Ujjain Dussehra 2026: Two 101-Foot Ravana Effigies, and Mahakal's Once-a-Year Entry into Freeganj
If your Ujjain stay falls in the third week of October 2026, plan around Tuesday 20 October. That is Dussehra, and two 101-foot Ravana effigies will be burned in Ujjain on the same day — one at Dussehra Maidan, one at the Kartik Mela ground on the Shipra bank. On that day Lord Mahakal is also expected to walk into the Freeganj area, which he visits once a year.
Two 101-foot effigies, built on the same ground
Bhaskar English reported that the effigies for Dussehra Maidan and for the Kartik fair complex are both being built at Dussehra Maidan itself, by a team of eight artisans working for roughly 25 days. Both are full 3D builds and have been made waterproof, because, as MP Breaking News put it, rain often soaks effigies before the burning and they then fail to catch fire properly. Finishing work was in its last stage on 14 October.
The themes differ. The Dussehra Maidan effigy has been built as the king of the demon army — dressed as a king, but with a demonic face, large teeth and horns on the crown — so its makers say it may stand slightly taller than 101 feet. The Kartik Mela effigy is also in royal form, holding a traditional spiked weapon.
Where the crowds will gather
MP Breaking News names three main gathering points for Ravana dahan: Dussehra Maidan, the Kartik Mela ground, and Shastri Nagar. Expect the lanes between the ghats and the maidan to fill well before sunset.
Mahakal enters Freeganj on the same day
The more unusual item on 20 October is a procession. Naidunia reported on 4 October that Mahakaleshwar will take out six processions in a silver palanquin between Ashwin and Margashirsha, and that the Dussehra one is the special: Mahakal, as Avantikanath Raja, will enter Freeganj — once a year — and reach Dussehra Maidan for the worship of the Shami tree. The same report lists the next processions as 16 and 23 November 2026, a Vaikunth Chaturdashi procession at 11 pm on the night of 23 November to Gopal Mandir, and 30 November and 7 December.
When the effigies are actually lit
The Economic Times puts Dussehra 2026 on Tuesday, 20 October in the North Indian calendar, with Ravana Dahan in the evening after sunset. It notes there is no single nationwide clock time for the burning — local Ramlila organisers and venue committees fix the schedule — and that 20 October is a gazetted central holiday. The Vijay Muhurat listed for New Delhi is 1.59 pm to 2.45 pm; timings shift city to city.
What is not confirmed yet
None of the reports we read published an ignition time, a police or traffic plan, or a crowd-control advisory for Dussehra Maidan or the Kartik Mela ground. Mahakal's procession route into Freeganj has not been published either, and no revised Mahakaleshwar darshan timings have been announced for 20 October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Dussehra 2026 in Ujjain? A: Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Bhaskar English and MP Breaking News both reported Ujjain's preparations against that date, and the Economic Times confirms 20 October for the North Indian calendar.
Q: How big are the Ravana effigies this year? A: Two of 101 feet each, for Dussehra Maidan and the Kartik Mela complex. The maidan effigy may end up slightly taller because of its crowned, horned design.
Q: Where will Ravana dahan happen in Ujjain? A: At Dussehra Maidan, the Kartik Mela ground on the Shipra bank, and Shastri Nagar — the three main spots MP Breaking News names.
Q: What special does Mahakal do on Dussehra? A: According to Naidunia, Mahakal enters the Freeganj area once a year on Vijayadashami and reaches Dussehra Maidan as Avantikanath Raja for the Shami tree worship.
Q: What time will the effigies be burned? A: In the evening after sunset, but the exact clock time is set by local organisers, and no Ujjain timing has been published yet.
Q: Are there more Mahakal processions after Dussehra? A: Yes — six between Ashwin and Margashirsha, with the next on 16 and 23 November 2026, a Vaikunth Chaturdashi procession late on the night of 23 November, and two more on 30 November and 7 December.
Planning your stay around Dussehra
Twenty October is the busiest day of this festival stretch. If you would like help sequencing your temple visits, working around the procession and the evening burning, or arranging pickups to Ujjain Junction and Dewas that week, our team at Shrim Tours & Travels can build the itinerary with you. Reach us at http://tours.shrimmaya.com/.
This story is based on reporting by Bhaskar English, published for guests planning a pilgrimage to Ujjain. Read the original report at https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/mp/news/ujjain-dussehra-ravana-effigy-making-craftsmen-preparations-139355278.html
