Dussehra 2026 in Germany, City by City: Date, Vijay Muhurat and Hindu Temples

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Germany is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in every city. The Vijay Muhurat, calculated by the Drik Panchang method, is 2:34 PM – 3:15 PM in Berlin, 2:54 PM – 3:36 PM in Frankfurt and 2:44 PM – 3:26 PM in Munich (German summer time, CEST, UTC+2). Navratri runs from Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October 2026.

Editor's note (5 October 2026): The local times on this page were calculated for each city from the Drik Panchang tithi (Dashami from 12:50 PM IST on 20 October to 2:11 PM IST on 21 October 2026), using German summer time, which is still in force on 20 October. The Vijay Muhurat is the 11th of the 15 daytime muhurtas, calculated by the Drik Panchang method. We do not list 2026 event schedules, because temples and associations announce their own programmes; please check with them directly.

Germany's Hindu community is small but varied. Its oldest and largest strand is the Sri Lankan Tamil community, which built temples from Hamm to Berlin after arriving from the 1980s onwards, so Tamil Navaratri traditions such as Golu, Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja are strong. Alongside them, a fast-growing community of Indian professionals and students, especially around Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin and Stuttgart, brings Gujarati garba, Bengali Durga Puja, North Indian Ramlila traditions and Telugu Bathukamma. Hamburg also has an established Afghan Hindu community.

Dussehra 2026 in Germany: dates and Vijay Muhurat by city

All German cities are on Central European Summer Time (UTC+0200) on 20 October; the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October. The Dashami tithi begins and ends at the same moment everywhere, so only the sun-based windows differ from city to city.

The Aparahna (afternoon period) is the traditional window for Aparajita and Shami puja, and sunset marks the time for any evening Ravan Dahan or aarti:

Key Navratri and Dussehra dates 2026

Ashtami and Navami share Monday 19 October in India's calendar this year, so families who do Kanya pujan on either day will hold it then. In every German city the Dashami tithi covers the whole Aparahna on 20 October, so there is no doubt about the date.

Hindu temples in Germany for Navratri & Dussehra

These temples and associations have been confirmed to exist in or near each city. We list name and area only; check their own websites or social pages for opening hours and festival plans. Temples and community groups usually announce Navratri garba, Durga Puja, Ramlila and Ravan Dahan programmes a few weeks ahead — check their websites/social pages.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Hamm, Cologne and Düsseldorf

Hamm (Vijay Muhurat 2:57 PM – 3:38 PM), Cologne (3:01 PM – 3:42 PM) and Düsseldorf (3:01 PM – 3:43 PM) sit in Germany's most populous state, home to a large Tamil community and many Indian families working in the Rhine-Ruhr region.

• Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple — Uentrop, Hamm. Opened in 2002, it is Germany's largest purpose-built Hindu temple and draws Tamil devotees from across NRW and beyond, especially for the Goddess's festivals.
• Indischer Kulturverein (Bharat Samiti) — Cologne. A long-running, largely Bengali association whose Durga Puja in Cologne is one of the best known in Germany.

Families in Düsseldorf usually travel to Cologne, Hamm or community-organised events nearby. At Navaratri, Tamil temples typically hold nightly Devi abhishekam and alankaram, with Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja near the end of the nine nights and Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami.

Hesse: Frankfurt

Frankfurt's Vijay Muhurat is 2:54 PM – 3:36 PM. The Rhine-Main region has one of Germany's largest Indian professional communities, alongside an established Tamil community.

• Sri Nagapooshani Amman Temple — eastern Frankfurt. Described as the largest Hindu kovil in Hesse, dedicated to the Goddess and a natural focus for Navaratri.
• Karpaga Vinayagar Temple — Frankfurt.
• Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple — Frankfurt.

Indian associations in the Rhine-Main area typically host garba and dandiya nights with live or recorded music, often in rented halls on Navratri weekends, and Bengali groups organise Durga Puja with dhak, anjali and bhog.

Bavaria: Munich

Munich's Vijay Muhurat is 2:44 PM – 3:26 PM. The city's Indian community has grown quickly with tech, engineering and research jobs.

