Dussehra + Navratri 2026 (Oct 12–21) in New Jersey and New York features some of the largest Indian diaspora celebrations outside India — garba nights that fill entire arenas, elaborate Durga Puja pandals in the Bengali tradition, and Vijayadashami temple events.

Biggest Garba Nights in New Jersey

  • Falguni Pathak Live at NJ Expo Center, Edison — the "queen of garba" typically headlines massive NJ nights during Navratri; check her tour schedule
  • Devanti Live Garba Nights — Edison, Iselin (Middlesex County)
  • Aatma Garba, Somerset — Gujarati Cultural Association's annual event
  • Golden Star Garba — organized across Bergen County
  • Rangotsav Garba, South Brunswick
  • Community Center Garba Nights — Woodbridge, Old Bridge, Sayreville

Bengali Durga Puja in New Jersey

  • Bengali Association of NJ, Iselin — traditional idol pandal with anjali, sindoor khela, dhunuchi naach
  • Prabashi Bengali Association, Franklin Park
  • Kallol NJ, Edison — literary/cultural + Durga Puja
  • Sanskriti of Jersey — cultural evening + puja

NYC Dussehra + Navratri

  • Ganesh Temple Flushing (Queens) — Navratri daily puja + Vijayadashami
  • Kalibari, Fairview — Bengali Kali temple, elaborate Durga Puja
  • Bengal Youth Association — Manhattan/Brooklyn garba + Durga Puja
  • Konnektiicut Puja — nearby CT major puja destinations

Major Temples for Navratri Puja

  • BAPS Robbinsville — daily aarti, garba, cultural programs
  • Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater — traditional Navadurga aradhana
  • Devi Mandir, Newark — Shakti-focused temple; dedicated Durga worship
  • Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Edison

Ravana Dahan Events

Vijayadashami Ravana burning ceremonies (safe / permitted versions):

  • NJ Bharat Vaas Ravana Dahan — annual event in Edison/Piscataway
  • Central Jersey Hindu Temples — symbolic Ravana burning
  • Community-hosted mini Ravana effigies in park permits

Dress + Dandiya Sticks

  • Traditional Gujarati chaniya choli / Bengali saris
  • Buy dandiya sticks online (Amazon, Indian sweets stores)
  • Chunky earrings + bindi + mehendi for women
  • Men: kediyu (short kurta) + payjama or dhoti

Prasad + Foods at Events

  • Puja bhog: khichuri + labra + payesh (Bengali tradition)
  • Sabudana khichdi + kuttu paratha (fasting food)
  • Modak, laddu + fruits
  • Community potluck at most events

Tips for NRI Families Attending Events

  • Book garba tickets 2-3 weeks in advance — biggest nights sell out fast
  • Wear comfortable footwear — you'll dance for hours
  • Carry water bottle + snacks for kids
  • Follow Falguni Pathak or Kirtidan Gadhvi tour schedule for 2026 dates

Jai Mata Di! Jai Maa Durga!

May Goddess Durga bless every NRI home with strength, victory over obstacles, and prosperity.