Punishments in Hell and Signs of Sins

Punishments in Hell and Signs of Sins According to Garuda Purana

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Punishments in Hell
• The 21 Most Dreadful Hells
• An Example of Torment
• Introduction to Rebirth and Signs of Sins
• Signs of Sins and Their Consequences
• Conclusion

Introduction to Punishments in Hell

In previous Chapter I have written about the importance of the 13 critical days after death. Now, in this part we will read about the Various Hells and Punishments given to the dead in hell(s).

Well, After the decision has been taken by Yama, for which hell the dead will be thrown into. The dead is sent to that particular dreadful hell.

I must mention here that there are 84,00,000 of hells, out of which the following 21 are dreadful among the most dreadful.

The 21 Most Dreadful Hells

The names of these hells are:

1. Tamisra - Darkness
2. Lauhashanku - Iron spears
3. Maharauravashalmali - Very terrible silk Cotton tree
4. Raurava - Terrible
5. Kalasutraka - Blossoming
6. Putimrittika - Stinking Clay
7. Sanghata - The thread of death
8. Lohitoda - Iron weights
9. Savisha - Poisonous
10. Sampratapana - Burning
11. Mahaniraya - The great exit
12. Kaka - Crows
13. Ulu - Owls
14. Sanjivana - Living together
15. Mahapathin - The great path
16. Avichi - Waveless
17. Andhatamishra - Besetting Darkness
18. Kumbhipaka - Based like a pot
19. Sampratapana - Burning
20. Tapana - Hot
21. Kudmala - Accumulation

The sinful fools, who fall into these experience the various torments of these hells till ages.

*The torments and punishments described in the Garuda Purana are so terrifying that if you read this book in young age, you will even stop killing a mosquito*

An Example of Torment

One example of such a torment is here:

The very sinful man who sets fire to a house, a village or wood is captured by the messengers of Yama and baked in pits of fire.

When his limbs are burnt with fire, he begs for shady place, and then is led by the messengers into a forest of sword-like leaves.

When his limbs are cut by its leaves, sharp as swords, then the messengers say, "Ah, Ha! Sleep comfortably in this cool shade."

When afflicted with thirst, he begs for water to drink, then the messengers give him boiling oil to drink.

Then they say, "Drink this liquid and eat this food." As soon as he drinks it, he falls down, burning inside.

Getting up again somehow, he wails piteously. Powerless and breathless, he is unable even to speak.

The Garuda Purana contains a huge quantum of such Punishments and torments which a sinful soul has to go through.

In the next Chapter I will be writing about 'Re-birth and Signs of Sins'

Introduction to Rebirth and Signs of Sins

In previous Chapter I have written about torments and punishments one has to go through in hell.

In this Part I will write about the Signs of Sin(s) in the present life-forms of an Individual/animal.

Hinduism has the concept of Rebirth. According to Hinduism there are 84 Lacs of Life forms. We, human beings are one of them.

Whichever life form in which we are today, is the result of our Previous Birth (Previous life form), similarly whatever our deeds are in this birth, will decide our next birth or Life form.

Following are a few examples of what sin causes what, or the sins of the sin(s) that someone must have committed in his past life.

