Navarathri 2026 Tamil Nadu: District-Wise Guide

Quick answer: Navarathri 2026 in Tamil Nadu begins on Sunday 11 October, with Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami on Tuesday 20 October 2026 per Drik Panchang (some households keep the pujas on Monday 19 October). This page goes district by district through temple programmes, Golu exhibitions and events we could verify.

Last updated: 10 October 2026. This page covers all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, with the 2026 arrangements and events we could verify (70 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 Tamil Nadu guide. This page is the district-by-district companion.

Dussehra 2026 dates in Tamil Nadu

Navarathri begins: Sunday 11 October 2026.
Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja: per Drik Panchang on Tuesday 20 October 2026; some families keep them on Monday 19 October.
Vijayadashami: Tuesday 20 October 2026, the day for Vidyarambham at many temples.

How Tamil Nadu celebrates

In Tamil homes, Navarathri is the season of Golu (Kolu): steps of dolls, evening visits, songs and sundal for guests. Temples hold daily alankarams for the Goddess, Saraswati Puja honours books and instruments, Ayudha Puja honours tools and vehicles, and on Vijayadashami many children begin learning. In Thoothukudi district, Kulasekarapattinam's Dasara is famous for devotees in vesham (costumes).

Tamil Nadu 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.

Ariyalur

Headquarters: Ariyalur.

No public 2026 announcement found in the sources we checked on 10 October 2026. Check the district administration's website, the municipal body and the district editions of local newspapers closer to the festival.

Chengalpattu

Headquarters: Chengalpattu.

Chengalpattu town has celebrated a 10-day Dasara festival during Navaratri for over 100 years, with Amman alankarams across several localities. (source)

Chengalpattu Dasara festival (130th year) (Chinna Kadai Street and Amman temples across the town; flag hoisted near Chinna Muthu Mariamman tank; Flag hoisting 10 Oct 2026; 10-day festival (Dinamalar of 7 Oct gives 11-20 Oct)). Dinakaran, news report.
Dasara arrangements review by Revenue Divisional Officer (Chengalpattu; RDO office, Chengalpattu; Reported 7 Oct 2026; festival 11-20 Oct). Organiser: Chengalpattu district administration / municipality. Dinamalar, news report.
Dasara preparations: rides, Amman decorations, CCTV and police deployment (Chengalpattu; Hanumanthaputheri and festival streets; Reported 6 Oct 2026). Organiser: Chengalpattu municipality / police. Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri festival at Trishakti Amman temple (Thalambur (Thiruporur block); 10-20 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri and Dasara cultural festival (Urapakkam (Priya Nagar); Priya Nagar ground, Urapakkam; 10/11-20 Oct 2026, daily 5.30 pm discourse, 6.45 pm cultural programmes). Organiser: Urapakkam panchayat residents with Nandivaram-Urapakkam Platinum City Lions Club, Sankara Bhakta Jana Sabha, Vasavi and Vanitha clubs. Dinamalar, news report.

Chennai

Headquarters: Chennai.

Every Navaratri the Mada streets around Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore turn into a Golu doll market with temporary stalls. (source)

