Dussehra 2026 Odisha 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 durga puja and dussehra events and arrangements we could verify across Odisha.

Last updated: 11 October 2026. This page covers all 30 districts of Odisha, with the 2026 arrangements and events we could verify (43 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 Odisha guide. This page is the district-by-district companion.

Dussehra 2026 dates in Odisha

Sharad Navratri begins: Sunday 11 October 2026.
Durga Ashtami: Monday 19 October 2026.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami: Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Drik Panchang, India).
Durga Puja Dashami: puja committees following Bengali or local almanacs may observe Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October; follow your committee's schedule.

How Odisha celebrates

Odisha's Durga Puja is famous for Cuttack's silver and gold medha (ornamental backdrops), community pujas in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Sambalpur, and immersion processions. In Puri, Navratri rituals are held at the Jagannath temple and the Vimala shrine within it.

Odisha 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.

Angul

Headquarters: Angul.

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.

Balangir

Headquarters: Balangir.

Balasore

Headquarters: Balasore.

Balasore town holds an akhada arts festival during Durga Puja. (source)

Bargarh

Headquarters: Bargarh.

Maa Samaleswari Dhabalamukhi Besha on Mahalaya (Bargarh; Samaleswari temple, Bargarh; Sat 10 Oct 2026 (Mahalaya)). Organiser: Temple committee. Dharitri, completed.

Bhadrak

Headquarters: Bhadrak.

16-day Sharadiya Puja of Maa Jayadurga at Akhandalamani Dham (Aradi; Baba Akhandalamani temple; From Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026) to Dussehra). Organiser: Temple administration and servitors. Kanak News, news report.

Boudh

Headquarters: Boudh.

Cuttack

Headquarters: Cuttack.

Durga Puja at Maa Kataka Chandi temple runs for 16 days from Ashwina Krishna Ashtami to Ashwina Shukla Navami and Vijayadashami. (source)

Cuttack puja pandals use silver filigree (Tarakasi) work, including silver backdrops known as Chandi Medha, to adorn Durga idols. (source)

Dussehra immersion procession (Bhasani), live-streamed (Cuttack; Procession route to Devi Gada on the Kathajodi bank; Dussehra 21 Oct 2026; procession 22 Oct 2026 (as stated)). Organiser: Cuttack district administration; I&PR Department (live telecast). Times of India, news report.
Dussehra preparatory meeting: welcome arches, toilets, civic works (Cuttack; Netaji Sanskruti Bhawan; Meeting held 24 Sep 2026). Organiser: Cuttack district administration with CMC and Peace Committee. Prameya News, completed.
Single-window system for puja committee NOCs (Cuttack; Barabati Palace; 18-21 Sep 2026 (first phase)). Organiser: Cuttack district administration. OdishaTV, completed.
16-day Sharadiya rituals and beshas at Cuttack Chandi and Gadachandi (Maa Cuttack Chandi temple; Maa Gadachandi temple; From Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026) till Vijayadashami). Organiser: Temple priests. OdishaTV, news report.
Maa Pragala arrives at Narasinghpur Rajbati for Sharadiya Puja (Rajbati, Narasinghpur; Reported 4 Oct 2026). Kanak News, completed.
Khan Nagar Khapuria Industrial Area Puja Committee pandal (Cuttack; Durga Puja 2026). Organiser: Khan Nagar Khapuria Industrial Area Puja Committee. Prameya News, news report.

Deogarh

Headquarters: Deogarh.

Dhenkanal

Headquarters: Dhenkanal.

Gajapati

Headquarters: Paralakhemundi.

In Paralakhemundi, paikas perform traditional martial arts during Dussehra after Ayudha Puja. (source)

Ganjam

Headquarters: Chhatrapur.

Shodasha Upachara Puja at Maa Tara Tarini and Dakshinakali shrines (Purushottampur; Tara Tarini hill shrine, Ratnagiri; 16 days from Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026) to Mahashtami). Organiser: Temple servitors. Dharitri, news report.
Maa Budhi Thakurani Sharadiya Yatra (Digapahandi; Temporary yatra peetha, Gandhi Chhak, Bazaar Sahi; 8 days from Maha Saptami, 17 Oct 2026). Organiser: Maa Budhi Thakurani temple servitors. Dharitri, news report.
Rani Sahi Durga Puja (Digapahandi; Ward 10, Digapahandi NAC; From Ashwina Shukla Saptami (2026)). Organiser: Rani Sahi Durga Puja Committee. Dharitri, news report.

Jagatsinghpur

Headquarters: Jagatsinghpur.

16-day Parba Puja of Maa Sarala (Jhankad (Tirtol block); Maa Sarala temple, Jhankad; Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026) to Mahashtami). Organiser: Temple servitors. Kalinga TV, news report.

Jajpur

Headquarters: Jajpur.

