Navarathri & Vijayadasami 2026 in Tamil Nadu: District-Wise Guide to Golu, Saraswathi Pooja, Kulasai Dasara and All 38 Districts

Quick answer: Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu begins on Sunday 11 October, the day after Mahalaya Amavasai. Saraswathi Pooja and Ayutha Pooja fall on Monday 19 October, and Vijayadasami on Tuesday 20 October, and both are Tamil Nadu government holidays. The Vijay Muhurat on Vijayadasami is 1:52–2:39pm in Chennai and 2:01–2:49pm in Madurai. The state's biggest Dasara, Kulasai Dasara at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, ends with the goddess's Soorasamharam on the beach at midnight on Vijayadasami night.

Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu is a festival of Golu dolls, sundal, music and the three goddesses. For nine nights, homes set up Bommai Golu on tiered steps, temples from Kanchipuram to Kanyakumari hold special alankarams, and the festival ends with Saraswathi Pooja, Ayutha Pooja and Vijayadasami, the day children begin their learning. On the southern coast, Kulasekarapattinam turns into a sea of costumed devotees for Kulasai Dasara, one of India's most distinctive Dasara celebrations.

This guide covers Navarathri and Vijayadasami 2026 district by district, for all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. You'll find the confirmed dates and holidays, why Tamil Nadu's dates differ from neighbouring Karnataka's, the state's major Navarathri festivals, Vijay Muhurat timings for every district headquarters, and the temples each district is known for. For the rituals and meaning of the festival, read our complete Dussehra 2026 guide.

Editor's note: Details were checked against holiday lists, temple information and news reports on 17 September 2026. Temples usually publish their Navarathri schedules closer to the festival, and we will update this page as they do.

Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu at a glance

• Mahalaya Amavasai: Saturday 10 October, when many families set up their Golu.
• Navarathri: Sunday 11 October to Monday 19 October 2026.
• Saraswathi Pooja and Ayutha Pooja: Monday 19 October, a Tamil Nadu government holiday.
• Vijayadasami: Tuesday 20 October, also a government holiday.
• Kulasai Dasara: Kulasekarapattinam's festival ends with the Soorasamharam on the beach at midnight on Vijayadasami night, expected on the night of 20 October.
• Vijay Muhurat: 1:52 to 2:39pm in Chennai on 20 October.
• Deepavali: Sunday 8 November 2026.
• One day ahead of Karnataka: Karnataka marks Ayudha Puja on 20 October and Vijayadashami on 21 October.

Navarathri 2026 dates and holidays in Tamil Nadu

Why are Tamil Nadu's dates different from Karnataka's?

The Navami tithi runs from 10:51am IST on 19 October to 12:50pm on 20 October, and Dashami from 12:50pm on 20 October to 2:11pm on 21 October. Tamil calendars place Saraswathi and Ayutha Pooja on 19 October and Vijayadasami on 20 October, matching Drik Panchang's dates. Karnataka's calendar, based on the Mysuru panchanga, places Mahanavami on 20 October and Vijayadashami on 21 October, the days on which those tithis are running at sunrise. If you are travelling between the two states, or working for a company with offices in both, plan around the one-day difference.

Tamil Nadu's biggest Navarathri and Dasara celebrations

Vijay Muhurat 2026 by district headquarters

The Vijay Muhurat is the 11th of the 15 muhurtas of daylight, and Aparahna is the wider afternoon window used for Vijayadasami rituals. On Tuesday 20 October, the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50pm, so the windows below fall within Dashami.

• East to west: The whole state uses IST, but Ooty's window starts 14 minutes later than Chennai's because the Nilgiris lie so much farther west.
• Your town: For taluks and villages, use a panchang set to your location or check today's panchangam.

Navarathri 2026 district by district: all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu

Districts are grouped by region. Each entry covers the temples and traditions the district is known for during Navarathri and the Vijay Muhurat for its headquarters on 20 October.

Jump to a district:

• Chennai and the north: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai
• Cuddalore and Viluppuram belt: Cuddalore, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi
• Central Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery delta: Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Karur
• Western Tamil Nadu (Kongu region): Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Nilgiris
• Southern Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari

Chennai and the north: Navarathri 2026 from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai

The capital region is the heart of Tamil Nadu's Golu culture, with Shakti shrines from Kanchipuram to Melmaruvathur.

Chennai

Chennai homes are famous for their Bommai Golu, and friends and neighbours visit each other's displays through Navarathri, collecting sundal and thamboolam. The doll stalls around Mylapore draw shoppers in the weeks before the festival, and temples such as Kapaleeshwarar in Mylapore and Kalikambal in George Town mark Navarathri with special pujas. The Vijay Muhurat in Chennai is 1:52 to 2:39pm, the earliest in the state.

