Dussehra 2026 in Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra Dates, Vijay Muhurat for Shimla and Kullu, and Traditions

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026, and from the next day, Wednesday 21 October, the famous Kullu Dussehra begins. It runs until 27 October. The Vijay Muhurat is 1:58 to 2:44 PM in both Shimla and Kullu (Drik Panchang, local time). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, with Ashtami and Navami together on Monday 19 October 2026.

District by district: for 2026 events, arrangements and traditions in every district, see our district-wise Dussehra 2026 guide.

Himachal Pradesh, the Dev Bhoomi or land of the gods, celebrates Dussehra in a way unlike anywhere else in India. In the Kullu valley the festival does not end on Vijayadashami; it begins then. Hundreds of village devtas are carried down from the mountains in decorated palanquins to pay homage to Lord Raghunath, and for a week the Dhalpur ground in Kullu town becomes a vast open-air temple, fair and cultural festival. Elsewhere in the state, from Shimla to Kangra, families mark Navratri at the great Devi temples and Dussehra with Ramlila and Ravan Dahan. Here is everything you need for 2026.

Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Because Kullu Dussehra traditionally runs for seven days from Vijayadashami, the festival in 2026 is expected to continue until around 26 October. The exact programme, including the final day and Lanka Dahan, is announced officially each year, so check before planning travel.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Himachal Pradesh

Timings for 20 October 2026, from Drik Panchang, in local time:

Use this window for Shami puja, Aparajita puja, Shastra puja and starting new ventures. For other towns, such as Dharamshala, Mandi or Chamba, consult a local panchang; the difference will be only a few minutes.

Kullu Dussehra: the festival of the devtas

The story of Raghunath ji

The Kullu tradition is traced to the 17th century and Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu. According to the well-known legend, the king incurred the curse of a Brahmin and fell ill. To be freed of it, he was advised to bring an image of Lord Rama (Raghunath) from Ayodhya, install it in Kullu and dedicate his kingdom to the deity, ruling thereafter as Raghunath's servant. Raghunath ji became the presiding deity of the valley, and the gathering of the local devtas to honour him on Dussehra grew into the festival seen today. The Raghunath temple in Kullu town (Sultanpur) remains the heart of the tradition.

The rath yatra and the gathering of devtas

On the opening day, Lord Raghunath is brought out on a wooden chariot (rath) and pulled by devotees with ropes to the Dhalpur ground, accompanied by the devtas of the valley in their palanquins, with drums, horns and the traditional long trumpets of the hills. Goddess Hadimba of Manali, regarded as the grandmother of the former royal family of Kullu, plays a special role, and her arrival is an important part of the opening. Through the week, the deities are camped around the ground, and villagers come to seek their blessings. Each devta has its own priests, musicians and customs, which makes Kullu Dussehra one of the largest living displays of Himalayan folk religion.

Culture, fair and Kullu Nati

Alongside the religious rituals, the festival hosts a large market for Kullu shawls, caps, woollens and local produce, and evening cultural programmes featuring folk music and the Kullu Nati, a circular group dance. The Himachal government has given the festival the status of International Kullu Dussehra, and cultural troupes from other states and countries often take part.

Lanka Dahan on the final day

There are no towering Ravana effigies in Kullu. On the last day, the rath is taken towards the banks of the Beas, where a Lanka Dahan ritual symbolising the burning of Ravana's Lanka is performed, after which Raghunath ji returns to his temple and the devtas begin their journeys home.

Dussehra elsewhere in Himachal

Outside Kullu, Himachal's Dussehra looks more familiar. Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra and other towns hold Ramlila performances through Navratri and Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami evening; venues and times are announced locally. Navratri is a major pilgrimage season at the state's famous Shakti shrines, including Naina Devi in Bilaspur district, Chintpurni in Una district, Jwalamukhi and Brajeshwari (Kangra) Devi in Kangra district, and Chamunda Devi near Dharamshala. These temples see very large crowds during the nine nights, so plan early and check official temple information for current arrangements.

Visiting Kullu Dussehra: practical tips

• Book accommodation in Kullu, Bhuntar or Manali well in advance; rooms fill up quickly during the festival week.
• The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, and many visitors come by road from Chandigarh or Delhi. Check road and weather conditions before travelling.
• October days are pleasant, but evenings are cold. Carry warm layers.
• Respect the devtas and their attendants: do not touch palanquins without permission, follow the instructions of priests and remove shoes where asked.
• Ask before photographing rituals and people, and be mindful of crowds during the rath yatra.