Signs of Sins and Their Consequences

1. Who strikes a cow with his legs becomes lame and deformed.
2. Who bears false witness becomes dumb.
3. Who steals a book becomes blind.
4. Who commits illicit intercourse becomes a eunuch.
5. Who speaks lies becomes a stammerer, who listens to them becomes deaf.
6. Who sells flesh becomes unlucky, who eats it becomes diseased.
7. Who steals jewels is born poor, who steals gold gets diseased nails.
8. Who steals food becomes a rat, who steals grains becomes a locust, who steals water becomes CHAATAK BIRD (A bird fables to only live upon rain water).
9. Who steals poison becomes a scorpion.
10. Who steals vegetables and leaves becomes a Peacock; perfumes, a musk-rat; flesh, a vulture and salt, an ant.
11. Who steals betel, fruits and flower becomes a forest monkey; who steals shoes, cotton and grass, is born from the womb of a sheep.
12. Who lives by violence, robs and is fond of Hunting is certainly born as a Goat in Butcher's house.
13. Who dies by drinking poison becomes a black serpent on a mountain.
14. Who eat all foods without consideration becomes a tiger in a desolate forest.
15. The Brahmin who does not recite the Gayatri Mantra, who does not meditate at twilight, who is inwardly wicked while outwardly pious, certainly becomes a Crane.
16. The pupil who does not serve his teacher becomes an animal - an ass or a cow.
17. Who deceives a friend becomes a mountain Vulture; who cheats in selling an owl.
18. Who destroy hopes and who destroys affection, who through dislike abandons his wife, becomes a ruddy Goose for a long time.
19. Who hates mother, father and teacher, who quarrels with sister and brother is destroyed when an embryo in womb, even for thousand births.
20. The woman who abuses her mother and father-in-law, who causes constant quarrels becomes a Leech.
21. She, who scolds her husband becomes a Louse.
22. Who abandoning her own husband, runs after another man becomes a flying fox, a house Lizard or a kind of Female Serpent.
23. He who cuts off his lineage by embracing a woman of his own family, having become a hyena and a porcupine is born later from the womb of a bear.
24. Who consorts with an immature girl becomes a huge Snake in wood.
25. Who covets his teachers wife becomes a Chameleon; who goes with a friends wife, a donkey.
26. The murderer of a Brahmin goes into the womb of an ass, camel and she-buffalo. A drinker of intoxicants enters the womb of a wolf, dog and a jackal.

Well, these are just a few examples, our Garuda Purana gives a detailed description of Signs of Sin(s).

Conclusion

Hence, its proved here that once we get life in the form of Human Beings, we must not commit sin or else the results will be as described above :-(

Terahvin : A Soul's 13 Days after the Death

Terahvin : A Soul's 13 Days after the Death

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Soul Returns to Earth
• What Happens in Those 13 Days?
• Who Shares the Rice Balls?
• Day-by-Day Formation of the Subtle Body
• Departure on the 13th Day
• The Long Journey to Yamaloka
• Additional Insights from the Scriptures

Introduction

In my previous Chapter we have read about the torments that the soul gets, its visit to YamaLoka and back to earth.

I am sure you must have seen in Movies that, the moment a person dies, the next moment his travel starts to YamaLoka and later on he goes to Heaven or Hell according to his deeds! But that's not exactly how it happens!!

The Soul Returns to Earth

After reaching to YamaLoka, again the soul is Sent to Earth, near its relatives where the soul sees its relatives crying in misery.

The soul remains there itself for the next 13 days.

What Happens in Those 13 Days?

According to Hindu Rituals, the son of the dead Has to do Shraadh (Special Rituals Done after Death).

The son offers Rice balls in the Ritual for next 13 days continuously. These Rice Balls are divided into 4 parts.

Who All Share the Rice Balls?

1. 2 of the 4 portions give nourishment to the 5 elements which makeup human body (Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Sky).
2. Third portion goes to the messengers of Yama.
3. The soul lives upon the 4th portion of Rice Balls.

From each day's offering of Rice Balls the body starts to form for the soul.

Day-by-Day Formation of the Subtle Body

• Day 1: By the rice balls of the first day, the Head is formed.
• Day 2: By the rice balls of the second day, the Neck and the shoulders are formed.
• Day 3: By the rice balls of the third day, the Heart is formed.
• Day 4: By the 4th, the Back forms.
• Day 5: By the 5th, Navel.
• Day 6: By the 6th, the Hips and Secret Parts.
• Day 7: By the 7th, thighs are formed.
• Day 8: By 8th, knees.
• Day 9: Feet is formed on the 9th day's offering.
• Day 10: By the 10th day Hunger and Thirst.

