Dussehra 2026 Gujarat District-Wise Guide

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 per Drik Panchang, with Navratri from Sunday 11 October. This page goes district by district through the navratri garba and dussehra events and arrangements we could verify across Gujarat.

Last updated: 11 October 2026. This page covers all 34 districts of Gujarat, with the 2026 arrangements and events we could verify (82 items) and the district's best-documented Dussehra traditions. Most neighbourhood and village celebrations are never announced online, so a district with no listed items still celebrates.

For dates, Vijay Muhurat timings and the meaning of the rituals, see our Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat guide. This page is the district-by-district companion.

Dussehra 2026 dates in Gujarat

Sharad Navratri begins: Sunday 11 October 2026.
Durga Ashtami: Monday 19 October 2026.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami: Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Drik Panchang, India).

How Gujarat celebrates

In Gujarat, Navratri means nine nights of garba and dandiya raas, at community grounds, societies and large ticketed venues, alongside worship at Shakti temples such as Ambaji and Pavagadh. Dussehra follows with Shastra puja, Ravan Dahan in many cities and the tradition of eating fafda-jalebi.

Gujarat district by district

Districts are listed as on the state government's current list (source). Items are labelled as an official listing, a news report, or completed. Confirm timings with the organiser before you travel.

Ahmedabad

Headquarters: Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad residents queue at farsan shops to buy fafda and jalebi, the city's customary Dussehra food. (source)

Vibrant Navratri Festival 2026 (Ahmedabad; GMDC Ground; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Shri Bhadrakali Mandir Navratri Mahotsav (Ahmedabad (Bhadra, old city); Bhadrakali Mataji Temple, Bhadra Fort; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Ahmedabad; Shri Bhadrakali Mata Mandir; 17 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Police order: loudspeakers allowed till midnight for Navratri-Dussehra (Ahmedabad city; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Ahmedabad city police commissionerate. Times of India, news report.
Heavy-vehicle entry ban extended to 2am for Navratri-Dussehra (Ahmedabad city; 11-21 Oct 2026 (8am-2am daily)). Organiser: Ahmedabad city police commissioner (notification). Times of India, news report.

Amreli

Headquarters: Amreli.

Lathi's Jay Mahakali Navratri Natak Mandal has staged plays every Navratri for 159 years. (source)

Police 'Suraksha Setu' Navratri Mahotsav 2026 (garba for women) (Lathi; Lathi Police Line Ground; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Lathi police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Nightly Navratri plays by Jay Mahakali Navratri Natak Mandal (Lathi; Navratri 2026 (daily)). Organiser: Jay Mahakali Navratri Natak Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Anand

Headquarters: Anand.

Maa Shakti Garba; heavy-vehicle diversion order (Boriyavi (Anand); 11-20 Oct 2026 (diversion 9pm-6am)). Organiser: Diversion ordered by Additional District Magistrate, Anand. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navratri-Dussehra peace committee meeting (Borsad; Borsad Rural police station; Held before Navratri 2026). Organiser: Borsad Rural police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Aravalli

Headquarters: Modasa.

Sharnai Navratri Mahotsav (Bayad; Sharnai Party Plot; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Umiya Event and Sharnai Party Plot. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navratri peace committee meeting (Bhiloda; Bhiloda police station; Held 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Bhiloda police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Banaskantha

Headquarters: Palanpur.

At Ambaji, garba is traditionally held in the temple's Chachar Chowk during Navratri. (source)

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Ambaji; Arasuri Ambaji Shaktipeeth; 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Ambaji temple Navratri: darshan/aarti timings, ghatsthapana, Chachar Chowk garba (Arasuri Ambaji Mata temple, Chachar Chowk; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Nine-night state garba at Ambaji (Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Government of Gujarat. Times of India, news report.
Free Navratri at Police Parade Ground (Palanpur; Police Parade Ground, Palanpur; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Banaskantha district police (SP). Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navratri Mahotsav by Shri Naklang Yuvak Mandal (Mudetha (Deesa taluka); Ground of Shri Naklang Bhagwan, Nagneshwari Mataji and Sikotar Mataji; From 11 Oct 2026, nine days). Organiser: Shri Naklang Yuvak Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Bharuch

Headquarters: Bharuch.

Garba mahotsavs at four venues in Ankleshwar GIDC (incl. Navjivan Garba Ground, GIDC; Navratri 2026 (nine nights)). Organiser: incl. Navdurga Mitra Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navdurga Navratri Mahotsav (Jambusar; Navyug Ground; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Navdurga Navratri Mahotsav Samiti. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Bhavnagar

Headquarters: Bhavnagar.