• Hari Om Temple — Trudering area, Munich. A community temple registered in Munich since 2006.
• ISKCON Munich (Krishna temple) — Giesing area, Munich. Active in the city since 1970 and known to the Indian community for samskaras and festivals.

Baden-Württemberg: Stuttgart

Stuttgart's Vijay Muhurat is 2:53 PM – 3:35 PM. The region's engineering and automotive industry draws many Indian families, and there is a long-standing Tamil community.

• Sri Sithi Vinayagar Kovil — Stuttgart. A Tamil temple dedicated to Ganesha.

Berlin

Berlin's Vijay Muhurat is 2:34 PM – 3:15 PM. The capital has a mix of Tamil families, Indian students, start-up workers and diplomats.

• Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple — Hasenheide, Neukölln. Consecrated in 2026 after two decades of building, with a 17-metre gopuram; one of the largest Hindu temples in Europe.
• Sri Mayurapathy Murugan Temple — Britz, Neukölln. Berlin's first free-standing Hindu temple, opened in 2013.

Hamburg

Hamburg's Vijay Muhurat is 2:47 PM – 3:28 PM. The port city has Tamil, Indian and Afghan Hindu communities.

• Sri Hindu Mandir — central-eastern Hamburg.
• Hindu temple of the Afghan Hindu community (Hindu Tempel und Afghanischer Hindus Gemeinde e.V.) — Rothenburgsort area, Hamburg.

Saxony: Dresden

Dresden's Vijay Muhurat is 2:33 PM – 3:15 PM. The Indian community here is largely made up of researchers and students at the university and research institutes.

• Indian Association Dresden e.V. — Dresden. A cultural association that organises festivals for the Indian community, including a well-known Ganesha festival.

How Germany celebrates Navratri and Dussehra

Because 11–20 October are ordinary working days, much of the community celebration in Germany moves to the weekends around Navratri. Gujarati and wider Indian groups hold garba and dandiya nights in community halls, with chaniya choli and kediyu, a central Mataji image and aarti at the start. Bengali associations organise Durga Puja with a clay or fibre idol, pushpanjali, bhog and cultural evenings, and Bijoya greetings at the end. Tamil and other South Indian families set up Golu (Bommai Kolu) displays at home and visit each other's homes, while temples hold Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja. Telugu families may celebrate Bathukamma with flower stacks and circle songs.

Large open-air Ravan Dahan as seen in India is rare in Germany. Open fires and fireworks need permission from the local authorities, and private fireworks sales are restricted outside New Year, so where groups mark Ravan Dahan it is usually with a small, permitted effigy, a stage play of the Ramayana or a symbolic burning. North Indian families often watch the Ramlila online or tell children the story of Rama's victory at home.

Dussehra puja at home

If you cannot reach a temple on a Tuesday, a short puja at home in the afternoon is entirely traditional. Ideally do it during your city's Vijay Muhurat, or at least within the Aparahna:

• Aparajita puja: draw an eight-petalled lotus with kumkum or rice flour, place a lamp, and worship Devi Aparajita, the goddess of victory, with flowers, akshat and a simple prayer for success over obstacles.
• Shami puja: if you have Shami leaves (or a substitute such as apta/bauhinia leaves from an Indian grocer), offer them to the Devi and exchange them with family as "gold" — a Maharashtrian and Karnataka custom.
• Ayudha Puja / Shastra puja: clean and decorate tools, books, laptops, bikes and the car, apply kumkum and offer flowers, thanking them for their service.
• Vidyarambham: Vijayadashami is the traditional day for small children to begin learning — writing "Om" or the first letters of the alphabet in rice.
• Seemollanghan and new beginnings: a short walk beyond your street, starting a course or signing a new venture are traditional symbols of victory on this day.

A simple order: bathe, light a lamp, pray to Ganesha, do the Aparajita and Shami puja, then Ayudha puja, offer naivedya (sweets, fruit), do aarti and share prasad. For full step-by-step vidhi and the stories behind the festival, see our Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 pillar guide.