The Soul feeds on the rice balls offered on 11th and 12th day.

Departure on the 13th Day

On 13th day the minute body which is formed in the last 12 days eats its last share of Rice balls and gets energy and departs, bound by the servants of Yama, it slowly walks along like a captured monkey.

The Long Journey to Yamaloka

The extent of way of Yama measures 86,000 Yojanas (1 Yojana = 8-9 miles).

The Departed keeps on travelling 247 Yojanas (247 × 8 miles) daily, day and night, without rest.

The departed has to cross 18 cities / junctions before reaching the destination Place of Yama.

"If you think that life is bad, I am sure after reading this you will come to know that LIFE AFTER DEATH IS WORSE"

Next Chapter : Punishments in Hell and Signs of Sins

Additional Insights from the Scriptures

According to the Garuda Purana and related smriti texts, the 13-day period (known as Terahvin or the preta-kala) is extremely significant because the subtle body (sukshma sharira) of the departed is still incomplete and highly vulnerable. During these days the soul is neither fully free nor fully bound; it remains near the family, observing the grief and the rituals. Proper performance of the pinda-daan (rice-ball offerings) is believed to provide the necessary nourishment so that the soul does not suffer extreme hunger or become a restless preta. Many families also perform additional rites such as the daily tarpana, lighting of a continuous lamp, and feeding of Brahmins or the needy, which are said to transfer merit (punya) to the departed. On the 11th and 12th days special emphasis is placed on the offering of sesame, water, and clothes, while the 13th day (or sometimes the 12th in some traditions) marks the formal release of the soul for its onward journey. Skipping or improperly performing these rites is traditionally considered to increase the difficulties the soul faces on the long road to Yamaloka. Ultimately, the scriptures remind us that righteous living, charity, and devotion while still alive remain the best preparation for this inevitable passage.

What Happens After Death as per Garuda Purana

What Happens After Death According to Garuda Purana

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• About Garudapurana
• Sequence Followed While Death
• What Happens After Death
• Importance of the 13 Days (Terahvin)

Introduction

Death is a universal truth. No one can escape it. Whosoever takes birth on Earth, has to die one day and that is why Earth is also Known as "MrityuLok" or the Planet of Death.

Our Hindu Scriptures are great, Our Vedas and Puranas have so much to read that I guess our one life isnt Sufficient for it.

About Garudapurana

Now, coming back to the topic I would like to tell about "Garudapurana". Garudapurana is one of the 18 Puranas that we have, which is basically based in the conversation between Lord Vishnu and his Vaahan, who is the PAKSHIRAAJ GARUD, or the King Of Birds.

One day Garuda asked Lord Vishnu, "Oh Lord please tell me what happens after the death of people ?"

Lord Vishnu replied "Oh Garuda, the king of birds, I will not Only tell what happens after death, I will also tell you how a person dies.

Sequence Followed While Death

1. When a person grows old, he becomes like a dog, he sits anywhere, he sleeps anywhere, he says whatever he likes as a dog barks without any reason, he will eat whatever you feed him, he will make his place messy and dirty like a dog does.
2. When a person is just about to die, a few minutes before dying he gets DIVYA-DRISHTI and he becomes able to see what we cant see with our naked eyes. He then sees the Two messengers knows as YAMADOOT whm we cant see, but only the person who is about to die can see them. Having received DIVYADRISHTI, just before dying, the person's whole life gets replayed in front of him starting from his birth. One by one All the incidents keep coming in front of the eyes of the dying person and that is the reason the dying person stops reacting to the nearby activites, even if someone tries to touch him or calls his name, the dying person wont react to it.
3. Since, the dying person gets DIVYADRISHTI and is able to see the Two YAMADOOTs, gets scared to such an extent that he loses control over his body. The YAMADOOTs look very scary, with extremely dark face and body, long nose and Long sharp nails, their eyes are so red and damn scary. Watching such a form of YAMADOOTs the dying person loses control over his body and even sometimes he urinates and excretes at the same place or bed due to the fear.
4. Now, the YAMDOOTs come near the dying person and put a noose inside the body and try to pull the soul out of it.
5. The body resists to let the soul go out of it. But YAMDOOTs keep pulling it out, it happens for few seconds. What I am going to tell you now is more scary, when the soul is being pulled out of the body, the dying person feels intense pain. The pain experienced by the dying person when the soul is being pulled out of the body is equal to 100 scorpions stinging you at the same time. Now we can get an idea how painful is the process of death.
6. Ultimately the soul is pulled out of the body and the body temperature goes down, the body weight decreases by 21 grams and it becomes stiff. Friends, this was the process before, during and after death.

