Dussehra 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir: Date, Vijay Muhurat, Ramlila, Vaishno Devi and Navratri

Quick answer: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Vijay Muhurat: Jammu 2:07 to 2:52 PM, Srinagar 2:07 to 2:52 PM (local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method). Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, and Ashtami and Navami fall together on Monday 19 October 2026. Ravan Dahan in Jammu takes place after sunset on Dussehra evening.

Jammu, the "City of Temples", celebrates Navratri and Dussehra with deep devotion. For nine days, pilgrims stream through Jammu and Katra on their way to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills, the city's temples ring with bhajans, and Ramlila stages tell the story of Rama night after night until Ravana's effigy burns on Vijayadashami. In the Kashmir valley, the small Hindu community marks the festival quietly at home and at old shrines of the Goddess. This guide gives the 2026 dates, the Vijay Muhurat for Jammu and Srinagar, the traditions to know and tips for pilgrims and families living away from home.

Dussehra 2026 key dates (India)

Dates are from Drik Panchang for India. Because Ashtami and Navami share a single day in 2026, families who perform Kanya pujan on either day will do it on Monday 19 October. The Dashami tithi begins shortly after midday on 20 October and covers the afternoon, which is why Vijayadashami is observed on Tuesday 20 October. Kashmiri Pandit families may follow their own traditional almanac for some observances, so follow your family priest.

Vijay Muhurat 2026 for Jammu and Srinagar

The Vijay Muhurat is the most auspicious window of Vijayadashami afternoon. It is the traditional time for Shami puja, Aparajita puja, Shastra puja (worship of weapons, tools and vehicles), starting new work, buying a vehicle or setting out on a journey. Timings for Tuesday 20 October 2026, in local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method:

Jammu and Srinagar lie at almost the same longitude, so their windows match. Both fall well after the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST. Because Jammu and Kashmir lies in the far west of the IST zone, its muhurat comes later by the clock than in eastern India. For other towns such as Katra, Udhampur or Kathua, check a panchang set for that town.

How Jammu celebrates

Ramlila and Ravan Dahan

Ramlila, the enactment of the Ramayana over several nights, is a long-standing Navratri tradition in Jammu city and in towns across the Jammu region. Local committees stage the story from Rama's birth and exile through Sita's abduction, Hanuman's journey to Lanka and the final battle, with residents taking many of the roles. On Vijayadashami evening, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt at major grounds in the city and in many neighbourhoods and towns, before large crowds. Venues, timings and arrangements are set each year by organisers and the administration, so check local announcements for 2026.

Jammu's temples in Navratri

Jammu's many temples are at their busiest during Navratri. The Raghunath temple complex in the heart of the city, dedicated to Lord Rama, is one of the best-known temples of North India and a natural place to visit in the Dussehra season. The Bawe Wali Mata temple, the shrine of Goddess Kali within the Bahu Fort above the Tawi river, draws large numbers of devotees during Navratri. Many families keep the nine-day fast and end it with Kanya pujan, honouring young girls as forms of the Devi. Check each temple's official information for current timings and arrangements.

Mata Vaishno Devi during Navratri

The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, in the Trikuta hills above Katra in Reasi district, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations, the Pindis, representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Pilgrims usually make the climb from Katra on foot, by pony or palki, or use the other travel options available, and Navratri is one of the most popular times of the year for the yatra.

• Check official sources: the Shrine Board manages the yatra. Check its official website for registration, travel options, yatra arrangements and any special Navratri announcements before you plan.
• Expect crowds: Navratri brings very heavy pilgrim traffic. Book transport and accommodation early and allow extra time.
• Weather: October is generally pleasant, but nights in the hills can be cold. Carry warm layers and comfortable walking shoes.
• Health: the climb is long. Pilgrims with heart, breathing or mobility problems should consult a doctor and consider the assisted travel options.

Many pilgrims combine the yatra with a visit to Jammu's temples on the way.

Navratri and Dussehra in Kashmir

Srinagar's Hindu community, which includes Kashmiri Pandit families and others, is small today, and its observances are generally quiet and family-centred. Families keep Navratri fasts and prayers at home and visit old shrines of the Goddess, such as Sharika Devi on Hari Parbat in Srinagar, revered by Kashmiri Pandits as a presiding goddess of the city, and the Kheer Bhawani shrine of Goddess Ragnya at Tulmul in Ganderbal district, best known for its own annual mela in the summer. Many Kashmiri Pandit families now living in Jammu, Delhi and elsewhere keep these traditions alive in their new homes. Anyone planning to travel should check official advisories for the region.

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, vehicles, books and laptops.
• Begin something new: Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year for new ventures and purchases.
• Ravan Dahan: join the community effigy burning after sunset, standing well back and following the instructions of organisers and police.

For families away from home

• Use a panchang calculated for your own city. Do not convert Jammu's Vijay Muhurat into your local time zone.
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 is a working day in most countries. Many mandirs hold Ramlila or Ravan Dahan on the nearest weekend.
• Light a lamp before a picture of Mata Vaishno Devi through Navratri and recite the Durga Saptashati or a simple Devi stuti with children.
• Video-call family in Jammu so children can watch the local Ramlila or Ravan Dahan.

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

Frequently asked questions

When is Dussehra 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir?

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.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Jammu on Dussehra 2026?

2:07 to 2:52 PM in Jammu on Tuesday 20 October 2026, local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method. Srinagar's window is the same, 2:07 to 2:52 PM.

Is Navratri a good time to visit Vaishno Devi?

Navratri is one of the most popular times for the pilgrimage, so expect very heavy crowds. Check the official Shrine Board website for registration, yatra arrangements and any announcements for Navratri 2026 before you travel.

Where is Ravan Dahan held in Jammu?

Ravan Dahan is held on Dussehra evening at major grounds in Jammu city and in other towns of the Jammu region, often at the end of a Ramlila. Venues and timings are announced each year by organisers and the administration, so check local announcements.

How is Navratri observed in Kashmir?

Srinagar's small Hindu community, including Kashmiri Pandit families, observes Navratri at home and at temples of the Goddess, with fasting, prayers and visits to shrines. Observances are generally quiet and family-centred.

Can I use Jammu's muhurat abroad?

No. Muhurat windows depend on local sunrise and sunset, so they cannot be converted into another time zone. Use a panchang for your own city or follow your local mandir's calendar.

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 are from Drik Panchang for India, and the Vijay Muhurat timings are calculated by the Drik Panchang method for each city. We have not listed 2026 Ramlila schedules, Ravan Dahan venues or times, Vaishno Devi yatra arrangements or holiday dates, which are announced each year by organisers, the Shrine Board and the authorities; please check official sources and official advisories before you travel. Temple timings change, so check official information.

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