Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) falls approximately on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — the tenth day of Sharad Navratri, celebrating the victory of good over evil. This country-wise guide covers how the Indian diaspora marks the festival across major NRI-hub countries, from Ram Lila performances in New Jersey to Ravana effigies in Leicester to Durga Puja in Toronto and Ayudha Puja in Singapore.
Note: Vijayadashami tithi may vary by a day across regional traditions. Confirm with your local panchang or temple.
For the general Dussehra guide (rituals, significance, apta leaves, food), see our companion piece: Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 NRI Guide.
USA — Ram Lila + Community Events Across Major NRI Metros
Indian Americans across the United States celebrate Dussehra with a mix of Ram Lila performances, Ravana Dahan events (symbolic or fire-code-compliant), Durga Puja (Bengali diaspora) and Ayudha Puja (South Indian households).
New Jersey / New York
- Ram Lila performances at major community centres in Edison, Iselin, Jersey City, Queens, Long Island
- Durga Puja at Bengali associations in NJ and NYC (multiple pandals)
- Ravana Dahan events (symbolic effigies) at large community grounds
- Notable venues: Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple, Flushing), BAPS Robbinsville
California (Bay Area, Los Angeles)
- Fremont, San Ramon, Dublin, Sunnyvale host large Dussehra + Navratri programmes
- Los Angeles: BAPS Chino Hills, Malibu Hindu Temple community events
- South Indian Kannada / Tamil / Telugu associations organise Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja
Chicago (Illinois)
- Ram Lila and Ravana Dahan events by Federation of Indian Associations Chicago
- BAPS Bartlett, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (Lemont) programmes
Houston + Dallas (Texas)
- BAPS Stafford, Sri Meenakshi Temple (Pearland), DFW Hindu Temple community events
- Growing Bengali community organises Durga Puja pandals
Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, DC
- Community associations organise smaller but active Ram Lila + Durga Puja events
- BAPS temples in each metro serve as anchor venues
NRI USA highlights
- Physical Ravana Dahan (large effigy burning) requires local fire permits — most communities use symbolic effigies
- Ram Lila performances often span multiple evenings during Navratri
- Bengali Durga Puja events often coincide with Navratri — multi-day celebration at community pandals
United Kingdom — Leicester, London, Birmingham
The UK has one of the world's largest and oldest Indian diaspora Dussehra celebrations, with roots going back to the early 20th century.
Leicester
- Home to one of the largest Dussehra celebrations outside India
- Ram Lila performances at the Belgrave community centres
- Ravana Dahan / effigy events (subject to city permits)
- Belgrave Road (“Golden Mile”) is central to festival activity
London
- Wembley, Southall, Ilford, East Ham are major NRI catchment areas
- Ram Lila performances at major community centres and temples
- Bharat Sevashram Sangha, ISKCON London and BAPS Neasden host Dussehra events
- Bengali Association of London Durga Puja is a highlight event of the year
Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Slough
- Growing Dussehra community events
- Bhaktivedanta Manor (Watford) hosts significant regional programmes
Canada — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- Brampton, Mississauga, Etobicoke, North York host multiple Dussehra events
- Bengali Association of North America (BANA) Toronto organises major Durga Puja
- BAPS Toronto, Hindu Sabha Mississauga are anchor venues
- Ram Lila performances at major community centres
Vancouver & British Columbia
- Surrey and Vancouver metro area host community events
- Growing Bengali community organises Durga Puja
Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal
- Community associations host regional Dussehra + Durga Puja events
- Ram Lila performances at Hindu Society venues
Australia — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Sydney
- Parramatta, Blacktown, Harris Park, Wentworthville host major Dussehra events
- Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh, BAPS Rosehill are anchor venues
- Bengali Association of NSW Durga Puja
- Multi-community Navratri + Dussehra festivals
Melbourne
- Federation Square and Victoria Multicultural Centre for larger public events
- Community pandals in Wyndham, Casey, Dandenong areas
- Growing Bengali + Marathi + South Indian associations
Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra
- Regional community events at Hindu temples and cultural centres
New Zealand — Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- Auckland (Papatoetoe, Manukau, Botany) has the largest Indian diaspora concentration
- Community-organised Ram Lila and Dussehra events
- Wellington and Christchurch host smaller regional events
- Waitakere Indian Association and Auckland Indian Association organise community festivals
UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Given the large Indian population in the UAE (30%+ of Dubai's population is Indian), Dussehra is celebrated widely, though publicly larger events are subject to permits.
