Dussehra 2026 in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: Date, Vijay Muhurat for Silvassa and Daman, and Navratri Garba

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Vijay Muhurat: Silvassa 2:18–3:05 PM and Daman 2:19–3:05 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. Navratri here is above all a season of garba.

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu brings together three small territories on India's western coast and hinterland. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with its capital Silvassa, lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra; Daman sits on the Gujarat coast north of Mumbai; and Diu is an island off the southern tip of Saurashtra. All three were Portuguese territories until they became part of India, and in January 2020 they were merged into a single Union Territory. Culturally, much of the region looks towards Gujarat, and that shapes its Navratri: nine nights of garba and dandiya, Devi worship and, on Vijayadashami, Shastra puja and in some places the burning of Ravana. This guide gives the 2026 dates, the Vijay Muhurat for Silvassa and Daman, and an overview of how the festival is celebrated.

Navratri and Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Dates are from Drik Panchang for India. In 2026, Ashtami and Navami share a single day, Monday 19 October, so families who keep a havan or Kanya pujan on either day will do it then. The Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST on 20 October and covers the afternoon, which is why Vijayadashami is observed that day.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Silvassa and Daman

The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious window of Vijayadashami afternoon, traditionally used for Aparajita puja, Shami puja, Shastra puja and for beginning new work, purchases or journeys. Timings for Tuesday 20 October 2026, in local time (IST), calculated by the Drik Panchang method:

Being on India's western side, the region has some of the latest Vijay Muhurat windows in the country by the clock. Diu, further west on the Saurashtra coast, will have a window a few minutes later than Daman's; we have not listed a figure, so check a panchang set for Diu if you need the exact time.

How the Union Territory celebrates

Garba and dandiya nights

As in neighbouring Gujarat, Navratri evenings in Daman, Diu and Silvassa are for garba. Traditionally, a garbo, an earthen pot with a lamp inside representing the Goddess, is placed at the centre, and dancers move in circles around it, clapping and stepping to songs in praise of Amba Ma. Dandiya raas, danced with pairs of sticks, follows in many places. Celebrations range from society and neighbourhood garbas in courtyards to larger organised events with live music. Venues, dates and any passes are arranged by local organisers each year, and we do not list them; check local announcements for 2026. Our Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat guide covers the garba tradition in more depth.

Silvassa and the Adivasi heritage

Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a large Adivasi population, including the Warli, Kokna and Dhodia communities, with their own deities, harvest customs and art forms such as Warli painting. Silvassa itself has grown into an industrial town with workers from many states, so its Navratri brings together Gujarati garba, North Indian Devi worship and other regional customs. Respect local community traditions and ask before photographing people.

Daman and Diu

In Daman, Navratri is celebrated by the town's Hindu families with garba and Devi puja, alongside its Portuguese-era churches and forts. Diu, a small island with a strong Gujarati character, is known among Hindu pilgrims for the Gangeshwar Mahadev temple, where Shiva lingas sit at the edge of the sea and are washed by the waves. It is a Shiva shrine rather than a Navratri centre, but many visitors include it in a trip. Check the temple's official information for current timings.

Vijayadashami

On Dussehra, families perform Shami and Aparajita puja, worship tools, vehicles and account books, and in some places a Ravan Dahan is held in the evening. Where such events take place, they are organised locally and announced close to the date. In Gujarati households, it is also a popular custom to enjoy fafda and jalebi on Dussehra morning.

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, machinery, vehicles, account books and laptops. In Silvassa's industrial units and Daman's workshops, many workers honour their tools on this day.
• Begin something new: Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year for new ventures and purchases.
• Seek blessings: visit elders and share sweets with neighbours.

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

Practical tips

• Garba nights often run late. Plan transport home in advance and keep children close at crowded venues.
• Silvassa and Daman are usually reached by road via Vapi in Gujarat; Diu has its own small airport and road links through Saurashtra. Check current schedules.
• Rules on alcohol in the Union Territory differ from those in neighbouring Gujarat. Check the current rules, and remember that Gujarat's own rules apply as soon as you cross the border.
• Rules on loudspeakers and late-night events are set by the local administration. Follow organisers' instructions.

