Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated with immense zeal and devotion across India, Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil, righteousness over sin, and light over darkness. In 2025, this grand festival will be celebrated today, with festivities expected to take place across towns and cities in their own unique flair.
Date and Auspicious Timings
According to the Drik Panchang, Dussehra 2025 is celebrated today, coinciding with the Dashami Tithi, which begins at 7:01 pm on October 1 and ends at 7:10 pm on October 2. The most auspicious time to perform the Vijayadashami rituals is during the Aparahna period, which runs from 1:21 pm to 3:45 pm. The Vijay Muhurat, considered the most spiritually potent moment, falls between 2:09 pm and 2:57 pm, a 48-minute window ideal for starting new ventures or engaging in spiritual practices.
The Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra is a festival deeply rooted in Indian belief and cultural heritage. It commemorates two significant victories from ancient texts:
Bhagwan Rama’s victory over Ravana: The Ramayana narrates the tale of Bhagwan Rama, who defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana, rescuing his wife, Sita. This epic battle symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil and forms the central theme of Dussehra celebrations in northern India.
Maa Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura: In eastern India and other regions, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, celebrating the fierce Maa Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It represents the power of the divine feminine in eliminating forces of darkness. This dual symbolism makes Dussehra a festival that transcends regions, deities, and customs, all unified under the message of truth, virtue, and justice prevailing over deception and evil.
How India celebrates Dussehra
Dussehra is one of the few Indian festivals that is celebrated with equal fervour across all states, but with striking regional differences:
In North India, especially in cities like Delhi and Varanasi, grand Ram Leela performances are staged for ten days, culminating in the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. The air is filled with the sound of crackers, cheers, and chants of victory as the effigies explode, symbolising the destruction of evil.
In Karnataka, particularly in Mysore, Dussehra is a regal affair with a history spanning over 400 years. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and processions featuring decorated elephants, musicians, and dancers captivate onlookers.
In West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, the day marks the immersion of Durga murtis into rivers and lakes, accompanied by music, dancing, and emotional farewells, marking the end of Navratri and Durga Puja.
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh hosts a week-long Kullu Dussehra where local deities are carried in a grand procession to the Dhalpur Maidan. The festival here is steeped in history and showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Rituals followed during Dussehra
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is steeped in rich traditions that vary across regions but all celebrate the same core idea, the victory of good over evil. On this auspicious day, devotees perform special prayers and rituals that mark the end of Navratri and the beginning of new journeys. One of the most important rituals observed on Dussehra is the Aparahna Puja, performed during the afternoon hours. It is considered the most sacred time to offer prayers to deities like Maa Durga or Bhagwan Rama, depending on regional practices. This is also the time when people seek blessings for success, strength, and protection.
In many parts of India, especially among communities with martial traditions, people engage in Shastra Puja, or the worship of weapons and tools. This ancient custom involves cleaning and decorating weapons, books, and instruments to honour them as symbols of knowledge, strength, and livelihood. In modern times, even professionals such as doctors, artists, and students take part in this ritual by worshipping their tools of work.
One of the most visually striking rituals of Dussehra is the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath, popularly known as Ravana Dahan. This dramatic spectacle, mostly seen in North India, represents the destruction of evil. Huge crowds gather in open grounds as giant effigies are set ablaze amidst fireworks and cheers, symbolising the moral lesson that evil, no matter how powerful, ultimately falls before truth and righteousness.
Leading up to Dussehra, many towns and cities host Ram Leela, theatrical performances that retell the epic story of the Ramayana. These plays, often performed by local actors over nine or ten days, culminate on Dussehra with the final act, Rama defeating Ravana. These performances are not only religiously significant but also act as social gatherings that bring communities together in celebration and reflection.
Dussehra is also seen as an extremely auspicious day for new beginnings. People across the country choose this day to start new ventures, purchase vehicles, initiate educational pursuits, or even begin construction projects. It is believed that any work started on this day will be blessed with success and good fortune.
In many Mandirs across South India, grand processions of deities are organised. Murtis of gods and goddesses are taken around the Mandirs on chariots, accompanied by music, chanting, and large gatherings of devotees. These processions mark the divine victory and invite blessings for the community.
