Dussehra 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir: Date, Vijay Muhurat, Ramlila, Vaishno Devi and Navratri

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Vijay Muhurat: Jammu 2:07 to 2:52 PM, Srinagar 2:07 to 2:52 PM (local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Ashtami and Navami fall together on Monday 19 October 2026. Ravan Dahan in Jammu takes place after sunset on Dussehra evening.

Jammu, the "City of Temples", celebrates Navratri and Dussehra with deep devotion. For nine days, pilgrims stream through Jammu and Katra on their way to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills, the city's temples ring with bhajans, and Ramlila stages tell the story of Rama night after night until Ravana's effigy burns on Vijayadashami. In the Kashmir valley, the small Hindu community marks the festival quietly at home and at old shrines of the Goddess. This guide gives the 2026 dates, the Vijay Muhurat for Jammu and Srinagar, the traditions to know and tips for pilgrims and families living away from home.

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 on either day 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 on Tuesday 20 October. Kashmiri Pandit families may follow their own traditional almanac for some observances, so follow your family priest.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Jammu and Srinagar

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

Jammu and Srinagar lie at almost the same longitude, so their windows match. Both fall well after the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST. Because Jammu and Kashmir lies in the far west of the IST zone, its muhurat comes later by the clock than in eastern India. For other towns such as Katra, Udhampur or Kathua, check a panchang set for that town.

How Jammu celebrates

Ramlila and Ravan Dahan

Ramlila, the enactment of the Ramayana over several nights, is a long-standing Navratri tradition in Jammu city and in towns across the Jammu region. Local committees stage the story from Rama's birth and exile through Sita's abduction, Hanuman's journey to Lanka and the final battle, with residents taking many of the roles. On Vijayadashami evening, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt at major grounds in the city and in many neighbourhoods and towns, before large crowds. Venues, timings and arrangements are set each year by organisers and the administration, so check local announcements for 2026.

Jammu's temples in Navratri

Jammu's many temples are at their busiest during Navratri. The Raghunath temple complex in the heart of the city, dedicated to Lord Rama, is one of the best-known temples of North India and a natural place to visit in the Dussehra season. The Bawe Wali Mata temple, the shrine of Goddess Kali within the Bahu Fort above the Tawi river, draws large numbers of devotees during Navratri. Many families keep the nine-day fast and end it with Kanya pujan, honouring young girls as forms of the Devi. Check each temple's official information for current timings and arrangements.

Mata Vaishno Devi during Navratri

The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, in the Trikuta hills above Katra in Reasi district, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations, the Pindis, representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Pilgrims usually make the climb from Katra on foot, by pony or palki, or use the other travel options available, and Navratri is one of the most popular times of the year for the yatra.

• Check official sources: the Shrine Board manages the yatra. Check its official website for registration, travel options, yatra arrangements and any special Navratri announcements before you plan.
• Expect crowds: Navratri brings very heavy pilgrim traffic. Book transport and accommodation early and allow extra time.
• Weather: October is generally pleasant, but nights in the hills can be cold. Carry warm layers and comfortable walking shoes.
• Health: the climb is long. Pilgrims with heart, breathing or mobility problems should consult a doctor and consider the assisted travel options.

Many pilgrims combine the yatra with a visit to Jammu's temples on the way.

Navratri and Dussehra in Kashmir

Srinagar's Hindu community, which includes Kashmiri Pandit families and others, is small today, and its observances are generally quiet and family-centred. Families keep Navratri fasts and prayers at home and visit old shrines of the Goddess, such as Sharika Devi on Hari Parbat in Srinagar, revered by Kashmiri Pandits as a presiding goddess of the city, and the Kheer Bhawani shrine of Goddess Ragnya at Tulmul in Ganderbal district, best known for its own annual mela in the summer. Many Kashmiri Pandit families now living in Jammu, Delhi and elsewhere keep these traditions alive in their new homes. Anyone planning to travel should check official advisories for the region.

