Dussehra 2026 in Troy: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate
Dussehra 2026 in Troy: Events, Temples, and the Full Festive Season
For Troy's vibrant South Asian community, Dussehra 2026 on October 20 is the triumphant culmination of a festive season that begins in late summer and builds through some of Hinduism's most beloved celebrations. From Krishna Janmashtami in early September to Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Vijayadashami, the months ahead offer a rich calendar of devotion and community.
The Season Begins: Purnima and Raksha Bandhan – August 27
The festive season opens on August 27 with Purnima (the full moon) and Raksha Bandhan 2026 coinciding on the same day. Raksha Bandhan honors the bond between siblings, with sisters tying rakhis on their brothers' wrists. This year's Purnima adds extra auspiciousness to the occasion. Also on August 27, The Eternal Mother Temple (Parashakthi Temple) at 551 West Kennett Road hosts Aadi Velli, Rig/Rik and Yajur Upakarma, and Sri Hayagriva Jayanthi — a significant observance for South Indian devotees. Details are available at parashakthitemple.org.
Sankashti Chaturthi – August 31
August closes with Sankashti Chaturthi on the 31st, a monthly fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha observed on the fourth day of the waning lunar fortnight. Devotees fast through the day and break the fast after moonrise, offering prayers to the elephant-headed deity for the removal of obstacles.
Krishna Janmashtami 2026 – September 4
Krishna Janmashtami 2026 arrives on September 4, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Janmashtami is celebrated at midnight with special pujas, devotional singing, and the rocking of cradles holding infant Krishna images. Temples and cultural organizations across Troy host programs featuring bhajans, kirtans, and the distribution of prasad. The festival marks the beginning of the festive season and sets the tone for the celebrations that follow through October.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 – September 14
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on September 14, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved remover of obstacles. This festival is observed with exuberant community celebrations, especially among Maharashtrian families. Elaborately decorated Ganesha idols are installed in homes and temples, with daily prayers, aarti, and distribution of modaks — the sweet dumplings considered Ganesha's favorite. The festival can span up to ten days, culminating in Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of the idol in water.
Navratri 2026 – October 11 to 20
Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, ushering in nine nights of worship dedicated to the Divine Mother in her many forms — Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The Eternal Mother Temple (Parashakthi Temple) at 551 West Kennett Road hosts Navaratri Celebrations beginning October 11, offering the Troy community a dedicated space for goddess worship, homams, and cultural programs. Details are at parashakthitemple.org. Durga Ashtami on October 18 marks the eighth and penultimate night of Navratri worship.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 – October 20
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami — the tenth day of victory — arrives on October 20. This is one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar, commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana (as told in the Ramayana) and the goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. Across India and in diaspora communities, Dussehra is marked by the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the destruction of evil. Troy's temples and cultural organizations provide gathering spaces where the community can mark this auspicious day together.
Troy's Temples and Spiritual Centers
Troy, Michigan is home to a remarkable concentration of Hindu and Sikh places of worship that serve as anchors for the community through the festive season and year-round.
The Eternal Mother Temple (Parashakthi Temple) at 551 West Kennett Road (+1-248-322-4731, parashakthitemple.org) is dedicated to the Divine Mother and hosts major events including the Navaratri Celebrations and Upakarma observances.
Sri Venkateswara Temple & Cultural Center at 26233 Taft Road (+1-248-449-9049, svtemplemi.org) is a major South Indian temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), serving Troy's Telugu and South Indian communities.
Bharatiya Hindu Temple (bharatiya-temple.org) serves the broader Hindu community with worship and cultural programming throughout the year.
Gurdwara Sahib at 33340 Dequindre Road (+1-248-547-0927, michigangurdwara.com) serves Troy's Sikh community.
Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam INC at 116 Aberdeen Drive serves devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and Mi Sai Seva at 1066 Lorenzo Court honors Shirdi Sai Baba. The Dr Shanti Swarup & Mrs Chawli Devi Saini Memorial Foundation at 3857 South Blvd West also serves the community.
With this calendar and these community institutions, Troy's Desi families have everything they need to celebrate the full arc of the 2026 festive season with devotion, connection, and joy.