Dussehra 2026 in Chandigarh: Date, Vijay Muhurat, Ramlila, Ravan Dahan and Navratri at Mansa Devi

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Chandigarh is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The Vijay Muhurat is 2:00–2:45 PM (local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall together on Monday 19 October 2026. Ravan Dahan takes place after sunset on Dussehra evening in grounds across the city's sectors.

Chandigarh is a planned city, but its Dussehra is as old-fashioned as any in North India. Through Navratri, Ramlila committees stage the Ramayana night after night in open grounds across the sectors, and on Vijayadashami evening effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad go up in flames before crowds of families. Just outside the city, the Mata Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula and Chandi Mandir draw devotees through the nine days. This guide gives the 2026 dates, the Vijay Muhurat for Chandigarh, an overview of how the Tricity celebrates and practical tips.

Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Dates are from Drik Panchang for India. Because Ashtami and Navami share a single day in 2026, families who perform Kanya pujan will do it on Monday 19 October. The Dashami tithi begins shortly after midday on 20 October and covers the afternoon, which is why Vijayadashami is observed that Tuesday. Bengali Durga Puja committees follow the Bengali panjika, which in 2026 places Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October in Kolkata.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Chandigarh

The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious window of Vijayadashami afternoon. It is the traditional time for Aparajita puja, Shami puja, Shastra puja, starting new work, buying a vehicle or setting out on a journey. Timing for Tuesday 20 October 2026, in local time (IST), calculated by the Drik Panchang method:

Panchkula and Mohali are close enough that their windows will differ by no more than about a minute. The window falls well after the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST.

How Chandigarh celebrates

Sector Ramlilas

Ramlila in Chandigarh is a neighbourhood affair. Committees in many sectors, and in Panchkula and Mohali, put up stages in open grounds and enact the Ramayana over the Navratri nights, from Rama's birth and exile to the abduction of Sita, Hanuman's leap to Lanka and the final battle. Some productions are elaborate, with sets, costumes and lighting, while others are simple community performances with local residents in the roles. Each committee sets its own schedule, so check local announcements for 2026.

Ravan Dahan

On Dussehra evening, effigies of Ravana and his brothers are raised in grounds across the city and set alight, usually after the enactment of Rama's victory. Some effigies are very tall and draw large crowds, while housing societies and smaller grounds burn more modest ones. Venues and timings are announced by the organising committees and the local administration each year. We have not named specific grounds because arrangements change.

Durga Puja

Bengali associations in the Tricity commonly hold Durga Puja, with the image of the Goddess, daily rituals, bhog and cultural evenings, ending with immersion and Sindoor Khela. Committees follow the Bengali panjika for their timings.

Navratri at Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir

The Mata Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula, just across the city's boundary in Haryana, is one of the best-known Devi shrines in the region and is especially crowded during Navratri, when a fair is traditionally held. Nearby Chandi Mandir, dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, is also popular with devotees, and the city's name is commonly linked with Chandi. Many Tricity families keep the nine-day fast and end it with Kanya pujan, when young girls are honoured as forms of the Devi. Crowds at the shrines can be very heavy, especially on weekends and on Ashtami and Navami, so check the official information for current timings and arrangements.

What to do on Vijayadashami

• Aparajita and Shami puja: worship the goddess of victory and the Shami tree in the afternoon, ideally during the Vijay Muhurat.
• Shastra puja: clean and worship tools, vehicles, account books and laptops.
• Begin something new: Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year for new ventures and purchases.
• Ravan Dahan: join the community effigy burning after sunset.

For the meaning of Dussehra and a full puja procedure, see our Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 pillar guide.

Practical tips

• Crowds and safety: keep children close at Ravan Dahan grounds, stand well back from the effigies, which are often packed with firecrackers, and follow the instructions of organisers and police.
• Traffic: expect diversions near major grounds on Dussehra evening and around Mansa Devi during Navratri. Watch for advisories from the traffic police.
• Firecrackers: rules on firecrackers are set by the administration and can change. Check current official orders.