Navaratri Golu doll exhibition-cum-sale (Anna Salai, Chennai; Poompuhar showroom, Anna Salai; 28 Sep - 31 Oct 2026, 10 am - 8 pm daily). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). ETV Bharat Tamil, official listing.
Poompuhar Golu doll exhibition (Alwarpet, Chennai; Sankara Hall, Alwarpet; Till 31 Oct 2026, from 10 am). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). Dinamalar, news report.
Golu doll exhibition and sale (Khadi and Village Industries Board) (Chennai; Chennai House, 2nd floor; 23 Sep - 9 Nov 2026, 10 am - 7.30 pm daily incl. Sundays). Organiser: Tamil Nadu Khadi and Village Industries Board. Daily Thanthi (TN govt press release), official listing.
Navaratri SHG sales exhibition (Golu dolls, handicrafts) (Nungambakkam, Chennai; Mother Teresa Women's Complex, Valluvar Kottam/Nungambakkam; 1-15 Oct 2026, 9 am - 9 pm). Organiser: Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNSRLM/TNULM). DT Next, official listing.
Navaratri Golu at Raj Bhavan (Guindy, Chennai; Raj Bhavan (Governor's residence), Guindy; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Raj Bhavan, Tamil Nadu. Dinamani, news report.
Navaratri Golu exhibition (12th year, about 4,000 dolls) (Kolathur, Chennai; Navaratri Temple, 36th Street, GKM Colony, Kolathur; 11-20 Oct 2026, 8 am - 10 pm; flag hoisting 9 am on 11 Oct). Organiser: RR Spiritual Trust. LiveChennai, news report.
Sakthi Kolu (Vadapalani, Chennai; Vadapalani Andavar temple; 11-19 Oct 2026). Organiser: Vadapalani Andavar temple (HR&CE). Dinamalar (temple news), news report.
Navaratri festival - pandhakkal ceremony held (Thiruvottiyur, Chennai; Adhipureeswarar Thyagaraja Swamy - Vadivudaiamman temple; Pandhakkal reported 5 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration. Dinamalar (temple news), completed.
Navaratri Music Series (Mylapore, Chennai; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Main Hall, Mylapore; 11-20 Oct 2026, concerts 5 pm and 6.30 pm). Organiser: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Mylapore Times, official listing.
Kalyana Nagar Association Navaratri (seven-step kolu) (Mandaveli, Chennai; Kalyana Nagar Association premises, Mandavelipakkam; 11-19 Oct 2026, 6.30 pm daily). Organiser: Kalyana Nagar Association. Mylapore Times, news report.
'Under the Mango Tree' Navaratri cultural festival with golu (Alwarpet, Chennai; My Bungalow, 40 Eldams Road; 14-16 Oct 2026). Mylapore Times, news report.
SPR City Navaratri Utsavam - tall Golu display (Perambur, Chennai; SPR City, Perambur; Till 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: SPR City. Chennai Online, news report.
Golu doll market on Mada streets (Mylapore, Chennai; Kapaleeshwarar temple Mada streets; Reported 3 Oct 2026 (ahead of Navaratri 11-19 Oct)). Daily Thanthi, news report.
'Ana Aavanna Arichuvadi Arambam' Vidyarambham (Chennai; Vadapalani Murugan temple; Velammal Vidyashram, Surapet; Sri Sankara Vidyalaya, Tambaram; and other listed venues; Vijayadashami, 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Dinamalar 'Pattam' with Velammal New Gen Kids. Dinamalar, official listing.
Vijayadashami Class 1 admissions in government schools (Statewide (all districts); Government and government-aided schools; 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Tamil Nadu School Education Department. ETV Bharat Tamil, news report.

Coimbatore

Headquarters: Coimbatore.

Golu doll exhibition and sale (Coimbatore; Poompuhar showroom, Big Bazaar Street; 25 Sep - 31 Oct 2026, 10 am - 8 pm daily). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). The Covai Mail, official listing.
'Sankalpam' Navaratri kolu and crafts exhibition (Ikebana-style kolu) (Coimbatore; Lakshmi Mills Urban Centre; 2-3 Oct 2026). Indian Express Tamil, completed.
Golu doll sale at Sarvodaya Sangam (Pollachi; Pollachi Sarvodaya Sangam; Reported 8 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sarvodaya Sangam. Dinamalar, news report.
'Arichuvadi Arambam' Vidyarambham (Ram Nagar, Coimbatore; Sri Ayyappan Pooja Sangam, Sathyamurthy Road, Ram Nagar; 20 Oct 2026, 7.35 am - 10 am). Organiser: Dinamalar with SSVM institutions. Dinamalar, official listing.

Cuddalore

Headquarters: Cuddalore.

Potters in Pazhaya Vandipalayam, Cuddalore, make clay Golu dolls that are sent to other districts and to Kerala and Karnataka. (source)

Golu doll exhibition and sale (Cuddalore; Poompuhar showroom, Cuddalore; Inaugurated 28 Sep 2026 (closing date unclear in report)). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). Dinamalar, news report.

Dharmapuri

Headquarters: Dharmapuri.

Dindigul

Headquarters: Dindigul.

At Palani, on Vijayadashami, Muthukumaraswamy goes on a golden horse vehicle to Kothaimangalam for the ambu (arrow) ceremony symbolising the slaying of Vanniasura. (source)

Navaratri festival, Palani (Periyanayaki Amman temple (sub-temple of Palani Dhandayuthapani temple); 11-20 Oct 2026 (kappu on 11 Oct at Uchikala puja)). Organiser: Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamalar, news report.

Erode

Headquarters: Erode.