Sharadiya Durga Puja is the primary ritual at Biraja temple, beginning on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, and its chariot is called Simhadhwaja. (source)

Shodasha Upachara Puja of Maa Biraja (Jajpur; Biraja temple; 16 days from Ashwina Krishna Ashtami (3 Oct 2026)). Organiser: Temple administration. Kanak News, news report.
Maa Biraja Rath Yatra (Simhadhwaja chariot) (Jajpur; Biraja temple, Rathakhala; 9 days during Dussehra 2026). Organiser: Temple administration. Nandighosha TV, news report.

Jharsuguda

Headquarters: Jharsuguda.

Durga Puja has been celebrated in public pandals in Jharsuguda town for more than half a century. (source)

Kalahandi

Headquarters: Bhawanipatna.

Chhatar Jatra of Maa Manikeswari is celebrated in Bhawanipatna during the Mahastami of Durga Puja. (source)

Khandabasa is celebrated at the Lankeswari temple in Junagarh. (source)

Maa Manikeswari Sharadiya Dussehra Puja: Chhatar Jatra and Lakhabindha (Thuamul Rampur; Maa Manikeswari peetha; Mundabasa 11 Oct; Saptami-Ashtami 18 Oct; Chhatar Jatra and Navami 19 Oct; Vijaya Dashami, immersion and Lakhabindha 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Maa Manikeswari Puja Committee and villagers. Dharitri, news report.
Dukeramal Durga Puja (53rd year) (Karlamunda; Block headquarters Durga Mandap; Navratri from 11 Oct; puja from 12 Oct; Bhasani 22 Oct 2026; 24-prahar Namayajna 19-22 Oct). Organiser: Durga Puja Committee, Karlamunda. Dharitri, news report.
Khandabasa of Maa Lankeswari (Junagarh; Lankeswari temple; Reported 4 Oct 2026). Kanak News, completed.
Durga Puja preparations in Dharmagarh subdivision (Sharadiya Puja 2026). Nandighosha TV, news report.

Kandhamal

Headquarters: Phulbani.

DJ ban for Durga Puja and immersion processions (Baliguda subdivision; Durga Puja 2026). Organiser: Baliguda sub-collector's office. Kalinga TV, news report.
Simanbadi Durga Puja (Simanbadi (Daringbadi block); Durga Mandap, Simanbadi; Agyanmala from Maa Pattakhanda 18 Oct; Navami 19 Oct; Dashami 20 Oct; Ramayana play 21 Oct 2026). Organiser: Maa Durga Puja Committee, Simanbadi. Dharitri, news report.
Bhumi puja and Shubha Khunti installation for Durga Puja (Daringbadi; Durga Mandap, Daringbadi; 20 Sep 2026). Organiser: Daringbadi Durga Puja Committee. Dharitri, completed.

Kendrapara

Headquarters: Kendrapara.

Keonjhar

Headquarters: Keonjhar.

Pre-Durga Puja security inspections of banks and gold-loan offices (Anandapur subdivision (Ghasipura, Nandipada); 3 Oct 2026). Organiser: Keonjhar Police (Anandapur SDPO). Dharitri, completed.

Khordha

Headquarters: Khordha.

Commissionerate Police Durga Puja security and traffic plan (Bhubaneswar; Festival 16-21 Oct 2026 (Sasthi to Bhasani)). Organiser: Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police. The New Indian Express, news report.
Immersion dates under review (two-day Saptami) (Bhubaneswar; Immersion on 21 and/or 22 Oct 2026 (not finalised)). Organiser: Commissionerate Police. The New Indian Express, news report.
No DJ, laser shows or firecrackers in immersion; barricades at Ravan Podi sites (Bhubaneswar; Durga Puja 2026). Organiser: Commissionerate Police. Sambad, news report.
BMC Durga Puja civic preparations and temporary immersion ponds (Bhubaneswar; Designated temporary immersion ponds; Road repairs within seven days of 8 Oct; no road digging till end of October). Organiser: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation with Commissionerate Police. OrissaPOST, news report.
Ground rent waived for puja, Ravan Podi and immersion events in BMC area (Bhubaneswar; 17 Oct to 18 Nov 2026). Organiser: Government of Odisha. The New Indian Express, official listing.
Cuttack Road Traders' Association Durga Puja (46th year) (Bhubaneswar; Bel Barani and Kalash procession on Sasthi; Anna Bhog Saptami-Navami; Dahi Pakhala on Dashami (2026)). Organiser: Cuttack Road Traders' Association. Prameya News, news report.
Bheta Utsav of Maa Bhagabati and Maa Birajai (Banapur; Daksha Prajapati temple to Bhagabati temple, Banapur; Ashwina Pratipada, 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple servitors. Kalinga TV, completed.
Shola Puja at Chausathi Jogini peetha (Hirapur; Chausathi Jogini temple; From Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026)). Kanak News, news report.
Sharadiya Shola Puja of Maa Banadurga (Niakarapur (Rameswar panchayat); Maa Banadurga peetha; From Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026)). Dharitri, news report.

