Updated 12 October 2026. This UK guide follows the London-specific Shardiya Navratri calendar for 2026 and distinguishes the nine Navratri observance days from the Vijayadashami / Dussehra date. Tithi timings can cross midnight, and temple practices may differ, so use the local Panchang followed by your temple for ritual decisions.
UK Navratri 2026 dates at a glance
Navratri begins: Sunday 11 October 2026.
Nine Navratri days: 11–19 October 2026.
Vijayadashami / Dussehra: Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Durga Visarjan (London calendar): Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Source: Drik Panchang — Shardiya Navratri Calendar for London, 2026.
Daily Navratri calendar
| Day | Date | Common observance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sun 11 October | Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana; Shailputri Puja |
| Day 2 | Mon 12 October | Brahmacharini Puja |
| Day 3 | Tue 13 October | Chandraghanta Puja |
| Day 4 | Wed 14 October | Kushmanda Puja |
| Day 5 | Thu 15 October | Skandamata Puja |
| Day 6 | Fri 16 October | Katyayani Puja |
| Day 7 | Sat 17 October | Kalaratri Puja |
| Day 8 | Sun 18 October | Mahagauri / Durga Ashtami observances (confirm locally) |
| Day 9 | Mon 19 October | Siddhidatri / Maha Navami; some rituals follow local tithi timings |
| Vijayadashami | Tue 20 October | Dussehra; Vijayadashami puja |
| Durga Visarjan | Wed 21 October | Listed on the London Drik Panchang calendar |
This is a date-level planning guide, not a universal ritual schedule. The London Panchang lists Sandhi Puja on the morning of 19 October, while observance labels and tithi calculations may be presented differently by other calendars and communities. Confirm the specific puja time with the temple you follow before planning worship or fasting.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami muhurat in London
Drik Panchang lists London Vijay Muhurat on Tuesday 20 October from 2:29 pm to 3:10 pm BST. Dashami Tithi is listed as beginning at 8:20 am on 20 October and ending at 9:41 am on 21 October. These details are London-specific; do not copy them directly for other UK cities.
View London’s 2026 Vijayadashami date and time.
Why do some UK calendars show Dussehra on 21 October?
Some organisations schedule community celebrations on a different civil date from the main Panchang observance. For example, Lohana Community South London lists its Dussehra programme for 21 October. That event date should be read as the community’s published programme, not used to replace the London Panchang’s 20 October Vijayadashami date.
See the Lohana Community South London events diary.
Planning community celebrations
Garba, Dandiya, temple worship, Ramlila and Ravana effigy events each follow their own organiser’s schedule. They may run on several dates around Navratri and Dussehra. Always check the current-year ticket page for the exact night, entry time, address, age rules, refunds, parking and accessibility. Do not assume that an event from 2025 has returned simply because it appears in a search result.
Frequently asked questions
When does Navratri start in the UK in 2026?
The London Drik Panchang calendar marks the start on Sunday 11 October 2026.
When is Dussehra in the UK in 2026?
The London calendar marks Vijayadashami on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Is the London Vijay Muhurat valid throughout the UK?
No. It is calculated for London. Use a city-specific Panchang or ask the local temple for a time that applies to your location and tradition.
Why are temple and online dates sometimes different?
Different Panchang calculations, tithi timing, regional tradition and local programme dates can affect how specific observances are listed. Follow the calendar and instructions used by your temple.
Related UK festival guides
For the London muhurat, see Dussehra 2026 date and Vijay Muhurat. For ticketed celebrations, visit our UK Garba and Dandiya events 2026 guide.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. Dates and timings are based on the linked London Panchang; verify ritual times with the temple you attend.