Dussehra 2026 in Uttarakhand: Date, Vijay Muhurat for Dehradun and Haridwar, Almora Dussehra and Kumaoni Ramlila

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Uttarakhand is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The Vijay Muhurat is 1:55 to 2:41 PM in Dehradun and 1:55 to 2:40 PM in Haridwar (Drik Panchang, local time). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall 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.

In Uttarakhand, the Dev Bhoomi of the Himalaya, Dussehra combines the devotion of the Garhwal and Kumaon hills with the scale of the plains. Almora's Dussehra is famous for its parade of giant, intricately crafted effigies; Kumaon's sung Ramlila is a unique musical theatre tradition; Haridwar and Rishikesh celebrate on the banks of the Ganga; and the great Devi shrines of the state draw pilgrims through Navratri. This guide covers 2026 dates, Vijay Muhurat, regional traditions and tips for families from Uttarakhand living abroad.

Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Vijayadashami is fixed on 20 October because Dashami covers the afternoon of that day. With Ashtami and Navami on the same date this year, Kanya Pujan for both falls on Monday 19 October 2026.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Uttarakhand cities

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

Use this window for Shami and Aparajita puja, Shastra puja and beginning new work or studies. For hill towns such as Almora, Nainital or Pithoragarh, which lie further east, the window will be a few minutes earlier; check a local panchang.

Uttarakhand's Dussehra traditions

Almora Dussehra and its effigies

Almora, the cultural capital of Kumaon, holds one of the most distinctive Dussehra celebrations in North India. Instead of a single Ravana, different neighbourhoods (mohallas) of the town create large effigies of Ravana and members of his family and army, such as Kumbhakarna, Meghnad and other figures from the Ramayana. Craftsmen and volunteers spend weeks building them, and the effigies are known for their expressive faces and artistry. On Dussehra, they are paraded through the town's streets in a festive procession before the Ravana effigies are burned. The procession draws large crowds from across Kumaon; details are announced locally each year.

Kumaoni Ramlila

Kumaon is known for its musical Ramlila, in which the Ramayana is sung rather than spoken, using raga-based melodies and drawing on the Ramcharitmanas and the conventions of Parsi theatre. Almora is regarded as one of the centres of this tradition, and performances are staged during Navratri in towns across the region, including Nainital, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar. Many troupes rehearse for weeks, and roles are often passed down within families. Watching a night of Kumaoni Ramlila is one of the best ways to experience Uttarakhand's Navratri.

Garhwal, Dehradun and the plains

In Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee and Haldwani, Ramlila stages and Ravan Dahan on large grounds attract big crowds on Vijayadashami evening. In Garhwal, villages mark the festival with worship of local deities and family rituals, alongside Ramlila performances. Venues and times are announced by local committees each year.

Haridwar and Rishikesh

For many pilgrims, Navratri and Dussehra are an occasion for a holy dip in the Ganga and the evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar or at the ghats of Rishikesh. Expect large crowds on festival days.

Navratri at Uttarakhand's Devi temples

Navratri is a major pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand. In Haridwar, the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, together with Maya Devi in the town, are among the most visited shrines. Kunjapuri near Rishikesh and Surkanda Devi near Dhanaulti are counted among the Siddhapeethas of Garhwal, and Dhari Devi on the Alaknanda is revered as a guardian goddess of the region. In Kumaon, Naina Devi on the shore of Nainital lake and Purnagiri near Tanakpur draw many devotees. Check each temple's official website or local information for current timings and arrangements before you travel.

What to do on Vijayadashami

• Aparajita and Shami puja: worship of 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.
• Barley shoots: many hill families sow barley during Navratri, and on Dussehra the shoots are offered to the deity and placed on the heads or behind the ears of family members as a blessing.
• Blessings from elders: touch the feet of elders and share sweets.
• Ravan Dahan: watch the effigies burn after sunset, a reminder that dharma prevails over arrogance.

