All About Dusshrea Festival
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated after the nine-day-long festival of Navratri. In 2024, Dussehra will be Spot on Saturday, 12th of October. This day also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali in 2024 which will be celebrated after 20 days of Dussehra.
Dussehra is a day for Hindus to celebrate their faith and renew their commitment to live a life of Morality. It is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. In many parts of India, Dussehra is a major festival and there are large public celebrations with the sculpture of Ravana burned, fireworks and performances.
What is the Meaning of the Word Dussehra?
The word Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit language like Dasha and Hara. Dasha means ten and hara implies defeat. The festival symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Ravana.
Dussehra Festival 2023 Tithi, Muhurat & Puja Timings
The Dussehra or Vijaydashami will be celebrated on the 12th of October 2024.
Date & Day | Events | Time Start | Time End |
---|---|---|---|
12th October 2024, Saturday | Dashami Tithi Begins | 10:58 AM | |
13th October 2024, Sunday | Dashami Tithi Ends | 09:08 AM | |
12th October 2024, Saturday | Vijay Muhurata | 02:03 PM | 02:49 PM |
13th October 2024, Sunday | Aparahna Puja Time | 01:17 PM | 03:35 PM |
Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?
Dussehra also known as Vijayadashmi, is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated all over India. It has two main stories associated with its significance:
- Victory of Lord Rama – The festival is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, who kidnapped his wife Sita. Lord Rama with the help of his army and Hanuman defeated Ravana and since then the day symbolises the victory of righteousness (Dharm) and moral values. The burning of Ravana on the day of Dussehra represents the destruction of evil.
- Victory of Goddess Durga – In some regions, Dussehra also marks the end of the nine-day festival of Navaratri, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil spirit Mahishasura. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil forces. It reminds us that the Good always wins in the end.
Dussehra celebrated the overall victory of virtue, courage and truth over evil, reminding us that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
How Do We Celebrate the Dusshera Festival?
People all over the country celebrate this festival with full excitement, enjoyment and enthusiasm, depending on the region. The different cultures present all over the country did not affect its celebrations. The spirit of people remains the same throughout the country.
Dussehra is celebrated on the occasion of the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Large effigies of Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, are burnt symbolizing the victory of Good over Evil. The story of Lord Rama’s life, particularly the battle with Ravana is performed as a dramatic play called Ramlila.
In some regions, people celebrate the Victory of Goddes Durga over the demon Mahishasura. People perform prayers to seek the blessing of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Many towns and cities host fairs with rides, food stalls and cultural programs during the festivals.
On Dussehra, families and friends exchange gifts and sweets as a gesture of happiness and togetherness. It is a festival where communities come together to celebrate the spirit of victory and unity.
Also Get: Dussehra Wishes, Image & Status Video
Top 5 Tradition Rituals & Culture (More About Dussehra)
Dussehra is a famous festival celebrated mostly in the month of October. It is also known as Vijaydashmi or Dasara comes to an end with the ten-day Navratri. The festival is celebrated in different parts of the country and each place has its unique rituals. Dusshera kicks off the preparation for Diwali which is 20 days later. Here are the different Top 5 Traditions rituals and Cultures of Dussehra Celebrations in India.
Burning the Sculpture of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna
Melas are held at various Ram Lilla grounds across the country. The Statue of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath are set on fire demonstrating the victory of good over evil. Actors dress up as Lord Rama and Lakshmana to set Sculpture on fire. The celebrations include amazing fireworks and cultural performances.
Unique Gujarati Dance Garba
In Gujarat, many competitions are held where people dance to devotional songs. The celebrations continue till late night. The customs drawn by both men and women give a unique touch to the celebrations. Dussehra celebrations in Gujarat are unique with the vibrant Garba dance.
Worship of Goddess Saraswati
During the nine days of Navratri, nine forms of Goddess are worshipped. The worship of Saraswati on the tenth day of Navratri is a ritual in Maharastra. This day is also known to be auspicious to start anything new. The day is also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara celebrated all over India with great Joy and Happiness.
Durga Puja
Dura Puja is also a key ritual in the festival of Dussehra and Navratri. Particularly in Bengal where the festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. The different features of the goddess are worshipped for nine nights followed by celebrations on the tenth day.
Also Read: The Importance of Durga Puja
Worship Tools and Weapons
During Dussehra, worship tools and weapons hold specific significance as they symbolise the power to defeat evil and protect righteousness. It is a custom to worship tools that better our lives on Dussehera. This ritual shows respect for tools. On this day Pandavas are believed to recover their weapons after completing Agyatvas. Some key tools and weapons that are revered and used during Dussehra include:
- Bow and Arrow (Dhanus-Baan) – Lord Rama’s primary weapon Bow and Arrow during his battle with Ravana are often worshipped to honour his bravery and righteousness. The bow and arrow represent focus, strength and the victory of good over evil.
- Sword (Khadag) – People in some regions worship the sword as a mark of Victory of Goddess Durga with the demon Mahishasura. Especially a part of northern India worshipped a sword as a Shastra Puja.
- Trident (Trishul) – Associated with Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, the Trishul represents the destruction of evil and ignorance. It is worshipped in homes and temples to honour Goddess Durga for her victory of Good over Evil. It is a powerful symbol of divine energy.
- Axe (Parashu) – The axe is used in certain rituals and weapon worship practices during Dussehra and symbolizes the protection of righteousness. It is linked with Lord Parashurama and Goddess Durga, which symbolizes strength, justice and the ability to destroy evil and ignorance.
- Mace (Gada) – The Gada is a powerful weapon of Lord Hanumana and Bheem and is sometimes worshipped to seek protection, power and courage. It symbolises physical strength and moral courage.
- Vehicles of Deity – Devotees may also worship images of the lion or chariot to honour the roles they played in God’s victory. The lion symbolizes courage and strength, while Lord Rama’s Chariot represents the readiness to fight for the truth.
You can worship all articles used for the progress and prosperity of mankind. These tools and weapons are seen as symbols of divine power used in the battle between good and evil.
Things To Do in Dussehra with Family and Friends
Prayers
People worship and offer prayers to the Goddess Durga and other Gods. There is also a tradition of worshipping weapons, vehicles and work tools.
Fairs and Ravana Dahan
People enjoy the rides, shopping and street food at the Dussehra fairs with their families. People also watch Ravana Dahan or the burning of Ravan’s statue which symbolises the win of light over darkness.
Ram Lila Event
Ramlila is a 10-day event in which the life story of Lord Rama is represented through dramatic acts and dance performances. People with their families watch Ramleela in the evening time.
Dussehra is a powerful celebration of the victory of good over evil, symbolising the defeat of negative forces through the stories of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. It is a time of reflection, renewal and joy reminding us that righteousness, courage and truth will always triumph. Through rituals, celebrations and community gatherings, Dussehra fosters unity and inspires us to overcome challenges in our own lives and strength and integrity.