Tiruvallur

Temples across the district, including the Thiruttani Murugan temple, the Veeraraghava Perumal temple in Tiruvallur and the Bhavani Amman temple at Periyapalayam, draw devotees through the festival season. The Vijay Muhurat in Tiruvallur is 1:53 to 2:40pm.

Chengalpattu

The Adhiparasakthi temple at Melmaruvathur is a major centre of Shakti worship in the district, which also includes Mamallapuram and Thiruporur. The Vijay Muhurat in Chengalpattu is 1:53 to 2:40pm.

Kancheepuram

The Kamakshi Amman temple, one of the most important Shakti shrines in South India, celebrates Navarathri, and the temple town's silk sarees are a favourite festive purchase. The Vijay Muhurat in Kancheepuram is 1:54 to 2:41pm.

Ranipet

Ranipet's temples, including the Narasimha hill temple at Sholinghur, draw devotees, and families across the district set up Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Ranipet is 1:55 to 2:43pm.

Vellore

The Sripuram Golden Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, and temples across Vellore mark the festival season. The Vijay Muhurat in Vellore is 1:56 to 2:43pm.

Tirupathur

Families in Tirupathur, Vaniyambadi and Ambur celebrate Navarathri with Golu and temple visits. The Vijay Muhurat in Tirupathur is 1:59 to 2:46pm.

Tiruvannamalai

The Arunachaleswarar temple, one of the great Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, marks Navarathri at the shrine of Goddess Unnamulai. The Vijay Muhurat in Tiruvannamalai is 1:57 to 2:44pm.

Cuddalore and Viluppuram belt: Navarathri 2026 in Cuddalore, Viluppuram and Kallakurichi

This belt includes Chidambaram and the Angalamman shrine at Melmalayanur.

Cuddalore

Chidambaram's Nataraja temple, in Cuddalore district, marks Navarathri at the shrine of Goddess Sivakami, and families across the district set up Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Cuddalore is 1:54 to 2:41pm.

Viluppuram

The Angalamman temple at Melmalayanur is one of the district's best-known goddess shrines, and Navarathri is celebrated at temples and homes across Viluppuram. The Vijay Muhurat in Viluppuram is 1:55 to 2:42pm.

Kallakurichi

Kallakurichi's towns and villages celebrate Navarathri with Golu, temple pujas and Ayutha Pooja. The Vijay Muhurat in Kallakurichi is 1:57 to 2:45pm.

Central Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery delta: Navarathri 2026 from Tiruchirappalli to the coast

The delta's great temples, from Srirangam to Thanjavur, anchor the festival in central Tamil Nadu.

Tiruchirappalli

Srirangam's Ranganathaswamy temple celebrates Navarathri for Goddess Ranganayaki, and the Samayapuram Mariamman temple and Rockfort draw devotees through the season. The Vijay Muhurat in Tiruchirappalli is 1:58 to 2:46pm.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur's Brihadeeswara temple and the many temples of Kumbakonam mark Navarathri, and the district's traditional Thanjavur dolls are popular Golu pieces. The Vijay Muhurat in Thanjavur is 1:57 to 2:44pm.

Tiruvarur

The Thyagarajaswamy temple in Tiruvarur marks Navarathri at the shrine of Goddess Kamalambal. The Vijay Muhurat in Tiruvarur is 1:55 to 2:42pm.

Nagapattinam

Temples across Nagapattinam, including the Singaravelar temple at Sikkal, draw devotees, and families set up Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Nagapattinam is 1:54 to 2:41pm.

Mayiladuthurai

Tamil Nadu's newest district, formed in 2020, is home to the Mayuranathaswamy temple and Vaitheeswaran Koil, which mark the festival season. The Vijay Muhurat in Mayiladuthurai is 1:55 to 2:42pm.

Pudukkottai

Pudukkottai's goddess temples, including the Muthumariamman temple at Konnaiyur, draw devotees, and families across the district celebrate with Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Pudukkottai is 1:58 to 2:46pm.

Ariyalur

Ariyalur, home to the Chola temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, celebrates Navarathri at local temples and in homes. The Vijay Muhurat in Ariyalur is 1:57 to 2:44pm.

Perambalur

The Madhura Kaliamman temple at Siruvachur is one of the district's best-known goddess shrines. The Vijay Muhurat in Perambalur is 1:58 to 2:45pm.

Karur

Karur's temples and families celebrate Navarathri with Golu and Ayutha Pooja, which is especially important in the district's textile and bus-body workshops. The Vijay Muhurat in Karur is 2:01 to 2:48pm.

Western Tamil Nadu (Kongu region): Navarathri 2026 from Coimbatore to the Nilgiris

The Kongu region's industrial towns make Ayutha Pooja one of the biggest days of the year.