Navi Kamrol village in Talaja taluka has staged plays every night of Navratri for about 80 years. (source)

Bhavnagar Navratri Mahotsav (Radhika Complex, Virani Circle, Kaliyabid; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Khodiyar Charitable Trust (listed with Gujarat Tourism). Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Navratri police deployment, city and district (Bhavnagar; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Bhavnagar police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Nightly Navratri plays (natak) (Navi Kamrol (Talaja taluka); Navratri 2026). Organiser: Bahucharaji Yuvak Mandal and Shri Shakti Mandal Charitable Trust. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Botad

Headquarters: Botad.

Navratri maha aarti at Muktidham Meldi Mataji temple (Botad; Navratri 2026 (daily 6:30pm)). Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Chhota Udaipur

Headquarters: Chhota Udaipur.

Garba Mahotsav (Sankheda; T.B. Parekh High School ground; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Maa Adhyashakti Yuvak Garba Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Dahod

Headquarters: Dahod.

Devgadh Baria has held a Dussehra fair since the princely-state era, drawing visitors from Dahod and neighbouring districts. (source)

Devgadh Baria Dussehra Melo (Devgadh Baria town; 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Devgadh Baria Municipality; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Police public garba (first time) (Jhalod; Jhalod Police Parade Ground; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Jhalod police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Dang

Headquarters: Ahwa.

No public 2026 announcement found in the sources we checked on 11 October 2026. Check the district administration's website, the municipal body and the district editions of local newspapers closer to the festival.

Devbhumi Dwarka

Headquarters: Khambhalia.

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Devbhumi Dwarka (Harshad/Gandhavi); Shri Harsiddh Mata Mandir; 18 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Navratri peace committee meeting (Salaya; Salaya Marine police station; Held 6 Oct 2026). Organiser: Salaya Marine police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Gandhinagar

Headquarters: Gandhinagar.

Gandhinagar Cultural Forum's traditional garba, held for over three decades, keeps an akhand jyot brought from Ambaji temple through Navratri. (source)

Gandhinagar Cultural Forum Navratri Mahotsav (Garba ground (venue not named in article); From 11 Oct 2026; maha aarti 19 Oct). Organiser: Gandhinagar Cultural Forum. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Gir Somnath

Headquarters: Veraval.

Navratri peace committee and organisers' meeting (Veraval; Veraval City police station; Held 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Veraval City police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Jamnagar

Headquarters: Jamnagar.

The Jala Ni Jar street garba in old Jamnagar is sung by voice without electronic instruments and includes the 'Ishwar Vivah' verses; 2026 is listed as its 332nd year. (source)

Durga Garbavali (Jala Ni Jar) Navratri (Jamnagar (old city); Jala Ni Jar Street, Old Jamnagar; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Jala Ni Jar Street Group (listed with Gujarat Tourism). Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Adhya Shakti Navratri (Jamnagar; Aashirwad Club Resorts, Khambhaliya Bypass; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Waypisi Events (listed with Gujarat Tourism). Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
SP night patrol of garba venues (Jamnagar; 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Jamnagar district police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Junagadh

Headquarters: Junagadh.

Junagadh city keeps a tradition of 'prachin garbi' (traditional neighbourhood garbi) alongside modern rasotsavs. (source)

Navratri permissions: 11 rasotsavs approved, loudspeaker permission for about 100 garbis (Junagadh; Navratri 2026). Organiser: SDM office / Mamlatdar office, Junagadh. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Police flag march and loudspeaker rules (off after 12am) (Junagadh; From 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Junagadh city police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Kachchh

Headquarters: Bhuj.

Devotees from Gujarat and other states visit the Ashapura Mata temple at Mata no Madh during Ashvin Navratri. (source)

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Mata no Madh; Shri Ashapura Mataji temple; 14 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Ashvin Navratri ghatsthapana at Ashapura Mata temple (Mata no Madh; Night before 11 Oct 2026 (Amas)). Organiser: Temple jagirdar (traditional rite). Divya Bhaskar, completed.
Rapar police night patrol of garba chowks (Navratri 2026). Organiser: Rapar police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Kheda

Headquarters: Nadiad.

Thanganat-2026 Rasgarba (Mehmedabad; Ground near Shivdeep Bungalows, opposite Mamlatdar office; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Navdurga Group, Mehmedabad. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navdurga and Navrang commercial garbas; street garbas (Nadiad; Navdurga and Navrang garba grounds; From 11 Oct 2026). Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Mahisagar

Headquarters: Lunawada.

Maa Mahisagar Garba Mahotsav (Lunawada; Indira Medan, Lunawada; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Maa Mahisagar Garba Mahotsav Samiti; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.