Dubai
- Bur Dubai Hindu Temple (traditional anchor for Hindu celebrations)
- BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi — opened in 2024, hosts major festival events
- Community associations and cultural clubs organise Navratri + Dussehra events
- Al Nasr Leisureland and community halls for private events
Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
- BAPS Abu Dhabi as the largest anchor for Hindu community festival events
- Cultural clubs host Navratri Garba nights + Dussehra events
Singapore — Little India + Community Centres
- Little India as the cultural centre — Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Ramayana-themed events and Navaratri Kolu (South Indian doll display) traditions
- Bengali Association of Singapore Durga Puja is a major community event
- Kannada Sangha, Tamil Sangam, Marathi Mandal organise regional celebrations
Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor
- Strong Tamil Hindu tradition — Vijayadashami celebrated as culmination of Navaratri
- Batu Caves + Sri Mahamariamman Temple central to community events
- Bengali Association of Malaysia Durga Puja
- Deepavali follows shortly after — extended festival season
Germany — Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg
- Berlin's Indian community organises Dussehra events at community centres
- Munich and Frankfurt Hindu temples host Navratri + Vijayadashami programmes
- Bengali Association of Germany Durga Puja is a highlight event (rotates between cities annually)
- Growing tech-diaspora communities in Berlin + Munich adding to celebrations
France — Paris + Metropolitan Cities
- Paris's Ganesha Temple in La Chapelle is a central Hindu community venue
- Tamil diaspora (larger population) celebrates Vijayadashami with strong South Indian traditions
- Growing Bengali community organises Durga Puja
Netherlands — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
- Indian community centres in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Sanatan Dharma community organises Navratri + Dussehra events
- Suriname-origin Hindus (large Dutch community) celebrate distinct traditions
- ISKCON Amsterdam hosts festival programmes
Ireland — Dublin
- Dublin's Indian association organises community festivals
- ISKCON Dublin hosts Hindu community festival events
- Growing tech-diaspora community adding to celebrations
Other European Countries
- Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp): Indian community events at Hindu temples
- Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg): Community associations organise regional events
- Norway (Oslo): Small but active community events
- Switzerland (Zurich, Geneva): Bengali association Durga Puja + Ram Lila performances
- Italy (Milan, Rome): Sikh + Hindu community-organised events
Rest of the Gulf — Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia
- Qatar (Doha): Community associations + Indian schools organise festival events
- Kuwait: Kuwait Hindu community + associations
- Bahrain (Manama): Indian Ladies Association + community centres
- Oman (Muscat): Indian Social Club community events
- Saudi Arabia: Community events at Indian consulate cultural centres (permits required)
Fiji — Suva, Nadi, Lautoka
Fiji has one of the world's largest Indian-origin populations by percentage (around 38%), descended from the 19th-century Girmitiya indentured labourers. Dussehra celebrations are deeply established and often government-recognised.
- Suva, Nadi, Lautoka host large community Dussehra + Ram Lila events
- The Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji coordinates major festival programmes
- Ramleela performances span multiple evenings during Navratri
- Effigy burning of Ravana is a common public tradition (subject to local safety rules)
- Deepavali is a public holiday in Fiji — Dussehra flows directly into Diwali preparations
Mauritius — Port Louis + Islandwide
Mauritius has an Indian-origin population of approximately 68% — the largest per-capita Indian diaspora concentration outside India. Dussehra is celebrated widely across the island.
- Port Louis, Curepipe, Vacoas-Phoenix, Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill host active community celebrations
- The Hindu Maha Sabha and Arya Sabha coordinate large festival programmes
- Ramayana chanting (Ram Katha) is a common Navratri tradition
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra is a public holiday in Mauritius
- Diwali follows immediately — a natural extended festival season
Trinidad and Tobago — Port of Spain + Central Trinidad
Indian-origin Trinidadians make up around 35-40% of the population, descended from 19th-century indentured labourers. Dussehra celebrations here are among the most distinctive in the world.
- Ramleela is a UNESCO-recognised Trinidadian tradition performed in Central Trinidad villages (Chaguanas, Couva, Felicity, Debe, Penal) for generations
- Multi-week evening performances during Navratri, culminating in Dussehra Ravana burning
- Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and Divali Nagar organise major community programmes
- Dussehra flows directly into Divali — a public holiday in Trinidad & Tobago
Guyana — Georgetown + Berbice
Guyana has an Indian-origin population of around 40%. Dussehra + Diwali are both major cultural and national festivals.
- Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Anna Regina host community events
- Ramleela performances at temples and community centres
- Diwali is a public holiday in Guyana
- The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha coordinates major festival programmes
Suriname — Paramaribo
Suriname has an Indian-origin (Hindustani) population of around 27%. Dussehra + Diwali are recognised national festivals.