Golu doll exhibition and sale (Erode; Poompuhar showroom near Government Hospital roundabout; 28 Sep - 31 Oct 2026). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri doll expo-cum-sale (Erode; Erode Sarvodaya Sangam showroom, Borough Road; From 6 Oct 2026). Organiser: Erode Sarvodaya Sangam. Afternoon, news report.

Kallakurichi

Headquarters: Kallakurichi.

Kancheepuram

Headquarters: Kancheepuram.

Artisan families on Asthagiri Street, Kancheepuram, make Golu dolls every year ahead of Navaratri. (source)

Navaratri utsavam, Kamakshi Amman temple (Kancheepuram; 10-22 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration. Dinakaran, news report.
Navaratri festival, Varadaraja Perumal temple (Kancheepuram; Varadaraja Perumal temple, Nootrukal mandapam; From 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamalar (temple news), news report.
Navaratri peruvizha, Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple (10-21 Oct 2026 (12 days)). Organiser: Temple administration. Dinamalar (temple news), news report.
Navaratri Golu doll sale (Kancheepuram; Chengalpattu District Sarvodaya Sangam, Amudhapadi Street (near Varadaraja Perumal temple); From 2 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sarvodaya Sangam. Dinamani, news report.

Kanniyakumari

Headquarters: Nagercoil.

Since 1840, when the Travancore capital moved to Thiruvananthapuram, the idols of Suchindram Munnuthitha Nangai, Kumarakovil Murugan and Thevarakettu Saraswathi are taken in procession from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram for Navaratri. (source)

Navaratri idol procession to Thiruvananthapuram (Udaivaal handover) (Suchindram / Padmanabhapuram / Kuzhithurai; Padmanabhapuram Palace (Uppirikka Malika); Suchindram departure 8 Oct; sword handover at Padmanabhapuram Palace 9 Oct; crossed to Kerala 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: HR&CE Kanniyakumari Devaswom with Travancore Devaswom Board and police of both States. The Hindu, completed.

Karur

Headquarters: Karur.

Golu doll sales (Karur; Jawahar Bazaar and private marriage halls; Reported 5 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, news report.

Krishnagiri

Headquarters: Krishnagiri.

Golu doll making and sales (Krishnagiri (Old Pettai); Thiruneelakandar Street, Old Pettai; Reported 7 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, news report.

Madurai

Headquarters: Madurai.

During Navaratri the utsava Meenakshi Amman is seated in the Kolu mandapam in a different alankaram each day. (source)

Vilachery village near Thiruparankundram is a centre of Golu doll making. (source)

Navaratri festival, Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple (Madurai; Kolu mandapam, Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamani (temple press release), official listing.
Navaratri festival and Vijayadashami ambu podum utsavam, Kallazhagar temple (Alagarkovil; Kallazhagar temple; Ambu podum mandapam near Kottaivasal; Navaratri 11-20 Oct; Vijayadashami utsavam 21 Oct 2026 (4.30-5.10 pm)). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri utsavam, Subramaniya Swamy temple (Thiruparankundram; Visaka Koradu mandapam, Subramaniya Swamy temple; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamalar, news report.
Golu doll exhibition and sale (Madurai; Poompuhar showroom, Madurai; 23 Sep - 31 Oct 2026, 10 am - 8 pm). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). ABP Nadu, official listing.
Golu doll exhibition and sale (2 days) (Madurai; Mannar Thirumalai Nayakkar College; Reported 27 Sep 2026). Organiser: College commerce research centre with Vilachery doll makers and Vazhndhu Kaattuvom project. Dinamalar, completed.

Mayiladuthurai

Headquarters: Mayiladuthurai.

Sata Chandi yagam and Navaratri peruvizha (Karuvazhakarai; Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga Devi temple, Maha Sadasiva Peedam; From 11 Oct 2026 (9 days)). Dinamalar (temple news), news report.

Nagapattinam

Headquarters: Nagapattinam.

Namakkal

Headquarters: Namakkal.

Nilgiris

Headquarters: Udhagamandalam.

Masini Amman temple Dasara chariot festival (Masinagudi (Mudumalai); 9-20 Oct 2026; flag hoisting 7.30 am on 9 Oct; Dasara chariot procession 9 pm on 18 Oct). Dinamalar, news report.

Perambalur

Headquarters: Perambalur.

