Dussehra 2026 in Torrance: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

Vijayadashami — the day of victory — falls on October 20, 2026, and Torrance's South Asian community has one of the most energized festival lineups in the South Bay to carry you from Navratri straight through to Dussehra. Between Dakshini's flagship events, a dedicated Hindu temple, and two world-class Indian performers gracing Redondo Beach's premier performing arts venue, this autumn is shaping up to be exceptional for South Asians in the greater Los Angeles area.

When Is Dussehra 2026?

Dussehra 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20 — the tenth day of Navratri, marking Lord Rama's defeat of Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Navratri itself begins October 11, and the nine-night festival culminates on this tenth day with puja, prasad, and celebrations across households and community centers.

Key dates leading up to Dussehra:

• September 22: Ekadashi fast
• September 24: Pradosh Vrat
• October 11: Navratri begins
• October 18: Durga Ashtami (most powerful night)
• October 20: Dussehra / Vijayadashami

Dakshini: The Heart of South Asian Cultural Life in the South Bay

Dakshini (dakshini.org) is the cultural organization that drives much of Torrance and the South Bay's Indian community programming, and their 2026 autumn calendar is extraordinary.

Durgotsav 2026 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard) on October 16–17 is Dakshini's centerpiece event of the season. Durgotsav is an elaborate celebration of Goddess Durga featuring traditional puja, cultural performances, and the warm congregation of thousands of South Asians from across Southern California. The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, with its professional staging and ample seating, provides a worthy setting for one of the South Bay's largest South Asian community gatherings.

Keep your calendars free on October 16 for the Mahalakshmi Iyer Concert — a rare chance to hear one of Carnatic music's most celebrated voices live in the South Bay. Mahalakshmi Iyer's command of traditional and contemporary bhakti music makes her performances events of genuine cultural significance, and Dakshini has secured her presence as part of the Durgotsav celebrations. Presented by Dakshini, details are available at dakshini.org.

Jojo Mukherjee performs the following evening, October 17, continuing the Durgotsav cultural programming with his distinctive blend of Bengali and Hindustani musical traditions. The pairing of Mahalakshmi Iyer and Jojo Mukherjee across consecutive evenings at Durgotsav makes this weekend one of the most compelling Indian cultural events in Southern California this autumn.

Dakshini also hosted a JOY Milan event on August 29, reflecting the organization's year-round commitment to building community through cultural programming and events.

Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple: Torrance's Spiritual Center

Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple And Religious Academy at 23805 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 is the anchor temple for Torrance's Hindu community. Dedicated to Lord Panchamukha Hanuman — the five-faced form representing omnipresence and divine protection — the temple offers regular puja, religious education through its academy component, and special programs during major Hindu festivals.

For Navratri and Dussehra, the temple typically hosts special rituals, extended darshan hours, and community prasad distribution. Contact the temple directly for their festival-specific schedule as October 11–20 approaches.

For those seeking puja supplies in the Torrance area, the Indian grocery stores along Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia (just northeast of Torrance) carry comprehensive festival supplies including diyas, incense, kumkum, turmeric, and festival sweets.

How to Celebrate Dussehra at Home

Here is a guide to a meaningful home Dussehra puja on October 20:

Shastra Puja: On Vijayadashami, many Hindu families perform Shastra Puja — a consecration of the tools of one's trade or profession. In modern households, this might mean placing your work tools, musical instruments, or professional items before the deity for a special blessing.

Ravana effigy traditions: If you have children, consider a small symbolic representation of Ravana that can be burned safely (a paper effigy in a safe outdoor space) while explaining the mythological significance of Ram's victory. This brings the narrative alive for young members of the family.

Recitation and listening: The Sundarakanda of Valmiki Ramayana — the section describing Hanuman's leap to Lanka and the reunion of Ram and Sita — is traditionally recited on Dussehra. Several high-quality audio recordings by revered musicians are available for families who prefer listening over reading.

Exchange of sweets: Visiting neighbors and extended family with a box of sweets on Dussehra morning is a tradition that builds community bonds and shares the festive spirit.

Your Full Festival Season Calendar

The month leading up to and following Dussehra is dense with observances:

• Sep 22: Ekadashi
• Sep 24: Pradosh Vrat
• Sep 26: Purnima
• Oct 11: Navratri begins
• Oct 16: Durgotsav 2026 + Mahalakshmi Iyer Concert (Dakshini, Redondo Beach PAC)
• Oct 17: Jojo Mukherjee Concert (Dakshini)
• Oct 18: Durga Ashtami
• Oct 20: Dussehra / Vijayadashami
• Oct 21: Ekadashi
• Oct 25: Purnima
• Oct 29: Karva Chauth + Sankashti Chaturthi

For the latest updates on Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple's festival programming, visit the temple in person or follow community announcements. Dakshini's full events calendar is at dakshini.org. Whether you celebrate at the temple, attend Durgotsav, or observe from home, Dussehra 2026 in the South Bay offers extraordinary opportunities for both spiritual renewal and community joy.