Mehsana

Headquarters: Mehsana.

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Bahucharaji; Bahucharaji Shaktipeeth; 12 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Unjha; Shri Umiya Mata Mandir; 13 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Modhera; Shri Modheshwari Mata Mandir; 19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Nine-night state garba at Bahucharaji, Unjha and Modhera (Bahucharaji / Unjha / Modhera; Bahucharaji Mata temple; Umiya Mataji temple; Modheshwari Mata temple; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Government of Gujarat. Times of India, news report.
Shri Modheshwari Mata Mandir Navratri Mahotsav (Modhera; Shree Modheshwari Mata Temple; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Navratri Mahotsav, Unjha (Umiya Mata temple; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Navratri Mahotsav at Municipal Ground (Mehsana; Municipal Ground, Mehsana; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sanskar Bharati. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Morbi

Headquarters: Morbi.

Police SHE-team meeting for Navratri women's safety (Morbi; Held 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Morbi district police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Narmada

Headquarters: Rajpipla.

A traditional fair is held every year during Navratri at the Harsiddhi Mataji temple in Rajpipla. (source)

Navratri Mahotsav and fair at Harsiddhi Mataji temple (Rajpipla; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Rajpipla Shaher Hindu Devasthan Committee; stalls by Rajpipla Nagarpalika. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Navsari

Headquarters: Navsari.

Nine-day state Navratri at Unai Mata temple (Unai (Vansda taluka); 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Government of Gujarat (Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department). Times of India, news report.
Navratri police deployment with 150+ CCTV cameras (Navsari district; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Navsari district police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navratri Mahotsav begins with flag hoisting (Dholumbar (Vansda taluka); From 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Jay Ambe Garba Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Panchmahal

Headquarters: Godhra.

Devotees traditionally carry the akhand jyot from Pavagadh's Mahakali temple home for Navratri ghatsthapana. (source)

Large numbers of devotees gather at the Kalika Mata temple on Pavagadh hill during Navratri. (source)

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Pavagadh; Shri Mahakali Mandir; 16 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Pavagadh Aso Navratri arrangements (Mahakali (Kalika Mata) temple, Pavagadh; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Panchmahal district administration and police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Traffic notification: private vehicles barred to Machi; heavy-vehicle diversion (Pavagadh / Halol; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Additional District Magistrate, Panchmahal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Free garba at Police Parade Ground (Godhra; Police Parade Ground, Godhra; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Panchmahal district police and Safe Panchmahal Foundation. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Patan

Headquarters: Patan.

Aso Navratri at Kalika Mata temple; palkhi yatra and yagna on Durgashtami (Patan; 11-19 Oct 2026). Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Heritage Garba Mahotsav (5th year, in aid of animal welfare) (Patan; Khodabha Hall; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Jivdaya volunteers. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Porbandar

Headquarters: Porbandar.

Porbandar district keeps a strong tradition of traditional garbis; six of the city's nine old garbis still continue. (source)

Sharadiya Navratri Anushthan (Porbandar; Shri Hari Mandir, Sandipani Vidyaniketan; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sandipani Vidyaniketan; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.

Rajkot

Headquarters: Rajkot.

Fire NOCs for commercial garba events (Rajkot; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Rajkot fire department. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
37th Navratri Mahotsav (Gondal; Dasijivan Party Plot, Gondal-Jetpur Road; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Shri Dasijivan Satsang Mandal. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Sabarkantha

Headquarters: Himmatnagar.

Navratri ghatsthapana at Ambika Mata temple (Nana Ambaji) (Khedbrahma; Shri Ambika Mataji temple; 11 Oct 2026 (6:15am-12:30pm)). Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Navratri peace committee meeting (Khedbrahma; Khedbrahma police station; Held 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Khedbrahma police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

Surat

Headquarters: Surat.

Ramlila Mahotsav and Ravan Dahan (Surat (Vesu / VIP Road); SMC Ramlila Maidan, Vesu (opp. Reliance Market); Ravan Dahan at SMC bus depot plot, VIP Road; Ramlila 11-24 Oct 2026, 8-11pm; Ram Barat 14 Oct 4pm; Ravan Dahan 20 Oct 6pm). Organiser: Shri Adarsh Ramlila Trust. Loktej, news report.
Police Navratri plan: garba till 12am; Ravan Dahan permission requests (Surat city; Navratri-Dussehra 2026). Organiser: Surat city police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Fire guidelines for AC garba domes (Surat; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Surat Fire and Emergency Services. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Umiyadham Maha Aarti Mahotsav (Ashtami) (Surat (Varachha); Umiyadham Rd, near Umiya Chowk, Varachha; 19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Umiyadham Trust. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.