For Himachali families abroad

• Do not convert Shimla's Vijay Muhurat into your time zone. Use a panchang for your city or your temple's calendar.
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 is a working day in most countries. Do a short evening puja with Shami or Aparajita prayers, and join the community Dussehra celebration at your local temple on the weekend.
• Follow the Kullu rath yatra through official broadcasts or videos shared by family, and use it to introduce children to the devta tradition of the hills.
• Cook a Himachali festive dish such as siddu or a dham-style meal to share with friends.

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

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of dharma, of light over darkness. As commonly told, Maa Durga vanquished Mahishasura and Lord Rama triumphed over Ravana on this blessed day. For Hindus in Himachal Pradesh, the Dev Bhoomi, the day also brings Lord Raghunath and the village devtas together in Kullu in a joyous gathering of faith. Wherever you are, share that blessing: send a few warm words to your family and let the light of the day reach their hearts.

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 dear family! 🪔 May Maa Durga fill our home with peace and togetherness, and may the victory of good bring new light into all our lives. Share on WhatsApp

Dear Maa and Papa, on Vijayadashami I bow to you with gratitude. 🙏 May the Goddess bless you with good health and peaceful days. Your blessings are my greatest strength. Share on WhatsApp

Happy Dussehra, friend! 🎉 May this festival of victory chase away every worry and fill your days with laughter, courage and the company of people you love. Share on WhatsApp

Wishing you and your family a blessed Vijayadashami. May this auspicious day bring clarity to your work, harmony to our team and success to every new beginning. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Maa Durga! 🌺 From the Devi temples of Himachal to your home, may the Divine Mother give you the strength to overcome every obstacle and walk fearlessly in truth. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Raghunath ji! 🏹 As the devtas of Kullu gather to honour Lord Rama, may He bless your family with righteousness, patience and the courage to always do right. Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

O Maa Durga, Mother of strength, and Lord Rama, upholder of dharma, I bow to you on this sacred Vijayadashami. Give me the courage to stand for what is right, the wisdom to see clearly and the patience to walk humbly. Protect my family from negativity and fill our home with love and peace. May the light of your victory guide my thoughts, my words and my actions every day.

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

Also read: Himachal's Shakti temples in Navratri 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Himachal Pradesh?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in Himachal Pradesh. Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami together on Monday 19 October.

When does Kullu Dussehra 2026 start and end?

Kullu Dussehra 2026 is expected from Wednesday 21 October to Tuesday 27 October at Dhalpur Maidan, according to the Dussehra Utsav Committee's plans reported by ETV Bharat. Kullu begins the festival on its own Vijayadashami, a day after Dussehra in most of India. The final day and Lanka Dahan are announced officially each year, so confirm before you travel.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Shimla and Kullu for Dussehra 2026?

The Vijay Muhurat on 20 October 2026 is 1:58 to 2:44 PM local time in both Shimla and Kullu. For towns such as Dharamshala, Mandi or Chamba, check your local panchang, as the difference is only a few minutes.

Why is Kullu Dussehra dedicated to Lord Raghunath?

As commonly told, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu was advised in the 17th century to bring an image of Lord Rama (Raghunath) from Ayodhya and dedicate his kingdom to the deity. Raghunath ji became the presiding deity of the valley, and the devtas gather each Dussehra to honour him.

Is Ravana's effigy burned at Kullu Dussehra?

No, there are no towering Ravana effigies in Kullu. On the final day the rath is taken towards the Beas, where a Lanka Dahan ritual symbolising the burning of Lanka is performed before Raghunath ji returns to his temple.

Where else is Dussehra celebrated in Himachal Pradesh?

Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra and other towns hold Ramlila through Navratri and Ravan Dahan on Vijayadashami evening. Shakti shrines such as Naina Devi, Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi, Brajeshwari Devi and Chamunda Devi draw large Navratri crowds.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. Dussehra dates and Vijay Muhurat timings are from Drik Panchang for India. The Kullu Dussehra start on Vijayadashami and its seven-day duration are long-standing tradition; the closing date of around 26 October is our estimate, not an official schedule. Please confirm programme details with the Himachal Pradesh government and the festival committee, and check temples' official websites for current timings.

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