Practical tips for Dussehra in Germany

• Working day: Tuesday 20 October is a normal working and school day. The Vijay Muhurat falls in mid-afternoon, so consider a short break, working from home, or doing the puja later within the Aparahna if you can.
• Fire and fireworks: rules on open fires, effigy burning and fireworks are set by local authorities (Ordnungsamt) and differ by city. Do not burn effigies in parks or gardens without permission.
• Getting to temples: parking near many temples, often in industrial estates, is limited on festival days. Public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains) or car-sharing is usually easier; check Deutsche Bahn or local transport apps for evening services.
• Weather: German evenings in late October are cool and often damp, and sunset is around 6:01 PM to 6:30 PM depending on the city, so bring warm layers for any outdoor events.
• Puja items: Indian grocers in larger cities stock flowers, kumkum and sweets, but buy a few days early as stock runs short before Navratri weekends.
• Muhurat: use your own city's times from the table above; never convert India's times into German time.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami is a celebration of dharma's victory. As commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana, reminding us that light always outlasts darkness. For Hindus in Germany, marking the day between work, temple visits and weekend gatherings, a heartfelt blessing keeps family close across every distance. This Dussehra, take a moment to send a message of love and victory to your parents, your elders and your friends, so the light of this sacred day reaches them too.

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 the victory of light over darkness bless our homes with peace, good health and lasting togetherness. Share on WhatsApp

Pranam to our beloved parents and elders on Dussehra. Your blessings are the root of everything good in our lives. May Maa Durga keep you strong and happy. 🙏 Share on WhatsApp

Dussehra greetings from our home in Germany! Far from India but close in heart, we pray that this Vijayadashami brings all of you joy, light and peace. 🪔 Share on WhatsApp

Happy Dussehra to my colleagues! May this Vijayadashami bring success to every honest effort, strength to our team and happiness to your families. ✨ Share on WhatsApp

On this sacred Vijayadashami, may Maa Durga remove every fear from your heart and give you the courage to face life's challenges with faith. Jai Mata Di! 🌺 Share on WhatsApp

Celebrating Vijayadashami in Berlin and thinking of all our friends: may Lord Rama's truth and courage guide your path and fill your home with light. 🏹 Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, on this Vijayadashami I bow before you with gratitude. Give me strength when I am weary and courage when I am afraid. Lord Rama, help me walk with truth, patience and kindness, even far from my homeland. Protect my family from quarrels, fear and negativity, and keep our hearts united in devotion. Let the light of your victory shine in our home and guide us every day.

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Germany?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October in every German city. Navratri runs from Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October 2026.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich?

On 20 October 2026 the Vijay Muhurat is 2:34 PM – 3:15 PM in Berlin, 2:54 PM – 3:36 PM in Frankfurt and 2:44 PM – 3:26 PM in Munich, in German summer time (CEST).

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Hamm?

The Vijay Muhurat is 2:47 PM – 3:28 PM in Hamburg, 3:01 PM – 3:42 PM in Cologne, 2:53 PM – 3:35 PM in Stuttgart and 2:57 PM – 3:38 PM in Hamm on 20 October 2026.

When does the Dashami tithi begin and end in Germany?

In German time, Dashami runs from 9:20 AM on Tuesday 20 October to 10:41 AM on Wednesday 21 October 2026. It covers the whole Aparahna on 20 October in every city, so the date is clear.

Where can Hindus celebrate Navratri and Dussehra in Germany?

Well-known temples include Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple in Hamm, Sri Nagapooshani Amman Temple in Frankfurt, Hari Om Temple in Munich and Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Berlin, and Bharat Samiti in Cologne holds a well-known Durga Puja. Check each temple's website or social pages for this year's programme.

Is there Ravan Dahan in Germany?

Large open-air Ravan Dahan is rare in Germany, because open fires and fireworks need permission from local authorities. Where groups mark it, it is usually a small permitted effigy, a Ramayana stage play or a symbolic burning.

Related guides

• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Dussehra 2026 in Europe, country by country
• Navratri 2026: complete guide for NRI families
• Dussehra 2026 in the Netherlands, city by city
• Dussehra 2026 in Switzerland, city by city
• Dussehra 2026 in France, city by city
• Dussehra 2026 in Belgium, city by city
• Dussehra 2026 UK, region by region
• October 2026 Hindu festival calendar