What Happens After Death

In my previous Chapter we have seen how painful is the process of Death. Now, in this Chapter I will be explaning about the way to YAMALOKA.

The size of the soul which is pulled out of the body has been described as the size of a Thumb. Which means, The man of the size of a thumb, crying out 'oh, oh,' is dragged from the body by the servants of Yama, looking the while at his own body.

The messengers of Yama threaten the soul by saying "Hurry up you wicked man, you will be soon led to various hells." Then hearing these words, and the cry of his relatives, he is beaten badly by the servants of Yama. The soul is then forcefully lead to a long way in the same way as a King's officer lead a convict.

With the treats of the messengers of Yama, the soul starts to remember all his/her misdeeds.

Hungry and thirsty, getting almost roasted in sun, falling here and there exhausted, being beaten by the messengers of Yama, painfully he walks and reaches YAMALOKA.

Having seen the Yama, by the command of Yama, the soul is again brought back swiftly to earth near his relatives. The soul after seeing its body tries to go back into it but is held back by Messengers of Yama.

Yes, we have heard many times from people that the soul tries to attack people. Actually, it desires a body, and usually it desires for its own, but after cremation, till 13 days the body of the son of the dead is more prone to be acquired by the soul.

Importance of the 13 Days (Terahvin: A Soul's 13 Days after Death)

Now, there is something very special, ashtonishing, crucial in these 13 days. These 13 days aka TERAHVIN (Thirteenth) has its own importance. I will be explaining this in the next Chapter !

How People Celebrate Raksha Bandhan in Canada

How People Celebrate Raksha Bandhan in Canada

Table of Contents

• Do They Tie Rakhi to Each Other?
• Are There Special Events in Canada?
• Do People Send Rakhis to India or Receive Them from India?
• Do People Travel Back to India for Raksha Bandhan?
• Final Thoughts

Raksha Bandhan is a special Hindu festival that celebrates the love and protection between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread called a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists. Brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.

Many Indian and South Asian families live in Canada. They keep this beautiful tradition alive even far from India. Here’s how they celebrate it in simple terms.

Do They Tie Rakhi to Each Other?

Yes, this is the main way people celebrate in Canada.

Families gather at home just like in India. The sister performs a small prayer (aarti), puts a mark (tilak) on her brother’s forehead, and ties the rakhi. Then they share sweets and gifts.

Brothers and sisters who live in the same city or nearby do this in person. Sometimes cousins or close friends also join and tie friendship rakhis. You can easily buy rakhis from Indian stores in places like Brampton, Mississauga, Surrey, or Vancouver, or order them online for delivery across Canada.

Are There Special Events in Canada?

Yes, many community events take place.

Temples, cultural centres, and Hindu groups in cities such as Toronto, Brampton, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal often hold gatherings. These include prayers, music, shared meals, and group rakhi tying.

Sometimes people tie rakhis to police officers or local helpers as a sign of respect and protection. Offices and spiritual centres also organise small celebrations. In larger Indian neighbourhoods like Brampton or Surrey, the festival feels more public and lively with temple programmes.