- Paramaribo hosts the largest community celebrations
- Sanatan Dharm and Arya Samaj communities organise multi-day festival events
- Divali is a public holiday in Suriname
- Ramayana tradition is preserved through community associations
South Africa — Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town
South Africa has approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin — the largest Indian diaspora on the African continent. Descended from 19th-century indentured labourers and passenger Indians.
Durban / KwaZulu-Natal
- Durban, Chatsworth, Phoenix, Verulam, Tongaat, Umzinto have deep Hindu community roots
- The Divine Life Society, Sri Sathya Sai organisation and BAPS Durban are anchor community venues
- Ramayana Sabhas host multi-day festival programmes
Johannesburg / Gauteng
- Lenasia + Fordsburg host active community festival events
- Growing tech-diaspora communities in Sandton adding to celebrations
Cape Town
- Smaller but active community events at Hindu temples
Kenya — Nairobi, Mombasa
Kenya has approximately 100,000+ people of Indian origin, primarily Gujarati and Punjabi communities with roots in the East African Indian settlement of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu host active community celebrations
- The Hindu Council of Kenya coordinates festival programmes
- BAPS Nairobi, Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Arya Samaj are anchor venues
- Ramleela + Durga Puja events at community centres
- Dussehra flows into Diwali — both important cultural festivals for the Kenyan Indian community
Tanzania and Uganda
- Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) hosts community events at Hindu temples and cultural centres
- Kampala (Uganda) — growing community after the return of Indian-origin residents following the 1970s expulsion; active festival events at Hindu temples
- The BAPS temples in East Africa serve as anchor venues
Nigeria — Lagos, Abuja
- Growing Indian expat community (~40,000+) primarily in Lagos and Abuja
- Indian associations organise Dussehra + Diwali community events
- Sindhi Indian Association and Marwari Association host regional programmes
Hong Kong
- Established Sindhi + Gujarati community with roots going back to the 19th century
- Sindhi Association of Hong Kong and Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong organise Dussehra events
- ISKCON Hong Kong hosts community festival programmes
- Community celebrations at Tsim Sha Tsui + Central district venues
Japan — Tokyo, Osaka
- Growing Indian expat community (~40,000+), concentrated in Tokyo (Nishikasai neighbourhood) and Osaka
- Indian Merchants Association Tokyo + Indian Community Association Tokyo host Dussehra + Diwali events
- ISKCON Tokyo hosts community programmes
- Multi-cultural festival events in Nishikasai (“Little India” of Tokyo)
South Korea — Seoul
- Growing Indian expat + student community in Seoul
- Indian Association Korea organises community Dussehra + Diwali events
- Embassy of India cultural centre programmes
Thailand — Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai
- Established Indian community (~150,000), including a strong Sikh community
- Sri Gurusingh Sabha Bangkok is a central Sikh community venue
- Hindu Samaj Bangkok coordinates Dussehra + Diwali community events
- Little India in Phahurat (Bangkok) is a cultural anchor
Indonesia — Jakarta, Bali
Indonesia is a unique case — Bali has an indigenous Hindu culture (~85% of Bali population), which shares many Ramayana traditions with Indian Hindu practice.
- Jakarta hosts an active Indian expat community with Dussehra + Diwali programmes
- Bali has its own Vijayadashami tradition (Kuningan and related Balinese festivals) alongside Indonesian Hindu community events
- ISKCON Jakarta + Balinese temples host community programmes
- Cross-cultural Ramayana performances (Kecak dance, wayang) around Vijayadashami are a Bali highlight
Philippines — Manila
- Established Sindhi + Sikh Indian community (~150,000)
- Manila's Little India in Paco district is a cultural anchor
- Sikh temples + Hindu cultural associations host Dussehra events
- Diwali festival at community centres
Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
- Growing Indian expat community (~5,000+) primarily in HCMC and Hanoi
- Indian Business Chamber Vietnam + Indian community associations organise programmes
- Embassy of India cultural events in Hanoi
Brazil — Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro
- Small but growing Indian community (~5,000+) primarily in Sao Paulo
- ISKCON Brazil and Sri Sathya Sai organisation host community events
- Indian associations coordinate Dussehra + Diwali programmes
Argentina & Mexico
- Buenos Aires: small Indian community with cultural centre + ISKCON events
- Mexico City: growing Indian expat + business community; Embassy of India cultural programmes
Scandinavia — Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland
- Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg): Indian associations + BAPS Stockholm host festival events
- Norway (Oslo): Sanatan Mandir Sabha + community groups
- Denmark (Copenhagen): Indian community centre programmes
- Finland (Helsinki): growing tech-diaspora hosts community events
Central Europe — Poland, Czech Republic, Austria