Pudukkottai

Headquarters: Pudukkottai.

Ramanathapuram

Headquarters: Ramanathapuram.

On Vijayadashami, Adi Jagannatha Perumal of Tiruppullani comes on a horse vehicle for the ambu eydhal ceremony, arranged by the Ramanathapuram Samasthanam. (source)

Navaratri utsavam and Vijayadashami ambu eydhal, Adi Jagannatha Perumal temple (Tiruppullani; 11-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Ramanathapuram Samasthanam. Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri festival, Ramanathaswamy temple (Rameswaram; Parvathavardhini Amman sannidhi; Kappu 10 Oct; 11-day festival from 11 Oct 2026; Vijayadashami ambu ceremony at Vanni Nonbu ground). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri kalai vizha, Rajarajeshwari Amman temple (Ramanathapuram (palace); Rajarajeshwari Amman temple, Ramalinga Vilasam palace; From 10 Oct 2026; abhishekam 10.30 am, cultural programme 7 pm). Dinamalar (today's events), news report.
Golu doll sales (Ramanathapuram; Reported 8 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, news report.

Ranipet

Headquarters: Ranipet.

Salem

Headquarters: Salem.

Sivaganga

Headquarters: Sivaganga.

Manamadurai potters make clay Golu dolls sold in the town ahead of Navaratri. (source)

Navaratri festival, Rajarajeshwari Amman temple (palace) (Sivaganga; Rajarajeshwari Amman temple, old palace complex; From 11 Oct 2026; cultural programmes 7 pm daily; lakshaarchanai 14-15 Oct; thiruvilakku puja 16 Oct). Organiser: Sivaganga Devasthanam. Dinamalar, news report.
36th year Navaratri festival and ambu eydhal, Poomayi Amman temple (Tiruppathur (Sivaganga); 11-20 Oct 2026; ambu eydhal 8 pm on 20 Oct). Organiser: Poochoridhal festival committee. Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri festival, Anandavalli Somanathar temple (Manamadurai; From 11 Oct 2026 (10 days)). Organiser: Sivaganga Samasthanam Devasthanam. Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri Brahmotsavam, Thiyaga Vinodha Perumal temple (Manamadurai; From 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: HR&CE. Dinamalar, news report.
Navaratri festival and ambu eydhal, Valmel Nadantha Amman temple (Ilayankudi; 11-23 Oct 2026; ambu eydhal 7 pm on 20 Oct). Dinamalar, news report.

Tenkasi

Headquarters: Tenkasi.

Thanjavur

Headquarters: Thanjavur.

The Thanjavur handicraft workers' cooperative at the Sangeetha Mahal in the palace complex, started in 1958, holds a Golu sale every Navaratri. (source)

Navaratri sales-cum-expo of dolls (Thanjavur; Poompuhar showroom, Thanjavur; 24 Sep - 31 Oct 2026). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). The Hindu, official listing.
Navaratri Golu doll exhibition and sale (Thanjavur; Sangeetha Mahal, Thanjavur Palace complex; 17 Sep - 20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Thanjavur Handicraft Workers' Cooperative Cottage Industrial Society (under DIC). The Times of India, official listing.

Theni

Headquarters: Theni.

Thoothukudi

Headquarters: Thoothukudi.

At Kulasekarapattinam Dasara, devotees take vows, wear Kali and other costumes, collect offerings from village to village and present them at the Mutharamman temple on Soorasamharam day. (source)

Kulasekarapattinam Dasara festival (Mahishasura Samharam) (Gnanamoortheeswarar - Mutharamman temple and seashore; 11-21 Oct 2026; flag hoisting about 5 am on 11 Oct; Mahishasura Samharam midnight 20 Oct). Organiser: Mutharamman temple (HR&CE). Dinamani, official listing.
Kulasai Dasara arrangements: security, parking, special buses (Kulasekarapattinam; Kulasekarapattinam and approaches; Police deployment 18-21 Oct 2026; parking at 28 locations). Organiser: Thoothukudi district administration, police, HR&CE. The Hindu, news report.
Dasara costume and accessories sales (Udangudi / Kulasekarapattinam / Thoothukudi; Reported 8-10 Oct 2026). Dinamani, news report.
Golu doll sales (Tiruchendur; Reported 5 Oct 2026). Dinamani, news report.

Tiruchirappalli

Headquarters: Tiruchirappalli.

