Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Vijay Muhurat: Silvassa 2:18–3:05 PM and Daman 2:19–3:05 PM (local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall together on Monday 19 October 2026. Navratri here is above all a season of garba.

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu brings together three small territories on India's western coast and hinterland. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with its capital Silvassa, lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra; Daman sits on the Gujarat coast north of Mumbai; and Diu is an island off the southern tip of Saurashtra. All three were Portuguese territories until they became part of India, and in January 2020 they were merged into a single Union Territory. Culturally, much of the region looks towards Gujarat, and that shapes its Navratri: nine nights of garba and dandiya, Devi worship and, on Vijayadashami, Shastra puja and in some places the burning of Ravana. This guide gives the 2026 dates, the Vijay Muhurat for Silvassa and Daman, and an overview of how the festival is celebrated.

ObservanceDate (2026)
Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)Sunday 11 October
Durga Ashtami and Maha NavamiMonday 19 October
Dussehra / VijayadashamiTuesday 20 October
Dashami tithi12:50 PM IST 20 Oct to 2:11 PM IST 21 Oct
DiwaliSunday 8 November

Dates are from Drik Panchang for India. In 2026, Ashtami and Navami share a single day, Monday 19 October, so families who keep a havan or Kanya pujan on either day will do it then. The Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST on 20 October and covers the afternoon, which is why Vijayadashami is observed that day.

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Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Silvassa and Daman

The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious window of Vijayadashami afternoon, traditionally used for Aparajita puja, Shami puja, Shastra puja and for beginning new work, purchases or journeys. Timings for Tuesday 20 October 2026, in local time (IST), calculated by the Drik Panchang method:

CityVijay Muhurat (20 Oct 2026)
Silvassa2:18–3:05 PM
Daman2:19–3:05 PM

Being on India's western side, the region has some of the latest Vijay Muhurat windows in the country by the clock. Diu, further west on the Saurashtra coast, will have a window a few minutes later than Daman's; we have not listed a figure, so check a panchang set for Diu if you need the exact time.

How the Union Territory celebrates

Garba and dandiya nights

As in neighbouring Gujarat, Navratri evenings in Daman, Diu and Silvassa are for garba. Traditionally, a garbo, an earthen pot with a lamp inside representing the Goddess, is placed at the centre, and dancers move in circles around it, clapping and stepping to songs in praise of Amba Ma. Dandiya raas, danced with pairs of sticks, follows in many places. Celebrations range from society and neighbourhood garbas in courtyards to larger organised events with live music. Venues, dates and any passes are arranged by local organisers each year, and we do not list them; check local announcements for 2026. Our Dussehra 2026 in Gujarat guide covers the garba tradition in more depth.

Silvassa and the Adivasi heritage

Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a large Adivasi population, including the Warli, Kokna and Dhodia communities, with their own deities, harvest customs and art forms such as Warli painting. Silvassa itself has grown into an industrial town with workers from many states, so its Navratri brings together Gujarati garba, North Indian Devi worship and other regional customs. Respect local community traditions and ask before photographing people.

Daman and Diu

In Daman, Navratri is celebrated by the town's Hindu families with garba and Devi puja, alongside its Portuguese-era churches and forts. Diu, a small island with a strong Gujarati character, is known among Hindu pilgrims for the Gangeshwar Mahadev temple, where Shiva lingas sit at the edge of the sea and are washed by the waves. It is a Shiva shrine rather than a Navratri centre, but many visitors include it in a trip. Check the temple's official information for current timings.

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Vijayadashami

On Dussehra, families perform Shami and Aparajita puja, worship tools, vehicles and account books, and in some places a Ravan Dahan is held in the evening. Where such events take place, they are organised locally and announced close to the date. In Gujarati households, it is also a popular custom to enjoy fafda and jalebi on Dussehra morning.

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, machinery, vehicles, account books and laptops. In Silvassa's industrial units and Daman's workshops, many workers honour their tools on this day.
  • Begin something new: Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year for new ventures and purchases.
  • Seek blessings: visit elders and share sweets with neighbours.

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

Practical tips

  • Garba nights often run late. Plan transport home in advance and keep children close at crowded venues.
  • Silvassa and Daman are usually reached by road via Vapi in Gujarat; Diu has its own small airport and road links through Saurashtra. Check current schedules.
  • Rules on alcohol in the Union Territory differ from those in neighbouring Gujarat. Check the current rules, and remember that Gujarat's own rules apply as soon as you cross the border.
  • Rules on loudspeakers and late-night events are set by the local administration. Follow organisers' instructions.

For families abroad

  • Use a panchang for your own city. Do not convert Silvassa's or Daman's Vijay Muhurat into your local time zone.
  • Gujarati community groups abroad hold garba nights through Navratri, often on weekends. Check your local mandir or association.

See our Navratri 2026 guide for NRI families and our Navratri 2026 Canada city-by-city guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Daman, Diu and Silvassa?

Tuesday 20 October 2026. Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami are both on Monday 19 October 2026, according to Drik Panchang for India. The dates are the same across India.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Silvassa and Daman on Dussehra 2026?

Silvassa 2:18–3:05 PM and Daman 2:19–3:05 PM, local time (IST) on Tuesday 20 October 2026, calculated by the Drik Panchang method.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Diu?

We have not listed a figure for Diu. Because Diu lies further west than Daman, its window will begin a few minutes later. Check a panchang set for Diu if you need the exact time.

Is garba played in Daman and Silvassa during Navratri?

Yes. Gujarati culture is strong across the Union Territory, and garba and dandiya nights are a central part of Navratri in Daman, Diu and Silvassa. Venues, dates and any passes are arranged by local organisers each year, so check announcements.

When were Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu merged?

The two former Union Territories were merged into a single Union Territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, in January 2020.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. Festival dates are from Drik Panchang for India, and the Vijay Muhurat times for Silvassa and Daman were calculated by the Drik Panchang method; we have not listed a figure for Diu. Garba nights and Dussehra events in the Union Territory are organised locally each year, so we have deliberately not named specific venues, organisers, dates or passes. Check local announcements and each temple's official information for current timings.