Do People Send Rakhis to India or Receive Them from India?

Yes, sending rakhis is very common.

Many families have siblings or relatives in India or in different Canadian cities. They use online services to send rakhis, sweets, and gifts both ways — from India to Canada and from Canada to India. Local Canadian gift sites also deliver within the country.

Video calls have become popular too. Families perform the ceremony together over Zoom or WhatsApp when they cannot meet in person.

Do People Travel Back to India for Raksha Bandhan?

Some people do travel to India if they can plan ahead, but it is not the most common choice.

The festival is mainly a one-day family ritual. Flights are long and expensive, and August can be busy for travel. Most families prefer to celebrate locally with whoever is nearby, send gifts, or connect through video calls. Occasional family visits happen, but shipping and local events fill the gap for most people.

Final Thoughts

In Canada, Raksha Bandhan stays strong through home ceremonies, community events, online gifts, and technology. The Indian community in cities like the Greater Toronto Area and Metro Vancouver keeps the spirit of love and protection alive, even thousands of kilometres from India.

Whether you tie a rakhi in person, send one across the ocean, or join a temple event, the bond between siblings remains the same. Happy Raksha Bandhan!

Free Virtual Shiva Puja – Shravan Month Puja

🕉️ Virtual Shiva Puja – Shravan Month

A peaceful online puja for Lord Shiva during the sacred month of Sawan

🕉️ Lord Shiva / Mahadev

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🥛    🥥    🍌

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Begin your Shravan virtual puja with devotion to Lord Shiva

Puja Progress 0 / 6

🕉️ Puja Complete 🙏
Har Har Mahadev! May Lord Shiva bless you with peace, strength and divine grace this Shravan.

About This Online Shiva Puja (Shravan Month)

This is a simple digital devotional experience created for devotees who wish to connect with Lord Shiva during the sacred month of Shravan (Sawan). Whether you observe Shravan Somvar vrat, perform Rudrabhishek at home, or simply want a few peaceful moments of prayer, this virtual puja offers a calm space for devotion.

Please note: this online Shiva puja is not a replacement for a traditional Hindu puja, temple worship or formal Rudrabhishek. It is meant as a respectful digital companion for personal reflection and prayer during Shravan.

How to Use the Virtual Shiva Puja

You may perform the six steps in any order:

1. Light Diyas – Light the sacred lamps around Lord Shiva.
2. Offer Bilva – Offer bilva (bel) leaves and flowers, dear to Mahadev.
3. Ring Bell – Ring the temple bell to invite divine presence.
4. Light Incense – Light incense so the fragrance rises as prayer.
5. Offer Prasad – Present milk, coconut and fruits as prasad.
6. Namaskar – Offer your respectful salutations with “Om Namah Shivaya”.

When all six actions are complete, a special message of blessings will appear. You can press “Start Again” at any time to begin a new virtual puja.

A Simple Prayer for Shravan

Om Namah Shivaya.
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.

O Lord Shiva, the three-eyed one, the source of all fragrance and nourishment, free us from the bondage of death and grant us immortality. In this holy month of Shravan, please accept our simple offerings and bless us with peace, strength, good health and spiritual growth. Har Har Mahadev!

May this Virtual Shiva Puja, Online Shravan Puja or Hindu prayer online bring a moment of calm and positive energy to your day. Perform this online Lord Shiva puja with sincerity, and may the blessings of Mahadev always remain with you and your family.

Free Virtual Pooja | Shree Laxmi Ganesh Puja

🪔 Virtual Shree Laxmi Ganesh Puja

A peaceful online puja for Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha

🙏 Lakshmi & Ganesha

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🍬    🍚    🥥

🙏

Begin your virtual puja with devotion

Puja Progress 0 / 6

🪔 Puja Complete 🙏
May your home be filled with peace, happiness, prosperity and divine blessings.

