Navratri & Dussehra 2026 in the UK — London & Leicester Garba Nights

In the United Kingdom, Navratri lights up Leicester, London and the Midlands with some of the biggest garba and dandiya nights outside India — nine nights from 11–20 October 2026, culminating in Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Tuesday, 20 October. This NRIGlobe guide is your practical UK city guide to Navratri & Dussehra 2026 — where the garba nights are, what to wear, and the Dussehra events.

For the puja vidhi and the legends, see our partner site HinduTone’s Dussehra / Vijayadashami guide. This page is the where-and-when for the UK.

Quick answer: Sharad Navratri is 11–20 October 2026; Dussehra is on 20 October. UK garba nights run on the weekends across the nine nights — Leicester and London host especially large events.

Navratri & Dussehra 2026 in the UK — At a Glance

Navratri: 11–20 October 2026 · Dussehra: 20 October 2026
Where: Leicester, London, Birmingham, Manchester — community halls, temples and large venues
What to wear: chaniya choli and kurta — buy early from Indian boutiques or UK online stores
Dussehra: Ramlila and Ravana Dahan events on/around 20 October

Where the Garba & Dandiya Nights Are

Leicester

Home to one of the UK’s largest and most vibrant Gujarati communities — Leicester hosts huge, well-organised garba and dandiya nights each Navratri.

London

Major garba events across Greater London organised by community groups, temples and cultural associations, with live music and food stalls.

Birmingham & Manchester

Active Midlands and northern celebrations with community garba nights — check local temple and association pages for dates and tickets.

Tip: Popular UK garba nights sell tickets in advance — book early and check for themed colour nights.

What to Wear & Where to Buy

Women: chaniya choli with oxidised jewellery; Men: kurta/kediyu
Buy from Indian boutiques in Leicester, London and other hubs or UK online stores — order early
Follow the Navratri 9-colours calendar for themed nights
Comfortable footwear for long dandiya sessions

Dussehra & Ravana Dahan Events

On Vijayadashami (20 October), UK cities host Ramlila and Ravana Dahan events, alongside Durga Puja immersion programs organised by community associations. Check your local calendar for venues and timings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Navratri and Dussehra 2026 in the UK?

Sharad Navratri runs 11–20 October 2026; Dussehra is on 20 October. Garba events run on the surrounding weekends.

Where are the biggest garba nights in the UK?

Leicester and London host some of the largest garba/dandiya events; Birmingham and Manchester also have active celebrations.

What should I wear to garba?

Chaniya choli for women and kurta/kediyu for men; many events have day-wise colour themes.

Where can I find the puja and legends?

See HinduTone’s Dussehra / Vijayadashami guide for the rituals and legends.

Final Word

From Leicester to London, Navratri & Dussehra 2026 is the UK diaspora’s great festival season. Book your garba tickets early, plan your outfit and colours, and find your city’s Dussehra event. Jai Mata Di!