For Uttarakhandi families abroad

• Do not convert Dehradun'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 and join your local temple's Dussehra programme on the weekend.
• Sow barley in a small pot during Navratri and use the shoots on Dussehra, just as families do in the hills.
• Share recordings of Kumaoni Ramlila songs or videos of the Almora procession with children to keep the tradition alive.
• Cook a pahadi festive dish such as singal or aloo ke gutke to share with friends.

For the meaning of Dussehra and a full puja procedure, see our Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 pillar guide. Planning a pilgrimage? See our Kedarnath Temple guide.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Vijayadashami is the day we celebrate the victory of dharma, of light over darkness: as commonly told, Maa Durga vanquished Mahishasura and Lord Rama triumphed over Ravana. For Hindus in Uttarakhand, from the Devi shrines of Garhwal to the sung Ramlila of Kumaon and the Ganga ghats of Haridwar, the Dev Bhoomi glows with devotion. Sharing a heartfelt blessing carries that light to the people we love. Choose a message below and send it to your family today.

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 Vijayadashami to our whole family! 🪔 May the victory of good over evil bring peace, harmony and lasting joy into our home. Share on WhatsApp

Dear Maa and Papa, pranaam on this holy Dussehra. 🙏 Your love is my blessing; may the Divine grant you good health and a heart full of happiness. Share on WhatsApp

Dussehra greetings from the hills of Uttarakhand! 🏔️ May the barley shoots of this Navratri bring you fresh hope, and may your path be bright and blessed. Share on WhatsApp

Happy Dussehra to my wonderful colleagues! 🌼 May this auspicious day bless our new beginnings with clarity, teamwork and success in every honest effort. Share on WhatsApp

May Maa Durga, who defeated Mahishasura, give you strength and fearless faith, and may Her grace protect you always. 🔱 Jai Mata Di! Happy Vijayadashami. Share on WhatsApp

From the banks of the Ganga in Uttarakhand: may Lord Rama's truth guide your every step and fill your home with dharma and peace. 🏹 Jai Shri Ram, dear friend! Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

Maa Durga, Lord Rama, on this sacred Vijayadashami I bow to you with a humble heart. Grant me strength to carry my duties, courage to walk the path of dharma, and wisdom to see clearly. Burn away the pride, anger and fear that cloud my mind. Keep my family united, protected and free of negativity, and fill our home with light, gratitude and devotion. Jai Mata Di, Jai Shri Ram.

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

Also read: Almora Dussehra 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Uttarakhand?

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

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Dehradun and Haridwar on Dussehra 2026?

The Vijay Muhurat on Tuesday 20 October 2026 is 1:55 to 2:41 PM in Dehradun and 1:55 to 2:40 PM in Haridwar, local time. For hill towns like Almora, Nainital or Pithoragarh, check your local panchang.

What is special about Almora Dussehra?

Instead of a single Ravana, Almora's neighbourhoods build large, artistic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Meghnad and other figures. They are paraded through the town on Dussehra before the Ravana effigies are burned.

What is Kumaoni Ramlila?

Kumaoni Ramlila is a musical Ramlila in which the Ramayana is sung using raga-based melodies. It is staged during Navratri in Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and other Kumaon towns.

Where is Ravan Dahan held in Uttarakhand?

Ramlila stages and Ravan Dahan on large grounds draw big crowds in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee and Haldwani on Vijayadashami evening. Venues and times are announced by local committees each year.

Which Devi temples in Uttarakhand are popular during Navratri?

Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi in Haridwar, Kunjapuri, Surkanda Devi and Dhari Devi in Garhwal, and Naina Devi and Purnagiri in Kumaon draw many devotees. Check temple timings before you travel.

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 and Vijay Muhurat timings are from Drik Panchang for India. We have not listed procession routes, Ramlila schedules or Ravan Dahan venues because these are announced locally each year. Temple timings change, so check the temple's official website.

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