Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-day festival calendar (Sept 22–Oct 2). Daily muhurat tips, temple aarti, garba, fasting menus, travel & family checklists—plan now.

Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-Day Festival Calendar from September 22 to October 2

Ten sacred days. One united community. If you’re planning Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-Day Festival Calendar from September 22 to October 2, this guide gives you the exact daily flow, city‑aware muhurat notes, temple aarti planning, garba/cultural options, fasting menus, travel tips, and family/volunteer checklists. It’s written for devotees who want to balance shastra‑aligned worship with practical schedules across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.

You’ll find a featured 10‑day schedule, how to verify your local muhurats, day‑by‑day observances with colour cues and ideas, temple and city guides, safety and etiquette, and a ready-to-use organizer timeline. Save this and share with your family group so everyone is aligned from Day 1 to Vijayadashami.

Reading time: 22–28 minutes
Best for: Navratri celebrants & 10-day festival participants across the UAE

Table of Contents

At a Glance: 10-Day Festival Calendar (Featured Snippet)
How to Read This Calendar: Tithis, Time Zones, and Muhurats
Day-by-Day Guide: Sept 22 to Oct 2 (Colours, Puja, Family Ideas)
Temple Planning: BAPS Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Hindu Temple, and Bur Dubai Temples
City Guides: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates
Garba, Dandiya & Cultural Evenings: What to Expect in the UAE
Fasting (Vrat): Allowed Foods, 7-Day Menu, and Where to Shop
Etiquette, Safety & Photography: Graceful, Compliant Celebrations
Digital & Hybrid Participation
Organizer’s Corner: 30-Day Timeline, Crowd Flow, and Low-Waste
Case Studies: Real UAE Festival Stories
Key Statistics and Festival Trends (with sources)
Resources: Internal and External Links
Checklists You Can Use Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion & CTA

At a Glance: 10-Day Festival Calendar (Featured Snippet)

Targeting your quick answer for “Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-Day Festival Calendar from September 22 to October 2.”

Day 1 (Mon, Sept 22): Shailaputri — Ghatasthapana; verify morning muhurat; colour: white/grey
Day 2 (Tue, Sept 23): Brahmacharini — tapas & study; colour: orange
Day 3 (Wed, Sept 24): Chandraghanta — courage & grace; colour: white
Day 4 (Thu, Sept 25): Kushmanda — creative energy; colour: red
Day 5 (Fri, Sept 26): Skandamata — compassion; colour: royal blue
Day 6 (Sat, Sept 27): Katyayani — righteous action; colour: yellow
Day 7 (Sun, Sept 28): Kalaratri — protection; colour: green
Day 8 (Mon, Sept 29): Mahagauri — purity; Sandhi Puja (verify); colour: peacock green
Day 9 (Tue, Sept 30): Siddhidatri — fulfillment; Kanya Puja (consent-first); colour: purple
Day 10 (Wed, Oct 1): Vijayadashami/Dussehra — Aparajita/Shami/Ayudha Puja in Aparahna & Vijay Muhurat
Notes: Some communities hold related observances on Thu, Oct 2 for accessibility; always follow your temple’s schedule.

Always confirm muhurats (Ghatasthapana, Sandhi Puja, Aparahna/Vijay Muhurat) for your city in the UAE. Tithis are sunrise‑based and location‑specific.

How to Read This Calendar: Tithis, Time Zones, and Muhurats

Navratri and Dussehra are tithi‑bound. That means precise windows depend on local sunrise/sunset and your emirate.

UAE baseline 2025: Many panchangs list Day 1 on Mon, Sept 22 and Vijayadashami on Wed, Oct 1.
Muhurat prioritization:
- Day 1: Ghatasthapana in the morning muhurat
- Day 8: Sandhi Puja window (Ashtami–Navami)
- Day 10: Dussehra puja in Aparahna; the short Vijay Muhurat inside it
City differences: Abu Dhabi and Dubai are closely aligned; Sharjah/Northern Emirates may vary slightly.

How to verify in 3 minutes:

Open a reliable panchang and set location to your city (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, etc.).
Note the specific window start/end for each special observance.
Cross‑check your temple’s posted timings the week prior.

Best practice: Worship by muhurat at home; attend temple/community programs in the evening for a full, balanced festival day.

Day-by-Day Guide: Sept 22 to Oct 2 (Colours, Puja, Family Ideas)

Keep each day devotional, simple, and consistent. Colours are traditional suggestions—follow your family parampara.