Koraput

Headquarters: Koraput.

At Jeypore Dussehra, sacred bamboo lathis representing village deities are brought to the town and worshipped, a custom revived in 2006. (source)

Jeypore Dussehra: Shodasha puja and invitations to 72 devi peethas (Maa Bhagabati and Maa Dakshinakali temples; From Mulashtami (3 Oct 2026); lathis arrive on Dashami). Organiser: Jeypore Dussehra Puja Committee. Sambad, news report.
Jeypore Dussehra: Bijaya Thakurani tour, suna beshas, Patuar procession, Aparajita Puja and Ravan Podi (Dussehra ground (Dussehra Padia), Jeypore; Bijaya Thakurani tour 11-18 Oct; Dakshinakali Suna Besha 16 Oct; Bhagabati Suna Besha (Bishram Puja) 19 Oct; Patuar, Aparajita Puja and Ravan Podi 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Jeypore Dussehra Puja Committee. Sambad, news report.

Malkangiri

Headquarters: Malkangiri.

Mayurbhanj

Headquarters: Baripada.

In Mayurbhanj, men perform the Dasai dance with ghanta, kartal and a bow-shaped bamboo string instrument from Sasthi to Dashami of Durga Puja. (source)

Baripada town is known for its Durga Puja celebrations. (source)

Nabarangpur

Headquarters: Nabarangpur.

Nayagarh

Headquarters: Nayagarh.

Maa Khilamunda brought to Ranpur Rajbati for Sharadiya Shola Puja (Ranpur Rajbati; Dussehra ground; Agyanmala brought 3 Oct 2026; Dussehra ground puja on Vijayadashami). Organiser: Ranpur Rajbati and kathias. Sambad, news report.

Nuapada

Headquarters: Nuapada.

Puri

Headquarters: Puri.

Durga Puja in Ashvin is celebrated for sixteen days at the Vimala (Bimala) temple inside the Jagannath temple, culminating with Vijayadashami. (source)

Shodasha Puja of Maa Bimala at Srimandir (Puri; Bimala shrine, Shree Jagannath Temple; Mulashtami (3 Oct) to Ashwina Shukla Navami 2026). Organiser: Shree Jagannath Temple servitors. OdishaTV, news report.
Durga Madhab rituals and visit to Narayani temple (Puri; Srimandir; Narayani temple near Dolamandap Sahi; Narayani visit from 11 Oct; Maha Saptami 17, Ashtami 18, Navami 19 Oct; Dussehra Puja 21 Oct 2026 (as stated)). Organiser: Shree Jagannath Temple. Prameya News, news report.
Puri Gosani Yatra and immersion (Medhas gather before Singhadwara; immersion in temporary pond on Musa river near Srisetu; Dussehra 20 Oct; Gosani Yatra 22 Oct 2026 (as stated)). Organiser: Puri Municipal Corporation; Puri police. Kanak News, news report.
Gosani idol-making for Sharadiya Puja (Puri; Various Gosani mandaps; Clay work under way (reported 24 Sep 2026)). Kanak News, news report.
Navratri at Maa Mangala temple (Kakatpur; 11-20 Oct 2026; Rajarajeshwari Besha on Vijayadashami). Organiser: Temple servitors. OdishaTV, news report.

Rayagada

Headquarters: Rayagada.

Mrittika puja for Gudari Town Durga Puja (20th year) (Vansadhara river bank; Durga Puja mandap; Held on Radhashtami (19 Sep 2026)). Organiser: Gudari Town Durga Puja Committee. Dharitri, completed.

Sambalpur

Headquarters: Sambalpur.

Maa Samaleswari Dhabalamukhi Besha (Sambalpur; Maa Samaleswari temple; From Mahalaya, 10 Oct 2026, for two and a half days). Organiser: Temple; Sambalpur police (security). Kalinga TV, completed.
Durga Puja immersion processions (Sambalpur; 22 and 23 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sambalpur district administration. The New Indian Express, news report.

Subarnapur

Headquarters: Sonepur.

Sundargarh

Headquarters: Sundargarh.

Durga Puja pandals at Sector 7 and Sector 9 (Rourkela; Sector 7 and Sector 9, Rourkela; Durga Puja 2026). Organiser: Sector 7 and Sector 9 Durga Puja committees. OdishaTV, news report.

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 Odisha?

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 Odisha 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.

What is Cuttack's silver medha?

An ornamental backdrop made of silver filigree for the Durga image, a celebrated feature of Cuttack's Durga Puja. See our Cuttack Durga Puja 2026 guide.

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.