About This Online Puja

This is a simple digital devotional experience created for those who wish to take a few peaceful moments for prayer. Whether you are celebrating Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Ganesh Puja, Dhanteras, Navratri or any other Hindu festival, this virtual puja offers a calm space to connect with devotion from wherever you are.

Please note: this online puja is not a replacement for a traditional Hindu puja or temple worship. It is meant as a respectful digital companion for personal reflection and prayer.

How to Use the Virtual Puja

You may perform the six steps in any order:

1. Light Diyas – Light the sacred lamps around the deities.
2. Offer Flowers – Offer beautiful flower petals with devotion.
3. Ring Bell – Ring the temple bell to invite divine presence.
4. Light Incense – Light incense so that the fragrance rises as prayer.
5. Offer Prasad – Present sweets, rice and coconut as prasad.
6. Namaskar – Offer your respectful salutations.

When all six actions are complete, a special message of blessings will appear. You can press “Start Again” at any time to begin a new virtual puja.

A Simple Prayer

Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah.
Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah.

O Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, please bless this home with peace, prosperity, good health and wisdom. Remove obstacles from our path and fill our lives with light and devotion. We offer this simple prayer with a pure heart.

May this Virtual Diwali Puja, Online Lakshmi Puja or Hindu prayer online bring a moment of calm and positive energy to your day. Perform this online Hindu puja with sincerity, and may divine blessings always remain with you and your family.

Dussehra 2026 in Canada: Date, Vijayadashami, Ravan Dahan and Celebrations

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Dussehra 2026 in Canada: Date, Vijayadashami and Celebrations

Everything you need to know about Dussehra in Canada

Dussehra is an important Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Sharada Navaratri. It is also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara.

The festival is associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and, in another important Hindu tradition, the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

Hindu families and communities in Canada observe Dussehra in different ways. Some visit temples for prayers, while others take part in cultural programs, Ramayana readings or family celebrations.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

2026 Dussehra date for Toronto and other Canadian locations

Please note: Festival timings can vary depending on location and Hindu tradition. The date above is the general 2026 Vijayadashami date for Canada. Check with your local temple for its exact puja time and celebration schedule.

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When is Dussehra in Canada in 2026?

Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The 2026 Vijayadashami calendar for Toronto gives October 20 as the Dussehra date. Other Canadian locations also show October 20, although the exact puja and muhurat times can vary slightly by location.

Dussehra is the tenth day of Sharada Navaratri. It comes after the nine days of Navaratri and marks the end of this important festival period.

If you would like to learn more about Navaratri, dates and celebrations, see our complete guide:

Navaratri in Canada 2026: Dates, Rituals and Top Temples

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What is Dussehra?

Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival has different stories and traditions in different parts of India.

One of the best-known stories is the story of Lord Rama and Ravana from the Ramayana. Lord Rama defeated Ravana after a long battle and rescued Sita.

Vijayadashami is also connected with Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. This is especially important in traditions connected with Durga Puja and Navaratri.

Both traditions share an important message: good wins over evil.

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Why is Dussehra called Vijayadashami?

The word Vijayadashami can be understood as the day of victory. "Vijaya" means victory and "Dashami" refers to the tenth lunar day.

Since Dussehra falls on the tenth day after the beginning of Sharada Navaratri, it is called Vijayadashami.

Dussehra and Vijayadashami are therefore commonly used names for the same festival, although the name people use can depend on their regional and family traditions.

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The Story of Lord Rama and Ravana

The story of Lord Rama is one of the main stories connected with Dussehra.

According to the Ramayana, Ravana, the king of Lanka, took Sita away from Lord Rama. Lord Rama, together with Lakshmana, Hanuman and his army, fought Ravana and his army.

After the battle, Lord Rama defeated Ravana. Vijayadashami remembers this victory.

The story is remembered not only as a story of war, but also as a lesson about truth, duty, courage and doing what is right.

