Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) falls on Friday, 2 October 2026. Fact-hedged community event roundup for NRI Ravan Dahan celebrations. Verify with local temple + community organizations before traveling — dates + venues change year to year.

Dussehra 2026 - The Basics

Vijayadashami (Dussehra) marks the victory of Rama over Ravana + Durga over Mahishasura. Traditional celebrations include Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana effigies), Ramlila performances, and community feasts. For NRIs, community events happen across major cities worldwide, typically organized by:

  • Local Hindu temples (BAPS, Sri Venkateswara, HTS, ISKCON)
  • State associations (Bihar Samaj, UP Samaj, Punjabi Sabha, etc.)
  • National organizations (VHP-America, Sewa International, HinduPACT)
  • Community associations (Little India + specific city-level)

🇺🇸 USA - Major Ravan Dahan Events

New Jersey / NYC Area

  • Robert Lord Field, Edison NJ - traditional Ravan Dahan (largest US event)
  • Rajapaksa Field, Iselin NJ - community event
  • Woodbridge - Ram Mandir Ramlila + Ravan Dahan
  • Fremont NY - Ramlila performances
  • Long Island / Queens - Sri Venkateswara Temple events

Dallas-Fort Worth

  • Grapevine - major DFW Ravan Dahan event
  • Plano - Ekal Vidyalaya + community
  • Southlake - BAPS Hindu Temple events

Chicago Area

  • Naperville - HTGC + community celebrations
  • Aurora - traditional Ravan Dahan with community feast
  • Chicago-area temples - Ramlila + Dussehra pujas

Bay Area / California

  • Fremont - Sri Radha Krishna Temple
  • Sunnyvale - various community events
  • Southern California - Malibu Hindu Temple + community
  • Los Angeles - Vedic Society events

Other US Cities

  • Houston - Sri Meenakshi Temple + community
  • Boston - New England Hindu Temple
  • Atlanta - Hindu Temple of Atlanta
  • Washington DC / Virginia - Sri Siva Vishnu Temple + community
  • Seattle - Vedic Cultural Center
  • Minneapolis - Hindu Temple + community

🇨🇦 Canada

  • Toronto (Brampton, Mississauga, Markham) - major Ravan Dahan events
  • Vancouver (Surrey) - community celebrations
  • Calgary - HSS + community
  • Ottawa - Ottawa Hindu Temple
  • Montreal - community events

🇬🇧 UK

  • Wembley (BAPS Neasden) - major London event
  • Southall - traditional Ramlila + Ravan Dahan
  • Leicester - Belgrave community event
  • Birmingham - Sri Venkateswara Temple + community
  • Manchester - Hindu community events
  • Cardiff, Glasgow - regional celebrations

🇦🇪 UAE + 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

  • Dubai (Bur Dubai) - community events at Krishna Temple + community halls
  • Abu Dhabi - BAPS Hindu Temple community
  • Sharjah - community celebrations
  • Saudi Arabia - home-based observance (public events limited by local law)

🇸🇬 Singapore + 🇲🇾 Malaysia

  • Singapore - Sri Krishnan + Sri Mariamman Temple events
  • Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves + Little India events
  • Penang - community celebrations

🇦🇺 Australia

  • Sydney (Parramatta) - major Ravan Dahan event
  • Melbourne (Point Cook) - community celebration
  • Brisbane - Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple community
  • Perth - community events
  • Adelaide, Canberra - regional celebrations

What to Expect at a NRI Dussehra Event

  • Arrive 1-2 hours before scheduled Ravan Dahan (typically 6-8 PM local)
  • Community food (langar, prasad, community feast)
  • Cultural performances (dance, garba, bhangra)
  • Ramlila (traditional Rama story performance) - some events
  • Ravan effigy burning (main event) - typically at sunset or after
  • Family + community photos
  • Fireworks (where permitted)

Tickets + Logistics

  • Most temple events - FREE (donations welcomed)
  • Large community events - $10-30 per adult typical
  • Family passes available at most events
  • Book 2-3 weeks in advance for popular events
  • Parking limited at many venues - carpool or use public transit
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (October evenings can be chilly)
  • Bring cash for prasad + small purchases

Family-Friendly Considerations

  • Ravan Dahan can be loud (fireworks + effigy) - younger children may find it overwhelming
  • Bring water + snacks for kids
  • Photos of effigy make great family memories
  • Explain the significance to children (Rama-Ravana story)
  • Some events run late - plan accordingly for weekday

Where to Verify

  • Check with your local temple's website + Facebook page
  • State association WhatsApp groups
  • Community newsletters
  • Local Indian grocery store notice boards
  • Eventbrite for ticketed events