Day 1 — Shailaputri (Mon, Sept 22)
- Colour: White/Grey
- Focus: Ghatasthapana/Kalash Sthapana; barley sowing optional
- Home: Clean altar; sankalpa; short stuti & aarti
- Evening: Temple aarti; arrive early to avoid queues
- Kid idea: Nine‑nights sticker calendar
Day 2 — Brahmacharini (Tue, Sept 23)
- Colour: Orange
- Focus: Restraint, study, and satvik routines
- Home: Read a few lines of Durga Chalisa; minimal screen time
- Community: Stream a 15‑minute bhajan together
Day 3 — Chandraghanta (Wed, Sept 24)
- Colour: White
- Focus: Courage with grace
- Home: Lamp lighting (or LED); gratitude notes in a bowl
- Temple: Short mid‑week aarti if possible
Day 4 — Kushmanda (Thu, Sept 25)
- Colour: Red
- Focus: Creative energy; offer a homemade sweet or fruit
- Family: Tidy prayer area; kids decorate a paper toran
Day 5 — Skandamata (Fri, Sept 26)
- Colour: Royal Blue
- Focus: Compassion and care
- Home: Values story for kids; label allergens for any shared snacks
- Temple: Friday evening bhajans likely busier—arrive early
Day 6 — Katyayani (Sat, Sept 27)
- Colour: Yellow
- Focus: Righteous action
- Community: Garba/bhajans in halls; LED/no‑flame stagecraft
- Tip: Supportive shoes; small towel and water
Day 7 — Kalaratri (Sun, Sept 28)
- Colour: Green
- Focus: Protection
- Home: Quiet aarti; 5–10 minutes of reflection
- Family: “Good choices” pledge board
Day 8 — Mahagauri (Mon, Sept 29) — Sandhi Puja
- Colour: Peacock Green
- Focus: Sandhi Puja between Ashtami–Navami tithis (verify)
- Temple: Expect peak attendance; reach 20–30 minutes early
- Kids: Simple rangoli with safe powders or stencils
Day 9 — Siddhidatri (Tue, Sept 30) — Kanya Puja
- Colour: Purple
- Focus: Kanya Puja (consent‑first); kala chana, halwa, puri
- Inclusion: Modest, useful gifts (books, hairbands)
- Tip: Keep allergen labels visible
Day 10 — Vijayadashami/Dussehra (Wed, Oct 1)
- Focus: Aparajita/Shami/Ayudha Puja in Aparahna & Vijay Muhurat
- Home: Tilak on tools/books/instruments; brief family aarti
- Evening: Temple aarti & values message; symbolic “victory of good choices”
- Community Note: Some related observances may be scheduled Thu, Oct 2 for convenience—follow the temple’s program

If your residence restricts flames, use LED diyas and keep worship heartfelt and safe.

Temple Planning: BAPS Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Hindu Temple, and Bur Dubai Temples

BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
- Expect structured darshan, disciplined queues, and values‑led assemblies.
- Check the official site for aarti and any special October programs.
- Photography near sanctum is restricted—follow posted guidance.
Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)
- Multi‑deity mandir with daily aarti and orderly darshan.
- Peak evenings around Ashtami, Navami, and Dussehra—arrive early.
- LED/no‑flame decor aligns with venue rules.
Bur Dubai Temples (Shiva & Krishna)
- Intimate, historic worship experience with steady evening aarti.
- Narrow lanes and compact spaces—travel light and maintain decorum.
- Combine visits if time permits; keep children close in queues.

Verify the latest timings on each temple’s official page or notice board 24–48 hours before your visit.

City Guides: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates

Abu Dhabi

What to expect: Family‑friendly satsang and aarti at BAPS; city‑wide programs in approved venues.
Transport: Drive or taxi; add buffer time for evening peaks.
Tips: Dress modestly; small bags; confirm parking guidance on the temple site.

Dubai

What to expect: Aarti at Jebel Ali and Bur Dubai; community halls host devotional and cultural evenings.
Transport: Metro + short taxi/walk helps in old Dubai; parking tight near peak aarti.
Tips: Some parks/venues may have entry fees or Nol requirements—check event pages; LED/no‑flame is standard.

Sharjah & Northern Emirates (Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah)

What to expect: Temple‑led satsang and aarti in approved halls; intimate, volunteer‑driven.
Transport: Carpool for easier exits; follow signage and ushers.
Tips: Programs often start on time; small gestures (clear aisles, labelled snacks) keep nights smooth.