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Dussehra and Navaratri

Dussehra comes at the end of Sharada Navaratri. Navaratri lasts for nine nights and ten days and is dedicated to different forms of the Divine Mother.

Many Hindu families in Canada observe Navaratri through prayers, fasting, temple visits, Garba, Dandiya and family gatherings.

The final day is Vijayadashami, or Dussehra.

This makes Dussehra an important part of the autumn Hindu festival season in Canada.

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Dussehra 2026 Dates

Festival	Date in 2026	Importance
Sharada Navaratri Begins	October 11	Beginning of the nine-night Navaratri festival
Maha Ashtami	October 18	An important day of Durga worship
Maha Navami	October 19	The ninth day of Navaratri
Vijayadashami / Dussehra	October 20	Victory of good over evil

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How is Dussehra Celebrated in Canada?

There is no single way in which all Hindu families in Canada celebrate Dussehra. Celebrations can be different depending on family background, regional tradition and the local temple.

Some common activities may include:

• Special prayers and puja
• Aarti
• Ramayana readings
• Ram Leela or other cultural programs
• Bhajans and devotional songs
• Children's programs
• Community meals and Prasad
• Family gatherings
• Special temple decorations

Some communities may also organize a public Dussehra event. The type of event can be different from one city or organization to another.

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Does Ravan Dahan Happen in Canada?

Yes, some Hindu communities in Canada do organize Ravan Dahan. However, it is not something that happens at every Hindu temple or at every Dussehra celebration.

Ravan Dahan is the burning of an effigy of Ravana. It represents the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the victory of good over evil.

In Canada, whether an organization can hold a Ravan Dahan event depends on the location, the venue and the local rules that apply to the event.

Important: Ravan Dahan involves fire. Organizers must follow the fire-safety and municipal requirements that apply in their area. A Ravan Dahan event should not be assumed to be permitted simply because it is a religious tradition.

If you are looking for a Ravan Dahan event in your city, check directly with the temple or community organization. They can provide the correct information about whether the event is being held, where it will take place and what rules visitors need to follow.

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Dussehra Celebrations at Hindu Temples

Many Hindu temples in Canada hold special programs during Navaratri and Vijayadashami.

A temple's Dussehra program may include a special puja, aarti, devotional songs, readings from the Ramayana or a cultural program.

Some temples may have a simple religious observance, while larger community organizations may organize a full-day or evening program.

Since temple schedules can change each year, always check the temple directly before visiting.

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Dussehra in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area

The Greater Toronto Area has a large Hindu community, and many Hindu families observe Dussehra and Vijayadashami.

Temples and community organizations in areas such as Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Markham and Oakville may have special programs around Navaratri and Dussehra.

However, not every organization will have the same type of celebration. Some may hold prayers inside the temple, while others may organize cultural programs or community events.

Check the organizer's official information before travelling to an event.

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Dussehra in Vancouver and Surrey

Hindu families and community organizations in British Columbia also observe Vijayadashami.

Families in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby and nearby communities may visit temples, attend prayers or take part in local Dussehra programs.

The way Dussehra is celebrated can be different between communities because Canadian Hindu communities come from many different parts of India and follow different traditions.

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Dussehra in Calgary, Edmonton and Other Canadian Cities

Dussehra is also observed by Hindu communities in Alberta and other parts of Canada.

Families in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, London and other Canadian cities can check with their local Hindu temples and community organizations for Dussehra programs.

Some communities may have temple prayers and cultural programs, while others may celebrate mainly with family and friends.

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How Can Families Celebrate Dussehra at Home?

You do not have to attend a large event to celebrate Dussehra. Families can observe the festival at home in a simple way.

Some families may:

• Pray to Lord Rama or Goddess Durga
• Read part of the Ramayana
• Light a diya
• Prepare a vegetarian meal
• Make traditional sweets
• Spend time with family
• Teach children the story and meaning of Dussehra

For Hindu families living far from a temple, celebrating at home can be a simple way to continue the tradition.

