Hyderabad turns luminous during Navratri and Dussehra, lanes sparkle with bangles, pandals fill the air with dhak and dhoop, and every corner seems to hum with celebration. Whether you are chasing classical art, Bengali-style Durga Puja, a Bathukamma shopping spree, or the perfect garba look, this curated guide has your nine festive days covered.
- Shilparamam: Art, Crafts & Culture
 For art and culture lovers, Shilparamam at Hitec City is the ideal festive escape. Wander through handicraft stalls, pick up handloom textiles, terracotta, wooden artefacts and festive décor, then stay back for classical music and dance performances that give the season a distinctly Telangana-meets-pan-Indian flavour.
- Where: Shilparamam Arts, Crafts & Cultural Village, Hitec City, Madhapur
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon to evening, when the craft bazaar and performance spaces are most atmospheric
- Entry fee: Nominal entry fee; performance and workshop charges may vary by event
- Why go: Shopping, folk art, classical performances and a relaxed family-friendly festive outing in one place
- Durga Pandal Hopping
Hyderabad’s Durga Puja scene is a beautiful blend of Bengali rituals, community food, cultural programmes and late-evening pandal hopping. These ten venues are especially convenient if you want to celebrate without battling festival traffic
- Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha — Keyes High School, SecunderabadÂ
- Secunderabad Utsab Cultural Association — NITHM, Gachibowli
- Ramakrishna Math — DomalgudaÂ
- Bengali Cultural Association — Banjara Function Hall, Masab TankÂ
- Hyderabad Bangalee Samity — NTR Stadium — Evening
- Sur-O-Dhwani — Gachibowli StadiumÂ
- Hyderabad Kalibari — SainikpuriÂ
- Cyberabad Bangali Association — KondapurÂ
- Prabashi Association — Saptapadi Function Hall, Nizampet
Suchitra Bengali Committee — AMR Gardens, Kompally
C) Durga Puja at Bengali Cultural Association
If you want the full ritual experience, the Bengali Cultural Association, Hyderabad’s Sree Sree Durga Puja 2026 at Banjara Function Hall, Masab Tank, runs from October 16 to 20, 2026. Expect pushpanjali, sandhi puja, homam, devi bhog, bhog prasad and evening arati.
Puja Schedule
- Maha Sasthi — Friday, October 16: Kalparambha, Bodhan, Sasthi Puja, Pushpanjali and Arati, 9:00 AM–12:00 noon
- Maha Saptami — Saturday, October 17: Navapatrika pravesh, sthapan, snanam, puja, pushpanjali, devi bhog, bhog prasad and sandhya arati; morning rituals 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, bhog 1:00 PM–3:30 PM, evening arati 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
- Maha Ashtami — Sunday, October 18: Durga maha snanam, Nava Durga puja, pushpanjali, bhog and sandhya arati; morning rituals 8:00 AM–12:30 PM, bhog 1:00 PM–3:30 PM, evening arati 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
- Sandhi Puja — Monday, October 19: Vedic snanam, puja, padma pushpa danam, deepam danam, pushpanjali, bhog and arati, 7:26 AM–8:14 AM
- Maha Navami — Monday, October 19: Maha snanam, Navami puja, pushpanjali, homam, devi bhog, bhog prasad and sandhya arati; morning rituals 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, homam 1:00 PM–2:00 PM, evening arati 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
- Vijaya Dashami — Tuesday, October 20: Dashami puja and pushpanjali from 9:31 AM, darpan visarjan 1:00 PM–1:30 PM, and pratima baran from 2:00 PM onwards
Entry and tickets: Puja attendance is generally open to devotees
D) Laad Bazaar: Bangles for Bathukamma
No Hyderabad Navratri is complete without a trip to Laad Bazaar near Charminar. The narrow, glittering lane is famous for lac bangles, and wearing new bangles during Bathukamma and Navratri is a cherished local tradition.sahapedia
- Where: Laad Bazaar, near Charminar, Old City
- Best for: Lac bangles, glass bangles, jhumkas, bindis, dupattas, festive accessories and Bathukamma shopping
- Best time: 3:30 – 6:00
- Budget: Bangles begin at very affordable prices, with premium lac and stone-studded sets costing more
Go with your girlies or mom group: Make it a mini trail, Charminar for photos, Laad Bazaar for bangles, then Irani chai and biscuits nearby. Bargain politely, check bangle sizes before buying, and keep your phone secure in the crowd.
E) Get Garba-Ready: Mehendi & Face Painting
Before your dandiya night, turn getting ready into the event itself. Organise a small mehendi and face-painting sessionat home or book artists for your society’s Navratri celebration.
- Mehendi: Choose minimal floral patterns, mirror-work-inspired designs, or traditional Rajasthani motifs that complement lehengas and mirror-work blouses
- Face painting: Think subtle glitter accents, tiny bindi art, festival-inspired cheek designs, or full glam looks for children’s events
- Best for: Society garba nights, office Navratri parties, kitty gatherings and kids’ Dussehra celebrations
- Approximate cost: Home mehendi artists and face painters typically charge per person or per hour; confirm whether glitter, stickers and removal are included
Interactive idea: Create a “Best Festive Look” contest, award categories for Best Mehendi, Most Creative Dandiya Look, and Best Traditional Outfit.
F) Peddamma Thalli Temple: Homams & Bhajan Nights
For a deeply devotional Navratri experience, visit Sri Peddamma Thalli Temple in Jubilee Hills. The temple is especially vibrant during the nine nights, with special Devi pujas, recitations and festive gatherings; Dussehra itself is marked by beautiful decorations and prayers celebrating the victory of good over evil.travelshexa
- Where: Peddamma Thalli Temple, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM–1:00 PM and 3:00 PM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 6:00 AM–8:30 PM.hyderabadtourism
- Aarti: Maha Mangala Aarti is around 12:00 PM–12:30 PM, with evening aarti around 6:30 PM–7:00 PM.oneindia
- Entry fee: Free; special poojas, homams and offerings may have separate charges
- Why go: Evening darshan, bhajans, festive energy and one of Hyderabad’s most beloved Devi temples
Plan smart: Visit after 5:00 PM for the evening atmosphere, but expect queues during Navratri weekends. Wear comfortable footwear, carry water, and keep valuables minimal.
This Dussehra, Hyderabad gives you every kind of celebration, sacred, artistic, stylish and joyfully noisy. Pick your people, charge your phone, wear comfortable shoes, and let the city’s festive lights lead the way.
