Dussehra 2026: October 20 or 21? Astrologer Raises Questions Over Confusion in Festival Dates

13 Oct 2026, 11:05 by Himanshu · KalingaTV

Bhubaneswar: Confusion has emerged over the date of Dussehra celebrations in Odisha this year, with different dates mentioned for the festival in the almanac (Panjika) and the rituals of the Puri Srimandira.

While the almanac mentions October 20 as the date for Dussehra celebrations at Shakti Peethas, October 21 has been mentioned for Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra at the Puri Srimandira.

Amid the confusion, noted astrologer and almanac expert Harishankar Mishra has raised questions over the differences in the dates and sought clarity on the matter.

According to Mishra, the almanac approved by the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha clearly mentions October 20 as the date for Dussehra celebrations at Shakti Peethas. He stated that the festival should be observed on that day in accordance with the prescribed auspicious timing associated with Abhijit Nakshatra.

However, he clarified that the rituals scheduled at the Srimandira on October 21 are Vijaya Dashami and Ayudha Puja, rather than Dussehra as traditionally observed at Shakti Peethas.

Mishra further explained that since Goddess Bimala is worshipped within the Srimandir premises, Dussehra at her shrine should be observed on October 20, corresponding to Ashwina Shukla Dashami.

Analysing on the differences in religious traditions, the astrologer said that Dussehra at Shakti Peethas is celebrated according to the traditional Odia system of worship.

On the other hand, the worship of clay idols of Goddess Durga (Mrunmayee Murti) follows the Bengali tradition, under which Dussehra will be celebrated on October 21 this year.

He emphasised that the Bengali system of celebrating Dussehra should not be confused with the traditional Utkaliya (Odia) system followed at the Shakti Peethas of Odisha.

To prevent such confusion in the future, Mishra suggested that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration should clearly mention “Vijaya Dashami and Ayudha Puja” instead of Dussehra in the Srimandira almanac for the rituals observed on the respective date.

He maintained that such clarification would help devotees distinguish between the different religious observances and avoid unnecessary confusion regarding the festival dates.

Watch the video here:

Dussehra 2026: October 20 or 21? Astrologer Raises Questions Over Confusion in Festival Dates

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