Coimbatore

Coimbatore's Koniamman temple, dedicated to the city's guardian goddess, and the Perur Pateeswarar and Marudhamalai temples draw devotees, while the city's factories and workshops celebrate Ayutha Pooja on a large scale. The Vijay Muhurat in Coimbatore is 2:05 to 2:53pm.

Tiruppur

Tiruppur's knitwear units mark Ayutha Pooja by honouring their machines, and families across the district set up Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Tiruppur is 2:04 to 2:51pm.

Erode

The Bannari Amman temple near Sathyamangalam is one of the district's best-known goddess shrines, and Erode's textile businesses celebrate Ayutha Pooja. The Vijay Muhurat in Erode is 2:02 to 2:50pm.

Salem

Salem's Kottai Mariamman temple draws devotees, and the city's industries and transport operators celebrate Ayutha Pooja. The Vijay Muhurat in Salem is 2:01 to 2:48pm.

Namakkal

Namakkal's Anjaneyar temple, with its towering Hanuman statue, is a fitting stop during a festival that celebrates Lord Rama's victory, and the district's truck and poultry businesses mark Ayutha Pooja. The Vijay Muhurat in Namakkal is 2:01 to 2:48pm.

Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri's towns and villages celebrate Navarathri with Golu and temple pujas. The Vijay Muhurat in Dharmapuri is 2:00 to 2:48pm.

Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri and the industrial town of Hosur celebrate Ayutha Pooja in factories and workshops, alongside Golu in homes. The Vijay Muhurat in Krishnagiri is 2:00 to 2:47pm.

Nilgiris

Families in Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri celebrate Navarathri at local temples and at home. The Vijay Muhurat in Udhagamandalam is 2:06 to 2:54pm, one of the latest in the state.

Southern Tamil Nadu: Navarathri 2026 from Madurai to Kanyakumari

The south has Tamil Nadu's most spectacular Navarathri events, from Madurai's Golu to Kulasekarapattinam's costumed devotees.

Madurai

The Meenakshi Amman temple holds a Navarathri Golu display and daily alankarams for Goddess Meenakshi, drawing large crowds each evening. The temple's festival calendar can differ from the general calendar by a day, so check the temple's announcement for 2026. The Vijay Muhurat in Madurai is 2:01 to 2:49pm.

Dindigul

Palani's Murugan temple, in Dindigul district, draws pilgrims year-round, and families across the district celebrate Navarathri with Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Dindigul is 2:02 to 2:49pm.

Theni

The Gowmariamman temple at Veerapandi is one of Theni's best-known goddess shrines. The Vijay Muhurat in Theni is 2:04 to 2:51pm.

Sivaganga

The Karpaga Vinayagar temple at Pillaiyarpatti and the grand mansions of Chettinad make Sivaganga a popular heritage stop during the festival season. The Vijay Muhurat in Sivaganga is 2:00 to 2:47pm.

Virudhunagar

Srivilliputhur's Andal temple is the district's most famous shrine, and Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is busy preparing for Deepavali three weeks later. The Vijay Muhurat in Virudhunagar is 2:02 to 2:49pm.

Ramanathapuram

Rameswaram's Ramanathaswamy temple, closely linked with Lord Rama in the Ramayana, marks Navarathri at the shrine of Goddess Parvathavardhini. The Vijay Muhurat in Ramanathapuram is 1:58 to 2:46pm.

Thoothukudi

• Kulasai Dasara: The Mutharamman temple at Kulasekarapattinam, about 14 km from Tiruchendur, hosts one of India's most distinctive Dasara festivals. It begins with a flag hoisting, the goddess is taken out in procession in a different form each day, and thousands of devotees dress as gods, goddesses, Kali and other figures. On the tenth day, the goddess takes the form of Mahishasura Mardini and slays the demon on the beach at midnight, followed by fireworks.
• 2026: With Vijayadasami on 20 October in Tamil Nadu, the Soorasamharam is expected on the night of 20 October. Check the temple's Tamil Nadu HR&CE website for the official schedule.
• Muhurat: The Vijay Muhurat in Thoothukudi is 2:01 to 2:49pm.

Tirunelveli

The Nellaiappar temple marks Navarathri at the shrine of Goddess Kanthimathi, and families across the district celebrate with Golu. The Vijay Muhurat in Tirunelveli is 2:03 to 2:50pm.

Tenkasi

Tenkasi's Kasi Viswanathar temple is the district's best-known shrine, and the Courtallam waterfalls are nearby. The Vijay Muhurat in Tenkasi is 2:05 to 2:52pm.

Kanniyakumari

• Padmanabhapuram procession: Each year, the idol of Goddess Saraswathi from Padmanabhapuram, carried on an elephant, travels with Velayutha Perumal from Velimalai and Munnuthithanangai from Suchindram on a three-day, 60-km journey to Thiruvananthapuram, where Navarathri is celebrated at the Navarathri Mandapam near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Kerala and Tamil Nadu police give the deities a guard of honour at the state border. In 2025, the procession reached Thiruvananthapuram two days before Navarathri began.
• Kanyakumari: The Bhagavathy Amman temple at the southern tip of India marks Navarathri, one of its main festivals.
• Muhurat: The Vijay Muhurat in Nagercoil is 2:04 to 2:52pm.