Surendranagar

Headquarters: Surendranagar.

Navratri Shaktiparv 2026 cultural programme (Chotila; Shri Chamunda Mata Mandir; 15 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department. TV9 Gujarati, news report.
Shri Chamunda Mata Mandir Navratri Mahotsav (Chotila; Chamunda Mata temple, Chotila hill; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Chotila temple Navratri timings and Havan Ashtami (Chamunda Mata temple, Chotila hill; 11-19 Oct 2026; havan 18 Oct (bidu 2:30pm)). Organiser: Shri Chamunda Mataji Dungar Trust. Gujarat Samachar, news report.
Commercial Navratri at 8 venues; organiser rules (Surendranagar / Wadhwan; incl. Kalhar fair ground; Rotary Club (Wadhwan); others listed; Navratri 2026). Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Tapi

Headquarters: Vyara.

A traditional fair is held every Dussehra at the Mahakali Mata temple on Songadh Fort. (source)

Dussehra Fair at Songadh Fort (Mahakali Mata temple, Songadh Fort; 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: District Administration; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Vibrant Navratri, Buhari (Buhari (Valod taluka); Ramji Mandir, Buhari; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Gujarat Tourism (listing). Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Police security plan for Navratri and Dussehra fairs (Tapi district; Navratri-Dussehra 2026). Organiser: Tapi district police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Vadodara

Headquarters: Vadodara.

United Way of Baroda Garba Mahotsav (Vadodara (Atladara); M M Farm, near Transpek Silox, behind Delhi Public School, Atladara; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: United Way of Baroda (listed with Gujarat Tourism). Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Garba (Guinness World Record attempt) (Vadodara; United Way Garba Grounds; 7 Oct 2026). Organiser: Vadodara Municipal Corporation with United Way of Baroda. TV9 Gujarati, completed.
Navratri police deployment; Navlakhi ground inspection (Vadodara city; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Vadodara city police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Rural police 'Navratri Suraksha' app and helpdesks (Vadodara district; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Vadodara rural police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Valsad

Headquarters: Valsad.

A fair is held on Parnera hill during Navratri, with crowds peaking on the seventh and eighth days. (source)

Parnera Temple Fair (Navratri) (Parnera (Valsad); Parnera hill temples; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Parnera Temple Trust; Gujarat Tourism. Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism), official listing.
South Gujarat range police Navratri plan; 112 helpline (Valsad and South Gujarat; Navratri 2026). Organiser: Surat range police. Divya Bhaskar, news report.

Vav-Tharad

Headquarters: Tharad.

District magistrate notification for Navratri and Dussehra (Vav-Tharad district; Navratri 11-19 Oct; Dussehra 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: District Magistrate, Vav-Tharad. Divya Bhaskar, news report.
Pre-Navratri police flag march (Bhabhar; Azad Chowk, Main Bazaar, Vav Circle, Deodar Road; Before 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Bhabhar police. Divya Bhaskar, completed.

How to find celebrations near you

District administration and police: district websites and police social media post festival arrangements and traffic advisories in the days before Dussehra.
Municipal bodies: corporations and municipalities prepare grounds, immersion points and lighting, and announce them locally.
Temples and committees: temple boards, Ramlila committees and puja committees publish their own schedules, often on notice boards and social media.
Local newspapers: district editions carry the final venue and timing details in the last week before the festival.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat?

Tuesday 20 October 2026, according to Drik Panchang for India. Some local almanacs and puja committees keep certain rituals on a different day; follow your temple or committee.

Where are Dussehra events in my Gujarat district?

Most towns hold Ramlila, Ravan Dahan, Durga Puja or temple programmes at fixed local grounds and temples. Check the district listings on this page and the district edition of your newspaper; final timings are often announced only a few days before.

When does garba start in Gujarat in 2026?

Garba nights run through Navratri from Sunday 11 October 2026; organisers set their own nightly timings within the rules announced by the police.

How can families celebrate Dussehra at home?

Many families worship the Shami tree or Shami leaves, honour books, tools and vehicles (Ayudha Puja), and begin new learning or ventures within the afternoon Vijay Muhurat of Vijayadashami. Our Dussehra 2026 complete guide explains the rituals step by step.

Editor's note

Editor's note (11 October 2026): We built this district guide from pages we opened on 11 October 2026: state and district government sites, temple and organiser pages, and reputable news reports. We list an event only when the page is clearly about 2026. We do not publish ticket prices, crowd figures, performers' or politicians' names. Festival dates follow Drik Panchang for India unless a source states a local date. Details change, so please confirm with the organiser or district administration.