For Tricity families abroad

• Use a panchang calculated for your own city. Do not convert Chandigarh's Vijay Muhurat into your local time zone.
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 is a working day in most countries. Many mandirs and community groups hold their Ramlila or Ravan Dahan on the nearest weekend, so check their announcements.

Our Navratri 2026 guide for NRI families covers fasting, Kanya pujan and puja steps that work abroad.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

From the sector Ramlila grounds to the steps of Mansa Devi, Hindus in Chandigarh and the Tricity gather to celebrate Vijayadashami with devotion. The day honours the victory of dharma, of light over darkness and, as commonly told, of Maa Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana. As the effigies burn, we remember to let go of our own pride and anger. Share that blessing today: send one of these messages to your family, your elders and your friends.

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 Dussehra to our whole family! 🪔 May the victory of good over evil fill our home with love, peace and the courage to face every challenge together. Share on WhatsApp

Pranam to our respected parents and elders on Vijayadashami. 🙏 Your blessings are our strength. May Maa Durga keep you healthy, happy and at peace. Share on WhatsApp

Dussehra greetings from our home in Chandigarh to all our dear friends! 🌼 May the fire of Ravan Dahan burn away every worry and bring you a bright new start. Share on WhatsApp

Warm Vijayadashami wishes to my colleagues. May this auspicious day bless our work with honesty, our teamwork with kindness and every effort with success. Share on WhatsApp

May Maa Durga, who vanquished Mahishasura, give you the shakti to overcome every fear and stand firm for what is right. Jai Mata Di! Happy Vijayadashami! 🔱 Share on WhatsApp

As the Ramlila in Chandigarh ends with Rama's victory, may Lord Rama bless you with truth, patience and dharma. 🏹 Wishing your family a joyful Dussehra. Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, Lord Rama, on this holy Vijayadashami I come before you with folded hands. Grant me the strength to overcome my inner Ravana of pride and anger, the courage to stand for what is right, and the wisdom to live with humility. Keep my family united and our home free from negativity and fear. Let your light guide us in every step we take.

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Chandigarh?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Chandigarh is on Tuesday 20 October. Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall together on Monday 19 October.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Chandigarh in 2026?

The Vijay Muhurat for Chandigarh is 2:00–2:45 PM IST on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Panchkula and Mohali differ by no more than about a minute.

When and where is Ravan Dahan in Chandigarh?

Ravan Dahan takes place after sunset on Dussehra evening in grounds across the city's sectors, as well as in Panchkula and Mohali. Venues and timings are announced by organising committees and the local administration each year.

Where is Ramlila held in Chandigarh?

Ramlila committees in many sectors, and in Panchkula and Mohali, stage the Ramayana in open grounds over the Navratri nights. Each committee sets its own schedule, so check local announcements for 2026.

Is Mansa Devi crowded during Navratri?

Yes. The Mata Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula is especially crowded during Navratri, when a fair is traditionally held, and nearby Chandi Mandir also draws many devotees. Weekends, Ashtami and Navami are busiest, so check official information for timings.

When is Kanya pujan in Chandigarh in 2026?

Because Ashtami and Navami share a single day in 2026, families who perform Kanya pujan will do it on Monday 19 October. Young girls are honoured as forms of the Devi to close the nine-day fast.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. Festival dates are from Drik Panchang for India, and the Vijay Muhurat for Chandigarh was calculated by the Drik Panchang method. We have described the city's Ramlilas, Ravan Dahan and Durga Pujas in general terms and have not named specific grounds, committees or timings, because these are set afresh each year. Check local announcements, and the official information of Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir for current timings.

Related guides

• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Dussehra 2026 in Punjab
• Dussehra 2026 in Haryana
• Dussehra 2026 in Himachal Pradesh
• Dussehra 2026 in Delhi
• October 2026 Hindu festival calendar