Tamil Nadu's Navarathri traditions

• Bommai Golu: Families arrange dolls on an odd number of steps, often starting with the traditional wooden marapachi dolls, and invite friends to see them.
• Sundal and thamboolam: Visitors receive sundal, a lentil or chickpea dish, and a thamboolam of betel leaves, fruit, turmeric and kumkum.
• The three goddesses: The first three nights honour Durga, the next three Lakshmi and the last three Saraswathi.
• Saraswathi Pooja: Books, instruments and pens are placed before Goddess Saraswathi on Navami.
• Ayutha Pooja: Vehicles, tools, machines and workplaces are cleaned, decorated and worshipped the same day.
• Vijayadasami: Children begin their learning with Vidyarambham, and many students start music or dance lessons.
• Kulasai veshams: Devotees in Thoothukudi district take vows to wear costumes during Kulasai Dasara, and many prepare for weeks.

Frequently asked questions

When is Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu?

Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu runs from Sunday 11 October to Monday 19 October, with Vijayadasami on Tuesday 20 October. Many families set up Golu on Mahalaya Amavasai, Saturday 10 October.

When is Saraswathi Pooja 2026?

Saraswathi Pooja and Ayutha Pooja fall on Monday 19 October 2026 in Tamil Nadu, and the day is a government holiday.

When is Vijayadasami 2026 in Tamil Nadu?

Vijayadasami falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026 and is a Tamil Nadu government holiday. The Vijay Muhurat is 1:52 to 2:39pm in Chennai.

Why is Ayutha Pooja on different days in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?

Tamil calendars place Saraswathi and Ayutha Pooja on 19 October and Vijayadasami on 20 October. Karnataka's calendar, based on the Mysuru panchanga, places Ayudha Puja on 20 October and Vijayadashami on 21 October, the days on which those tithis are running at sunrise.

When is Kulasai Dasara 2026?

Kulasai Dasara at Kulasekarapattinam runs through Navarathri and ends with the Soorasamharam on the beach at midnight on Vijayadasami night, expected on 20 October 2026. The temple announces the official schedule.

What happens at Kulasai Dasara?

The goddess Mutharamman is taken out in procession in a different form each day, devotees dress as gods, goddesses and other figures, and on the tenth day she slays the demon Mahisha on the beach at midnight, followed by fireworks.

What is the Padmanabhapuram Navarathri procession?

It is the annual journey of Goddess Saraswathi and two other deities from Padmanabhapuram in Kanniyakumari district to Thiruvananthapuram, covering about 60 km over three days, with a guard of honour from Kerala and Tamil Nadu police at the border.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Madurai and Coimbatore?

On Tuesday 20 October 2026, the Vijay Muhurat is 2:01 to 2:49pm in Madurai and 2:05 to 2:53pm in Coimbatore.

Is Ayutha Pooja a holiday in Tamil Nadu in 2026?

Yes. Ayutha Pooja on Monday 19 October and Vijayadasami on Tuesday 20 October are both Tamil Nadu government holidays in 2026.

When should I set up Golu in 2026?

Many families set up their Golu on Mahalaya Amavasai, Saturday 10 October, or on the first day of Navarathri, Sunday 11 October, and keep it until Vijayadasami on 20 October.

When is Deepavali 2026 in Tamil Nadu?

Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November in Tamil Nadu.

Related reading on HinduTone

• Dasara 2026 in Karnataka: district-wise guide
• Mysore Dasara 2026: day-by-day guide
• Navaratri 2026: dates, importance and daily poojas
• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Hindu temple directory
• Today's panchangam

Sources and verification

• Dates and holidays: Tamil Nadu 2026 holiday lists from greytHR, Simpliance and HR Engage; Daily Calendar Tamil for Tamil observances; Wikipedia for the 2026 Navaratri dates; and ShubhDivas for tithi timings. District Vijay Muhurat timings were calculated by HinduTone with the same sunrise-to-sunset method used by Drik Panchang and cross-checked against published windows.
• Districts: Wikipedia on Tamil Nadu's 38 districts.
• Kulasai Dasara: Wikipedia on the Mutharamman temple, Cholan Tours on the festival and Soorasamharam, and Astro Ulagam on the veshams.
• Padmanabhapuram procession: Navrang India, IANS via Social News XYZ and the Kerala Archaeology Department.
• Madurai: Wikipedia on the Meenakshi temple and Skanda News on its 2025 Navarathri alankarams.
• Last verified: 17 September 2026. Temple schedules can change, so check with temples before you travel.