Why Did Chinese Lions Dance at a Hindu Temple? Our Vijayadashami Performance (20 Oct 2026)

Fire, drums, and two lions under the night sky. On 20 October 2026, our team was invited back by a Hindu temple to perform a twin-lion dance with live drums and music (双狮鼓乐) for one of the biggest nights in the Indian community's festival calendar.

Quick facts

• Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026, evening
• Festival: Vijayadashami, the tenth day after the nine nights of Navratri
• What it celebrates: Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura
• Our performance: Two lions, one red and one blue, with a full drum and cymbal section
• Booking: A return invitation from the temple

Watch the performance

What is Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami means "the victorious tenth day". It comes right after Navratri, the nine nights devoted to the Goddess. In the tradition our hosts celebrate, Goddess Durga fought the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights and defeated him on the tenth.

The festival is about good overcoming evil. On the night, devotees gather at the temple for prayers, and an effigy of Mahishasura is set alight as the climax of the celebration.

Why was a lion dance invited to a Hindu festival?

The lion dance and Vijayadashami share the same wish: drive away evil and welcome blessings. The beat of the drum, the crash of the cymbals, and the lion's lively movements are believed to chase off bad luck and bring good fortune, which fits a night that celebrates the defeat of a demon.

It is also simply Malaysia. Neighbours join each other's celebrations, and this temple has invited us back again. We are grateful for that trust, and proud that our lions are welcome wherever blessings are. You can read about other cross-cultural bookings in Temple Festivals: Performing Across Cultures.

What happened on the night?

Our two lions, one red and one blue, performed side by side in front of a big crowd of devotees and families, with residential blocks lit up behind them. The effigy of Mahishasura was set on fire, and the lions danced around the burning effigy as the drums kept the energy high.

Then came the twin-lion routine: the pair moving in step, bowing to the crowd, and playing off each other to the rhythm of the drums.

What comes next: Deepavali

Vijayadashami also signals that Deepavali is near. In 2026, Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November. We wish the temple and all its devotees a very happy Deepavali ahead.

Frequently asked questions

When was Vijayadashami in 2026?

Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the day after the nine nights of Navratri.

Do you perform at Hindu temples and Indian community events?

Yes. We have performed at Hindu temple festivals and are happy to join celebrations from any community. Lion dance brings energy and good wishes to any festive occasion.

What is a twin-lion performance (双狮)?

Two lions perform together with a live drum, cymbal, and gong section. It looks fuller than a single lion and works well for larger crowds and open spaces.

Can I book a lion dance for Deepavali or another festival?

Yes. WhatsApp Aimee at 014-3088218 or Marshall at 010-2388526, or send your details here.