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Dussehra and Children

Dussehra is a good opportunity to teach children about the Ramayana and Hindu traditions.

Parents can explain the story of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman in a way that children can understand.

Children can also learn why Dussehra is called Vijayadashami and why the festival is associated with the victory of good over evil.

For Hindu families in Canada, festivals like Dussehra can help children learn about their family traditions while growing up in Canada.

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What Can You Expect at a Dussehra Event?

If you are attending a Dussehra celebration for the first time, the program may include some of the following:

• Temple prayers
• Aarti
• Ramayana or Ram Leela programs
• Devotional music
• Cultural performances
• Food or Prasad
• Activities for children
• Community gatherings
• Ravan Dahan at some events

Every event is different, so check the organizer's information before you go.

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Dussehra Food and Prasad

Food is an important part of many Hindu festivals.

Some temples may offer vegetarian Prasad during their Dussehra programs. Families may also prepare sweets and traditional food at home.

The food can be different from one family to another because Hindus in Canada come from many different regions of India.

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Is Dussehra a Public Holiday in Canada?

Dussehra is not a statutory public holiday across Canada.

It is an important religious festival for many Hindu families, but schools, workplaces and government offices generally continue their normal schedules unless they have their own policies.

If you need time away from work or school to attend a Dussehra celebration, it is a good idea to make arrangements in advance.

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Tips for Attending a Dussehra Celebration in Canada

• Check the date: Confirm the event date with the temple or organizer.
• Check the time: Puja and cultural programs may be held at different times.
• Arrive early: Popular temple programs can become busy.
• Dress respectfully: Traditional clothing is welcome but is usually not required.
• Remove your shoes: Many temples ask visitors to remove their shoes before entering.
• Follow temple rules: Photography, food and other rules can be different at each temple.
• Check parking: Large events may have limited parking.
• Check the weather: October can be cold in many parts of Canada, especially for outdoor events.

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Dussehra 2026: Quick Reminder

October 20, 2026

Tuesday

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

Victory of good over evil

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dussehra in Canada

When is Dussehra in Canada in 2026?

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

What is Dussehra?

Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and, in another important tradition, Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

Is Dussehra the same as Vijayadashami?

Yes. Dussehra and Vijayadashami are commonly used names for the same festival. The name used can depend on regional and family traditions.

Why is Dussehra celebrated after Navaratri?

Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Sharada Navaratri. It marks the end of the nine-day Navaratri period.

Does Ravan Dahan happen in Canada?

Some Hindu communities in Canada organize Ravan Dahan as part of their Dussehra celebrations, but it is not held at every temple or community event. Whether an event can be held depends on the organizer, venue and applicable local safety and fire requirements.

Is Ravan Dahan allowed in Canada?

There is no single Canada-wide rule that makes every Ravan Dahan event automatically permitted. Events involving fire must follow the applicable municipal, fire-safety and venue rules. Anyone planning to attend should check the event details with the organizer.

Where can I celebrate Dussehra in Canada?

Hindu temples and community organizations across Canada may organize Dussehra programs. Check local Hindu temples and community organizations in your city for the latest information.

Is Dussehra a public holiday in Canada?

No. Dussehra is not a statutory public holiday across Canada.

Can children attend Dussehra celebrations?

Many Dussehra programs are suitable for families and children. Check with the organizer if the event has any specific age or entry requirements.

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Final Thoughts

Dussehra is a festival of faith, family and the victory of good over evil. For Hindu families living in Canada, it is also a chance to come together and continue traditions with the next generation.

Whether you celebrate at home, visit a temple, attend a cultural program or take part in a community event, the main message of Vijayadashami remains the same: truth and goodness should always win over evil.

As Dussehra 2026 approaches, check with your local Hindu temple or community organization for the latest celebration details, timings and event information.

Happy Dussehra! Jai Shri Ram!

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