Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate
TL;DR
Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai arrives on October 2, transforming India's maximum city into a canvas of spiritual celebration. From the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Mumba Devi Temple, and Ananthnath Jain Mandir, Mumbai's rich interfaith landscape makes Vijayadasami one of the year's most celebrated occasions. This guide covers temples, events, traditions, and everything you need for Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai.
When Is Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai?
Dussehra (Vijayadasami) in 2026 falls on October 2. The festival culminates the nine nights of Navratri, a period of fasting, puja, and cultural celebration. In Mumbai, Dussehra is observed through both traditional Maharashtrian customs — including the symbolic crossing of the sami tree boundary (simolanghan) — and North and South Indian traditions brought by the city's diverse migrant communities.
Mumbai's Festival Traditions at Dussehra
Mumbai's Dussehra is a kaleidoscope of regional traditions:
- Ravan Dahan: Large effigies of Ravana are burned at open grounds across the city
- Simolanghan: The Maharashtrian tradition of crossing a symbolic boundary to seek blessings, with the exchange of sami tree leaves as gifts of good fortune
- Garba and Dandiya: Major community events during Navratri at venues like Andheri Sports Complex and Dome at NSCI
- Navami Puja: Devi puja and havan on the ninth day before Vijayadasami
Top Temples for Dussehra Puja in Mumbai
Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai's most famous temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, is a natural destination for Dussehra puja. Lines of devotees at the Prabhadevi shrine can stretch for hours, so plan for an early morning or late-night visit. Ganesha, the deity of new beginnings and victory over obstacles, makes Siddhivinayak an ideal Vijayadasami shrine.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at the Akshardham Complex (website: baps.org) is one of Mumbai's most architecturally magnificent temples. During Dussehra, BAPS Mandir hosts extended satsang sessions, devotional discourses, and the Swaminarayan tradition's unique observances marking Vijayadasami. The temple complex is accessible and welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds.
Mumba Devi Temple
Mumba Devi Temple — the patroness from whom Mumbai takes its name — is especially significant during Navratri and Dussehra. Devotees flock to the temple in Zaveri Bazaar for Devi darshan and puja throughout the nine nights, with Vijayadasami bringing the largest single-day rush. The temple's sacred energy on Dussehra is palpable for all who visit.
Ananthnath Jain Mandir
At 302-306 Narsi Natha Street (phone: 022-2342-1344), Ananthnath Jain Mandir is one of Mumbai's significant Jain shrines, where the Dussehra season coincides with Jain Paryushan and Samvatsari — a period of introspection, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal that runs parallel to the Hindu Navratri calendar.
Parle Jin Mandir
Parle Jin Mandir (website: parlajinmandir.org) in Vile Parle is a community Jain temple that observes the Paryushan period with fasting, prayer, and the Michhami Dukkadam ceremony of seeking forgiveness. October's Dussehra period falls after Paryushan concludes, making it a time of spiritual completion for Jain Mumbaikars.
Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Kopar Khairane
At Sardar Gurucharan Singh Kocher Marg (phone: 022-2755-2019), Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha serves Navi Mumbai's Sikh community with langars, kirtan sessions, and community programs. Dussehra falls near the Sikh observance of Bandi Chhor Divas, making October a spiritually meaningful month at the gurudwara.
Events Around Dussehra Season in Mumbai
Mumbai's event calendar around Dussehra 2026 is rich:
- Health & Wellness Expo 2026 — August 29 at World Trade Center Mumbai
- Candlelight: Tribute to Arijit Singh — September 6 at Sofitel Mumbai BKC
- Global Fintech Fest 2026 — September 8 at Jio World Convention Centre
- MumbaiWood 2026 — September 18 at NESCO
- India Art Festival Mumbai 2026 — October 9 at Nehru Centre
FAQ: Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai
Q: When is Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai? A: October 2, 2026.
Q: Which Mumbai temple should I visit first on Dussehra? A: Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi is the most iconic — but plan for long queues. Mumba Devi Temple and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir are also excellent choices.
Q: What is Ravan Dahan in Mumbai? A: Large outdoor events where massive effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada are burned after symbolic archery by Ram. Check local civic announcements for event locations near your neighborhood.
Q: Are there garba events in Mumbai during Navratri? A: Yes — some of the largest garba events in India take place in Mumbai, organized by Gujarati and other community associations at venues like Andheri Sports Complex.
Q: Is Dussehra a public holiday in Maharashtra? A: Yes. Vijayadasami is an official state holiday in Maharashtra.
Q: What is the Ananthnath Jain Mandir address in Mumbai? A: 302-306 Narsi Natha Street, Mumbai. Phone: 022-2342-1344.
Bottom Line
Dussehra 2026 in Mumbai on October 2 is a citywide celebration that spans Ravan Dahan spectacles, ancient temple pujas at Siddhivinayak Temple and Mumba Devi Temple, the grandeur of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, and the spiritual introspection of Ananthnath Jain Mandir and Parle Jin Mandir. Mumbai's extraordinary religious diversity means Vijayadasami is observed in multiple traditions simultaneously — making it one of the most layered and inclusive festival experiences anywhere in the world.