlila and Ayodhya’s celebrations. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Lucknow with a local panchang.

Uttar Pradesh is the heartland of Ramlila and Ravan Dahan, from Varanasi’s month-long Ramnagar Ramlila to Lucknow’s historic Aishbagh Ramlila and Ayodhya’s celebrations.

How Uttar Pradesh celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

The Ramnagar Ramlila in Varanasi, patronised by the royal family of Banaras, is staged across the town over about a month and is celebrated as living heritage. Lucknow’s Aishbagh Ramlila is among the oldest in the country, and cities everywhere burn giant effigies of Ravana on Vijayadashami.

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Navratri fills the Devi temples — Vindhyachal (Mirzapur), the Devi Patan and Shakti shrines — and Ayodhya marks the season with special programmes ahead of Diwali.

Where to celebrate in Uttar Pradesh

  • Ramnagar Ramlila, Varanasi
  • Aishbagh Ramlila, Lucknow
  • Ayodhya
  • Vindhyachal Devi, Mirzapur
  • Ravan Dahan grounds across Kanpur, Prayagraj and Agra

Dussehra 2026 dates in Uttar Pradesh

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 Lucknow and other cities in Uttar Pradesh. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Uttar Pradesh?

Vijayadashami and Ravan Dahan are on Tuesday 20 October 2026; Ramlila performances run through the preceding days, and the Ramnagar Ramlila over about a month.

What is the Ramnagar Ramlila?

A month-long, town-wide enactment of the Ramayana in Ramnagar, Varanasi, patronised by the erstwhile Kashi Naresh and famous for its scale and tradition.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

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