For families abroad

• Use a panchang for your own city. Do not convert Silvassa's or Daman's Vijay Muhurat into your local time zone.
• Gujarati community groups abroad hold garba nights through Navratri, often on weekends. Check your local mandir or association.

See our Navratri 2026 guide for NRI families and our Navratri 2026 Canada city-by-city guide.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of dharma and of light over darkness. As commonly told, Maa Durga overcame Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated Ravana, reminding us that goodness always finds its way. For Hindus in Daman, Diu and Silvassa, the garba circles of Navratri flow into this joyful day of Shami puja and blessings. Sharing a blessing passes that light on. Send a heartfelt Dussehra wish to your family and elders today, near or far.

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 Maa Durga bless our home with harmony, good health and the courage to choose what is right every day. Share on WhatsApp

Respected parents and elders, on this Dussehra I seek your blessings. May the Goddess keep you well, peaceful and surrounded by love always. 🌼 Share on WhatsApp

After nine nights of garba in Silvassa, sending you joyful Dussehra wishes, dear friend! May victory and happiness dance into your life. 💃✨ Share on WhatsApp

Wishing you and your family a blessed Vijayadashami. May this day bring fresh energy to our work, honest success and good teamwork in the year ahead. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Amba Maa! 🌺 With love from Daman this Dussehra, may the Divine Mother remove every fear and fill your heart with strength and devotion. Share on WhatsApp

May Lord Rama's light guide your family this Vijayadashami 🏹 May truth, patience and kindness win in your home, today and always. Happy Dussehra! Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, Divine Mother, and Lord Rama, upholder of dharma, I bow to you on this Vijayadashami. Grant me strength when I feel weak, courage when I feel afraid, and wisdom when I feel lost. Help me let go of pride and anger. Protect my family from negativity and keep our home filled with peace, faith and love. May I walk the path of truth with a humble heart.

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Daman, Diu and Silvassa?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October across the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami together on Monday 19 October.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Silvassa and Daman on Dussehra 2026?

The Vijay Muhurat is 2:18–3:05 PM in Silvassa and 2:19–3:05 PM in Daman, in local time (IST), calculated by the Drik Panchang method. Diu's window is a few minutes later, so check your local panchang for Diu.

How is Navratri celebrated in Daman, Diu and Silvassa?

Navratri here is above all a season of garba and dandiya, as in neighbouring Gujarat, with dancers circling a lamp-lit garbo in praise of Amba Ma. Celebrations range from society courtyard garbas to larger organised events arranged by local organisers each year.

Is Ravan Dahan held in Daman and Silvassa?

In some places a Ravan Dahan is held on Vijayadashami evening, organised locally and announced close to the date. Families also perform Shami and Aparajita puja and worship their tools, vehicles and account books.

What should I do on Vijayadashami in Silvassa or Daman?

Perform Aparajita and Shami puja during the Vijay Muhurat, honour your tools and account books in Shastra puja, begin something new and seek the blessings of elders. Many Gujarati households also enjoy fafda and jalebi on Dussehra morning.

Can families abroad use the Silvassa or Daman Vijay Muhurat?

No. Use a panchang set for your own city rather than converting the Silvassa or Daman time into your local time zone.

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 times for Silvassa and Daman were calculated by the Drik Panchang method; we have not listed a figure for Diu. Garba nights and Dussehra events in the Union Territory are organised locally each year, so we have deliberately not named specific venues, organisers, dates or passes. Check local announcements and each temple's official information for current timings.

Related guides

• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat
• Dussehra 2026 in Maharashtra
• Dussehra 2026 in Goa
• Dussehra 2026 in Rajasthan
• October 2026 Hindu festival calendar