Garba, Dandiya & Cultural Evenings: What to Expect in the UAE

Programs: Family‑first garba/bhajan evenings in halls; occasional large‑format cultural nights announced on city calendars.
Tickets & RSVP: Many events use pre‑registration or tickets—screenshots help at entry.
Etiquette: Join from the outer circle; keep marshal lanes clear; ask consent for close‑ups.
Safety: LED décor; no open flames or fireworks; follow volunteers.
Kids: Early family sessions are calmer; bring ear protection if sound‑sensitive.

Tip: If you have only two nights, prioritize the first weekend garba and the Ashtami/Navami temple aarti.

Fasting (Vrat): Allowed Foods, 7-Day Menu, and Where to Shop

Commonly allowed (confirm your parampara):

Fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, dates
Sabudana, kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut)
Samak (barnyard millet), rajgira (amaranth), potatoes/sweet potatoes
Sendha namak (rock salt), cumin, chilies, lemon
Ghee, coconut oil, peanut oil

Usually avoided:

Regular salt; cereals (wheat/rice); most pulses (except kala chana after Ashtami in some traditions)
Onion and garlic; packaged snacks with additives

Where to shop:

Dubai: Bur Dubai, Karama, Meena Bazaar; Al Adil Trading and Indian grocers stock vrat flours and samak.
Abu Dhabi: Electra/Madinat Zayed area; neighbourhood supermarkets carry staples; read labels.
Sharjah/Northern Emirates: Rolla & central markets; hypermarkets stock seasonal shelves.

Simple 7‑day vrat menu (mix & match):

Breakfast: Fruit + yogurt; roasted makhana; banana‑date smoothie
Lunch: Samak khichdi with peanuts; cucumber raita; sweet potato chaat
Snack: Sabudana chivda; baked sweet potato wedges; nuts + dates
Dinner: Kuttu rotis + aloo sabzi; rajgira porridge; paneer (if allowed)
Prasad: Coconut laddoos; sabudana kheer; dates‑based kheer

Hydration:

Water, coconut water, lemon water + a pinch of sendha namak.
If you have medical conditions, consult your physician before fasting.

Etiquette, Safety & Photography: Graceful, Compliant Celebrations

Conduct: Phones on silent; sanctum quiet; modest dress.
Flow: Keep aisles/exits clear; follow ushers for prasad lines and seating.
Photography: Restrictions near sanctum; no flash during aarti; ask consent for close‑ups—especially of children.
Fire & effects: Expect LED/projection; open flames and fireworks are typically restricted in public venues.
Donations: Use official temple channels; fundraising is regulated.

Small courtesies—clear aisles, labelled food, photo consent—turn a good night into a great one.

Digital & Hybrid Participation

When schedules clash, stay spiritually connected:

Temple livestreams or short highlight reels.
15–20 minute family bhajan on video call mid‑week.
Daily “Devi value” card in the family chat (courage, compassion, discipline).

Tech basics:

Do Not Disturb during aarti; stable audio over shaky video.
Share replays for elders who rest earlier.

Organizer’s Corner: 30-Day Timeline, Crowd Flow, and Low-Waste

30‑day timeline (community event)

Define scope: aarti + bhajans, values talk, garba/bhajan night.
Book venue; confirm capacity, insurance, and no‑flame rules.
Secure priest/emcee, musicians, youth items.
Draft budget; open RSVP/tickets; approach sponsors.
Lock AV/stage, rehearsal slots; set decibel limits.
Map flow: exits, marshal lanes, water stations, stroller/elder seating.
Publish bag/photo policy; share transit/parking info.
Label prasad/snacks for allergens; arrange waste sorting.
Tech run; finalize run‑of‑show.
Safety walk‑through; post first‑aid contacts and lost‑and‑found.
Print programs with venue map and emergency numbers.
Assign day‑of roles; keep 5‑minute buffers between segments.

Safety & low‑waste

LED/no‑flame décor; tape cables; guard speaker stands; exit signage.
Water refill stations; compostable serveware; reusable signage.
Bilingual emcee notes; 60‑second “What is Navratri?” explainer.

Budget (indicative)

Small hall bhajans (80–150): AED 9,000–26,000
Mid auditorium (200–500): AED 36,000–135,000+
Large garba/cultural series: variable—sponsors recommended

Case Studies: Real UAE Festival Stories

Ameeta’s “two‑temple evening”

She visited Bur Dubai Shiva–Krishna temples early on Day 5, then joined a family satsang at a nearby hall. Light dinner, easy exit, happy grandparents.

