Dussehra 2026 in Plymouth: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate
TL;DR
Dussehra 2026 in Plymouth MN falls on October 20. The broader Twin Cities region has strong Hindu temple infrastructure including the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove and the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Brooklyn Center. Here's the full festival calendar and what to know before you go.
Dussehra 2026: What It Is and When It Falls
Dussehra — also called Vijayadashami — is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Most commonly associated with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad at large public Ram Lila events, it also marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri period of fasting and garba. In 2026, Dussehra falls on October 20.
The path to Dussehra runs through a packed autumn festival calendar. Navratri begins on October 11 and runs through to Dussehra on October 20, with Durga Ashtami on October 18 — the eighth day of the goddess worship cycle — being one of the most intensely observed days for many devotees. If you plan to attend special prayers or cultural events during Navratri, mark both October 18 and October 20 in your calendar.
The Full Festival Calendar: September to November 2026
This period is the richest in the Hindu calendar for observances. Here is the complete schedule for Plymouth and the Twin Cities area:
- Sep 22 — Ekadashi (fast day)
- Sep 24 — Pradosh Vrat
- Sep 26 — Purnima (full moon)
- Sep 29 — Sankashti Chaturthi
- Oct 06 — Ekadashi
- Oct 08 — Pradosh Vrat
- Oct 10 — Amavasya (new moon)
- Oct 11 — Navratri 2026 begins
- Oct 18 — Durga Ashtami
- Oct 20 — Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 ⭐
- Oct 21 — Ekadashi
- Oct 23 — Pradosh Vrat
- Oct 25 — Purnima
- Oct 29 — Karva Chauth 2026
- Oct 29 — Sankashti Chaturthi
- Nov 04 — Ekadashi
- Nov 06 — Dhanteras 2026 🪔
- Nov 06 — Pradosh Vrat
- Nov 08 — Diwali 2026 🪔
- Nov 08 — Amavasya
- Nov 10 — Bhai Dooj 2026
The Navratri to Diwali arc — October 11 through November 10 — is the most concentrated period of Hindu festival life in the year, and Plymouth's proximity to the Twin Cities' established temple and cultural community means there will be events throughout.
Where to Celebrate in the Twin Cities
The Hindu Temple of Minnesota at 10530 Troy Lane N, Maple Grove, MN 55311 is the anchor institution for Hindu religious life in the metro area. The temple organises elaborate Navratri garba events and Dussehra observances each year, drawing thousands of devotees from across Minnesota and neighbouring states. Phone: (763) 425-9449. Website: hindutemplemn.org.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Minneapolis at 2300 Freeway Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 serves the Swaminarayan devotee community and hosts its own Navratri and Diwali celebrations that are among the most beautifully decorated in the region. The BAPS Mandir is also open for regular darshan and is known for its calm, devotional atmosphere. Website: baps.org.
For Plymouth residents, the Krishna Sankirtan Society at 6035 Lanewood Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55446 is the closest community space, providing a local alternative for those who prefer not to travel to Maple Grove or Brooklyn Center on busy festival nights.
Navratri Garba in the Twin Cities 💃
The nine nights of Navratri are the most social event in the Gujarati and wider Hindu calendar, and the Twin Cities hosts garba events at both major temple spaces and rented halls. Expect multiple large garba nights organised by cultural associations, with dandiya sticks, traditional dress and live music or DJ sets. The Hindu Temple of Minnesota garba events typically fill to capacity — plan to arrive early or buy tickets in advance when they become available.
Karva Chauth on October 29 is a major social occasion for married Hindu women, observed with fasting and the moonrise ritual. Many households host group Karva Chauth celebrations and the tradition has become a significant community social event in the Twin Cities diaspora as much as a religious one.
Insider Tip 🌸
For Dussehra specifically, check with the Hindu Temple of Minnesota and local Indian community groups (HAF Minnesota, various Gujarati and North Indian associations) in October for Ram Lila performances and public Ravana effigy burning events — these are typically outdoor evening affairs that have a festive, family-picnic quality even in Minnesota's October weather.
FAQ
Is Dussehra a public holiday in Minnesota? No, Dussehra is not a US public holiday. Schools and most workplaces operate as normal. Observant families typically take time off or work around the festival.
Do temples in Plymouth hold Navratri garba? Check with the Krishna Sankirtan Society in Plymouth directly. The larger garba events in the region are at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove and various community halls in Bloomington and Eden Prairie.
Is Karva Chauth observed widely in the Twin Cities Indian community? Yes, it has become a widely celebrated occasion, particularly among North Indian communities. Many South Indian families observe it selectively or not at all — the tradition is strongest in the Punjabi, Rajasthani and UP-Bihar communities.
When does Diwali 2026 fall? Diwali 2026 is on November 8 — a Sunday, which makes it well-placed for community celebrations and family gatherings.
Bottom Line
Dussehra 2026 on October 20 kicks off a remarkable four-week run of Hindu festivals from Navratri through Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Plymouth's proximity to the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove and the BAPS Mandir in Brooklyn Center puts the full force of the Twin Cities Hindu calendar within easy reach.