Navarathri Golu doll exhibition and sale (Tiruchirappalli; Poompuhar showroom near Singarathoppu; 23 Sep - 31 Oct 2026 (incl. Sundays)). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). The Times of India, official listing.
Navaratri festival, Samayapuram Mariamman temple (Samayapuram Mariamman temple (kolu near utsavar mandapam); From 11 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration (HR&CE). Dinamani, news report.

Tirunelveli

Headquarters: Tirunelveli.

Tirunelveli is a supply hub for costume materials worn by Kulasekarapattinam Dasara devotees, a practice traders say has continued for over 60 years. (source)

Golu doll sale with festive discount (Tirunelveli Junction; Poompuhar showroom, Tirunelveli Junction; Reported 10 Oct 2026). Organiser: Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation). Dinamani, news report.
Dasara costume materials sales (Tirunelveli; Reported 5 Oct 2026). Dinamani, news report.

Tirupathur

Headquarters: Tirupathur.

Tiruppur

Headquarters: Tiruppur.

Navaratri kalai vizha (Tiruppur; Sri Visweswara Swamy temple; From 11 Oct 2026 (9 days)). Organiser: Navaratri festival committee with Prema educational institutions, Tiruppur North Rotary and others. Dinamalar (temple news), news report.
Sri Sarada Navaratri festival (Rakkiyapalayam near Avinashi; Sri Rajarajeshwari Ambal and Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar temple, Aishwarya Garden; 10-20 Oct 2026). Organiser: Temple administration. Dinamalar, news report.
'Arichuvadi Arambam' Vidyarambham (Rakkiyapalayam near Avinashi; Jaganmatha Sri Rajarajeshwari Ambal temple, Aishwarya Garden; 20 Oct 2026, 7.35 am - 10 am). Organiser: Dinamalar with Sri Sakthi International Play School. Dinamalar, official listing.
Navaratri special bhajans (Tiruppur; Various samithis; concluding at Sri Sai Matric school on 20 Oct; 10-20 Oct 2026, 6 pm daily (rotating venues)). Organiser: Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Tiruppur. Dinamalar, news report.
Golu doll sale (Tiruppur; Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Sangam, Eswaran Kovil Street; Reported 7 Oct 2026). Organiser: Sarvodaya Sangam. Dinamalar, news report.
Golu doll sales (Udumalaipettai; Udumalai shopping streets; Reported 2-6 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, news report.

Tiruvallur

Headquarters: Tiruvallur.

Navaratri Brahmotsavam (Puduchatram (near Thirumazhisai); Swarnambika sametha Arunachaleswarar and Anjaneya Swamy temple; 11-20 Oct 2026; 7 pm daily). Organiser: HR&CE. Dinamalar, news report.

Tiruvannamalai

Headquarters: Tiruvannamalai.

Tiruvarur

Headquarters: Tiruvarur.

Vellore

Headquarters: Vellore.

Viluppuram

Headquarters: Viluppuram.

Potters at Karadipakkam village near Villupuram make clay and papier-mache Golu dolls each year for Navaratri. (source)

Virudhunagar

Headquarters: Virudhunagar.

Navaratri festival and ambu poduthal, Sathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple (Sathuragiri (Watrap); Sundara Mahalingam temple (Anandavalli Amman); 11-20 Oct 2026; kappu 5 am on 11 Oct; kolu bhajan 7 pm daily; ambu ceremony 20 Oct). Organiser: Temple administration. Dinamalar, news report.
Golu doll sales (10% discount at Khadi Bhavan) (Virudhunagar; Khadi Bhavan and Desabandhu ground shops; From 7 Oct 2026). Dinamalar, 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 Vijayadashami 2026 in Tamil Nadu?

Tuesday 20 October 2026, per Drik Panchang. Navarathri begins on Sunday 11 October.

When are Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja in 2026?

Drik Panchang places them on Tuesday 20 October 2026; some families and calendars keep them on Monday 19 October. Follow your family or temple calendar.

Where can I see Golu displays in my district?

Many temples, cultural centres and government handicraft emporiums hold Golu exhibitions and doll sales during Navarathri. Check the district listings below and your local temple.

What is Kulasekarapattinam Dasara?

A Dasara festival at the Mutharamman temple in Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, known for devotees who take vows and dress in vesham during the festival.

Editor's note

Editor's note (10 October 2026): We built this district guide from pages we opened on 10 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.