Navratri and Dussehra: A Nationwide Spectacle
The festive season kicks into high gear with Sharad Navratri, celebrated from Sunday, October 11, to Monday, October 19, 2026. These nine nights are dedicated to the goddess Durga in her various forms. While fasting and temple visits are common, the evenings
are for celebration. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, this means energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances that continue late into the night. The festival culminates in Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. This day marks the triumph of good over evil—Lord Rama's victory over Ravana in the north and Goddess Durga's defeat of the demon Mahishasura in other parts of India. Across North India, the festivities peak with Ramlila plays and the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghanada.
Durga Puja in Kolkata: An Artistic Extravaganza
For Bengalis, Navratri is synonymous with Durga Puja, their most important festival. In Kolkata, the main celebrations run for five days, from Maha Shashthi on October 16 to Vijayadashami on October 21. The city transforms into a living art gallery, with thousands of elaborate temporary structures called 'pandals' housing magnificent idols of Goddess Durga. Each pandal is a masterpiece of creativity, showcasing unique themes and craftsmanship. The atmosphere is electric with drum beats, devotional songs, and the aroma of festive food. The final day, Vijayadashami, involves a grand procession where the idols are immersed in the river, accompanied by dancing and music. A particularly poignant ritual is the Sindoor Khela, where married women smear vermilion on each other, wishing for a happy married life.
Mysuru Dasara: A Royal Affair
In Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with royal grandeur as Mysuru Dasara, the official state festival. The 2026 festivities will take place from Sunday, October 11, to Wednesday, October 21. The entire city of Mysuru becomes a hub of activity, but the star attraction is the magnificent Mysuru Palace, which is illuminated with nearly 100,000 light bulbs every evening. The festival honours Goddess Chamundeshwari, the city's patron deity. The climax is the Jamboo Savari, a spectacular procession on Vijayadashami (October 21) featuring decorated elephants, one of which carries the idol of the goddess in a golden howdah. The day concludes with a torchlight parade at the Bannimantap grounds, a dazzling display of horsemanship and pageantry.
Kullu Dussehra: Valley of the Gods
For a unique Dussehra experience, head to the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Here, the festival begins on Vijayadashami, October 20, 2026, and continues for a full week. This tradition dates back to the 17th century. Unlike the effigy-burning in the plains, Kullu Dussehra is a massive congregation of deities. More than 200 gods and goddesses from surrounding villages are brought in palanquins to the Dhalpur Maidan to pay homage to Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama). The fairground buzzes with folk music, dance performances, and a bustling market selling local handicrafts and produce. It’s an internationally recognized event that draws large crowds to witness its vibrant and unique traditions, offering a deeply spiritual and cultural immersion.