Vik’s “LED‑only garba”

His group hosted a garba with LED décor, water refill stations, and clear marshal lanes. No flame, no smoke, no stress—families stayed longer, cleanup finished in 30 minutes.

Noor’s “muhurat at desk”

On Dussehra, Noor kept a mini kit (LED diya, flower). She offered a 10‑minute Aparajita/Ayudha Puja in the Vijay Muhurat at work, then attended temple aarti with her family in the evening.

Key Statistics and Festival Trends (with sources)

Indians are the UAE’s largest expatriate community—well over 3 million—fueling robust festival participation and volunteer networks. Source: UAE Government portal (u.ae).
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi opened in 2024, creating a landmark worship and cultural hub for families. Source: BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi.
UAE internet penetration exceeds 99%, enabling temple livestreams, QR updates, and coordinated volunteer communications. Source: DataReportal – Digital 2024: UAE (datareportal.com).
Dubai’s public transport carried hundreds of millions of journeys in 2023, making Metro/bus + taxi a reliable combo for festival nights. Source: RTA annual ridership updates (rta.ae).
Public venues across the UAE typically favour LED/no‑flame stagecraft and documented safety plans—ideal for family‑centric festivals. Source: Municipal/venue guidance (Dubai/Abu Dhabi).

Resources: Internal and External Links

Checklists You Can Use Today

10-Day Personal Planner

Day 1: Ghatasthapana time
Day 8: Sandhi Puja window
Day 10: Aparahna/Vijay Muhurat
Two temple evenings picked
One cultural/garba night reserved
Family snacks, water, shawls packed

Family Day‑Of Pack

Modest ethnic wear + light layer
Small bag, water, tissues, labelled snack
Phone on silent; temple address pinned
Aisle seating plan; ear protection for kids
Respect photo rules; accept prasad mindfully

Home Puja (10–15 Minutes)

Sankalpa (name, city, date/time)
Devi stuti or Chalisa excerpt
Aarti; prasad; family “good choices” pledge

Organizer’s Quick Safety Brief

Exits & marshal lanes marked
Cables taped; speaker stands guarded
LED/no‑flame reminder posted
Water refill & waste sorting set
First‑aid & lost‑and‑found contacts visible

Frequently Asked Questions

What dates does the 10‑day Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025 calendar cover?

Many panchangs indicate Mon, Sept 22 to Wed, Oct 1 for core observances. Some related programs may run Thu, Oct 2 for accessibility—follow your temple’s schedule.

How do I verify muhurats for Ghatasthapana, Sandhi Puja, and Dussehra?

Use a panchang set to your UAE city and cross‑check with temple announcements. Tithis are sunrise‑based and location‑specific.

Are garba/dandiya events common in the UAE?

Yes—typically in community halls and approved venues. Many are ticketed or RSVP‑based, LED‑only, and family‑friendly. Check city calendars and organizer pages.

Can we burn Ravana effigies?

Open flames and fireworks are generally restricted. Communities use LED/projection or symbolic segments emphasizing values. Follow venue rules.

What should I wear and carry to temples?

Modest, comfortable ethnic wear, a light shawl, small bag, water, and tissues. Keep phones on silent; follow photography rules near sanctum.

Where can I buy vrat ingredients?

Indian grocers in Bur Dubai/Karama/Meena Bazaar, Electra/Madinat Zayed (Abu Dhabi), and Rolla (Sharjah) stock vrat flours, samak, and makhana. Hypermarkets also offer seasonal shelves.

Are children welcome at temple programs?

Yes. Choose aisle seating, pack a small snack, bring ear protection if sound‑sensitive, and plan short breaks.

Conclusion & CTA

Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-Day Festival Calendar from September 22 to October 2 gives you a clear, city‑aware way to honour each day—without stress. Verify muhurats, keep home puja simple, arrive early for aarti, and choose one or two cultural evenings for joyful community time. With respectful etiquette and safety‑first planning, every night can feel peaceful and complete.

Ready to finalize your plan? Save this guide, set reminders for Day 1, Day 8, and Day 10, and bookmark your temple’s page. Want a personalized itinerary—by emirate, crowd levels, and family needs? Comment with your city, dates, and group size—we’ll tailor a smooth, devotional schedule.

Navratri to Dussehra UAE 2025: 10-Day Festival Calendar (Sept 22–Oct 2)