- Poland (Warsaw, Krakow): growing Indian tech and student community; Indian association programmes
- Czech Republic (Prague): ISKCON Prague + Indian association events
- Austria (Vienna): Indian community centre + Bengali Association Durga Puja
Iberian Peninsula — Spain, Portugal
- Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas): Indian community programmes at cultural centres; Sikh community in Barcelona
- Portugal (Lisbon): Indian community from Portuguese-heritage Goa + newer diaspora; Hindu community centre events
Global Indian Diaspora Context
The Indian diaspora is one of the world's largest, with approximately 32+ million Indian-origin people across 100+ countries. Dussehra celebrations reflect this global spread with distinct regional characters:
- Girmitiya-descendant countries (Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, South Africa) — preserving traditions from 19th-century Indian departures
- East African diaspora (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) — strong Gujarati + Punjabi Sikh community festivals
- Gulf diaspora (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) — more recent labour + professional migration; community-centre based events
- Anglosphere professional diaspora (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ) — large recent professional migration; major public and community events
- European tech diaspora (Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden) — newer, growing communities anchored around tech hubs
- East Asian expat diaspora (Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia) — established plus newer professional migration
Common Global Patterns Across NRI Dussehra
- Ram Lila performances especially popular in North Indian diaspora (UK, Canada, USA East Coast)
- Durga Puja pandals a hallmark of Bengali diaspora worldwide — often multi-day and elaborately decorated
- Ayudha Puja observed in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam households (worship of tools, books, vehicles)
- Symbolic Ravana Dahan where physical effigy burning is not permitted (most Western cities)
- Sonu / Apta leaf exchange in Maharashtra + Marathi diaspora tradition (symbol of gold)
- Vidyarambham (beginning of learning) in Kerala + Malayali diaspora
Planning Tips for NRI Families
- Book community-event tickets 2-4 weeks in advance (premium Garba + Dussehra events often sell out)
- Check local temple websites for the specific Vijayadashami puja timings in your area
- Coordinate video calls with family in India across time zones for shared aarti moments
- For families with young children, prioritise short community programmes with cultural content over long liturgical events
- Involve seniors in Ayudha Puja at home for a meaningful multi-generational moment
Related Festival Coverage on NRI Globe
- Dussehra 2026 Full Guide — Rituals, Significance, Apta Leaves, Food
- Navratri 2026 Complete NRI Guide (nine days, nine forms of Durga)
- Diwali 2026 Complete NRI Guide (November 8)
- Ganesh Nimarjanam USA Guide
- All Festival & Culture Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the biggest Dussehra celebration outside India?
Leicester, UK has one of the largest and most established Dussehra + Diwali diaspora celebrations. New Jersey, London, Toronto and Sydney metros are also major hubs. Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have significant celebrations too.
Is there Ravana Dahan (effigy burning) in the USA / UK / Canada?
Most community events use symbolic or contained fire-safe effigies due to local fire codes. Large physical burnings require special permits and are rare.
What is the difference between Dussehra and Durga Puja?
Both fall on the same tithi (Vijayadashami). In North India, Dussehra emphasises Rama's victory over Ravana. In East India (Bengal, Odisha, Assam), Durga Puja emphasises Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura and culminates with idol immersion.
Where can NRIs find Ram Lila performances?
Check the calendars of major Hindu community associations, temples (BAPS, Hindu Temple Society, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bharat Sevashram Sangha) and Indian cultural centres in your city.
Are Ravana effigies burned in Canada / Australia?
Some communities have hosted authorised effigy events at open community grounds with fire-marshal approval. Most events use symbolic effigies or contained fire pits.
How do South Indian NRIs celebrate Dussehra?
Ayudha Puja (worship of tools, books, vehicles), Saraswati Puja (worship of the goddess of learning), and Vidyarambham (ceremonial start of learning for children) are the primary South Indian Vijayadashami observances. Tamil Sangams, Kannada Sanghas and Telugu Associations organise community events.
Closing Note
Shubh Vijayadashami! Jai Ram, Jai Durga!
May the victory of dharma bless every NRI family, wherever you celebrate this Dussehra 2026 — New Jersey, London, Toronto, Sydney, Dubai, Singapore, Berlin, Paris or beyond.
Disclaimer: Community event details, temple schedules and specific Vijayadashami tithis vary. Confirm event details with your local temple or association website. Ravana Dahan events must follow local safety codes and permit requirements. NRI Globe provides journalism and general information only.