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, 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, standing well back and following the instructions of organisers and police.

For families away from home

• Use a panchang calculated for your own city. Do not convert Jammu's Vijay Muhurat into your local time zone.
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 is a working day in most countries. Many mandirs hold Ramlila or Ravan Dahan on the nearest weekend.
• Light a lamp before a picture of Mata Vaishno Devi through Navratri and recite the Durga Saptashati or a simple Devi stuti with children.
• Video-call family in Jammu so children can watch the local Ramlila or Ravan Dahan.

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

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

For Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, from the temple-filled streets of Jammu to quiet homes in Srinagar, Vijayadashami is a day of deep devotion. As commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana on this day, the victory of dharma and of light over darkness. As Ravana's effigy burns, let us send light to the people we love. Choose a blessing below and share it with 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 dear family! 🪔 May Maa Durga and Lord Rama fill our home with peace, faith and togetherness, and may light always win over darkness in our lives. Share on WhatsApp

To our respected parents and elders: on this Vijayadashami we seek your blessings with folded hands. 🙏 May the Divine Mother keep you healthy, peaceful and happy always. Share on WhatsApp

Dussehra wishes from Jammu, dear friend! 🎉 May this festival bring you joy, new beginnings and a friendship that grows stronger with every year. Share on WhatsApp

Wishing you and your family a blessed Vijayadashami. May every good work you begin today be guided by honesty and wisdom, and may your efforts bring peace and fulfilment. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Mata Di! 🔱 May Maa Vaishno Devi, who watches over the Trikuta hills, bless you with strength and courage to overcome every fear. Happy Navratri and Dussehra from Jammu and Kashmir. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Shri Ram! 🏹 May Lord Rama's truth, patience and devotion to dharma guide your every step this Dussehra, and may goodness always triumph in your life. Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, Lord Rama, on this Vijayadashami I bow before you with a humble heart. Grant me the strength to bear every hardship, the courage to stand for truth and the wisdom to walk on the path of dharma. As Ravana's pride is burnt, burn away the anger, ego and negativity within me and within my home. Keep my family safe in your grace and united in love.

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

Also read: Vaishno Devi in Navratri 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir?

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

What is the Vijay Muhurat for Dussehra 2026 in Jammu and Srinagar?

The Vijay Muhurat is 2:07 to 2:52 PM local time in both Jammu and Srinagar on Tuesday 20 October 2026, calculated by the Drik Panchang method. For Katra, Udhampur or Kathua, check your local panchang.

When is Ravan Dahan in Jammu in 2026?

Ravan Dahan in Jammu takes place after sunset on Dussehra evening, Tuesday 20 October 2026, when effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt at major grounds. Venues and timings are set by organisers, so check local announcements.

Which temples in Jammu are visited during Navratri and Dussehra?

The Raghunath temple complex, dedicated to Lord Rama, is a natural place to visit in the Dussehra season. The Bawe Wali Mata temple of Goddess Kali in Bahu Fort draws large crowds in Navratri.

Is Navratri a good time to visit Mata Vaishno Devi?

Navratri is one of the most popular times for the Vaishno Devi yatra from Katra, so expect very heavy crowds. Check the Shrine Board's official website for registration and arrangements, and book transport and accommodation early.

How is Dussehra observed in Kashmir?

Srinagar's small Hindu community keeps Navratri quietly at home and at old shrines such as Sharika Devi on Hari Parbat and Kheer Bhawani at Tulmul. Kashmiri Pandit families may follow their own almanac, so follow your family priest.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. Dates are from Drik Panchang for India, and the Vijay Muhurat timings are calculated by the Drik Panchang method for each city. We have not listed 2026 Ramlila schedules, Ravan Dahan venues or times, Vaishno Devi yatra arrangements or holiday dates, which are announced each year by organisers, the Shrine Board and the authorities; please check official sources and official advisories before you travel. Temple timings change, so check official information.

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