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When is Dussehra? Date, Timings, Significance and More

Dussehra or Vijaydashmi is one of the most joyous and vibrant festivals celebrated in India. It holds immense cultural and religious significance and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

This Hindu festival is very auspicious and is connected with multiple rituals. It is a festival that brings people together among all the diversity. Read further in the blog to have clarity on when and how this festival is celebrated across the nation and for the auspicious timings for the rituals.

When is Dussehra?

Dussehra or Vijaydashmi is an important festival related to Hindu mythology and the epic of Ramayana. It falls on the 10th day of the Shukla paksha in the Ashwini month and is observed after the nine-day festive celebration of Navratri. This day marks the victory of good over evil as on this day, Lord Rama killed Ravana. In the eastern region of India, it is a symbol of Goddess Durga winning over the demon Mahishasura.

In 2024, it will be observed on 12th October 2024 (Saturday). Many rituals are conducted all over the country to celebrate this auspicious festival.

Dussehra 2024 Timings

The mahurat or the auspicious timings on every festival is very important in the Hindi rituals. To end the confusion, have a look at the auspicious timings for Dussehra 2024 according to the Hindu panchang:

Dashmi Tithi Begins	10:58 AM	October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
Dashmi Tithi Ends	09:08 AM	October 13, 2024 (Sunday)
Viay Mahurat	02: 03 PM to 02:49 PM	October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
Aparahna Puja Time	01:17 PM to 03:35 PM	October 13, 2024 (Sunday)

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Why do we Celebrate Dussehra?

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi marks not one but several important events according to Hindu mythology.

It majorly and most popularly marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana who kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife Sita. It symbolizes that good always prevails over evil.

In the eastern part of the nation, this day is linked with Goddess Durga winning over the demon Mahishasura which is again a reminder of the importance of virtue and the triumph of righteousness over injustice.

Significance of Dussehra

The festival of Dussehra is mythologically connected with the epic of Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Vishnu took an incarnation of Lord Rama, born in Ayodhya to King Dashratha and Queen Kaushalya. He later married Sita, the princess of Mithila. During their last year of exile of 14 years, the devil Ravana kidnaped Sita and Lord Rama had to fight a fierce battle against him to rescue her.

The day of Dussehra or the Vijayadashami is a symbol of Lord Rama’s victory in the battle which is ultimately the victory of good over evil. It is a reminder that no matter how hard the circumstances are, truth will always eventually win.

This theme of good winning over evil resonates with every culture and religion. It represents that negative forces don’t exist for long and moral order in the society will always get reinstated.

This festival provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and encourages us to conquer inner demons like anger, jealousy, and greed.

Each region in our country adds its unique color to the Dussehra festivities. From Ramleela processions and effigy burning in the North to this festival coinciding with Durga Puja in the East, everyone celebrates Vijayadashami differently but with the same spirit. In regions of Mysore and Karnataka, grand processions with decorated elephants are one of the most famous celebrations.

Celebrations of Dussehra 2024

Dussehra is a festival that is celebrated all over the nation with different kinds of celebrations. It is not just a one-day festival but a 10-day-long celebration of the Ramayana.

Dussehra is a public holiday in India that allows people to participate in the rituals. From schools to offices, almost every organization remains closed, enabling everyone to celebrate the festival with their families. From public processions to Ramleela festivities, there's lot to enjoy on this day!

Let’s have a look at the different types of festivities that go on during the Dussehra celebration:

Mysore

The city of Mysore awaits the festival of Dussehra all year long. It is also known as ‘Mysore Dasara’ which is celebrated with the royal fiesta during 9 days of Navratri.
A royal procession with decorated elephants and traditional music is carried out on the day of Dasara while the Mysore palace is decorated with thousands of lights to mark this day.

Delhi

In northern India, Dussehra festivities are a treat to witness! It begins 9 days in advance with Ramleela processions on multiple grounds in Delhi. People visit beautifully decorated temples with families and watch the effigy burning known as the Ravan Dahan.

Kolkata

India is rich in culture and diverse celebrations. While Dussehra is celebrated everywhere else, it coincides with another major festival of Eastern India- the Durga Pooja. People visit decorated pandals with their families and perform the Durga pooja rituals. It includes the immersion or Visarjan of these Durga Devi idols in rivers or ponds, marking the victory of good over evil, here in the form of Durga over Mahishasura.

Conclusion

Dussehra or Vijaydashmi is an occasion that marks the victory of good over evil. and offers the human race an opportunity for celebration and spiritual reflection of our own deeds.

It is a festival that brings people together for celebration while creating a bond of unity among diversity. Let’s embrace the spirit of Dussehra this year and make the most of this joyous and auspicious occasion with our loved ones.

FAQs: Dussehra Date, Timings, Significance

Q: What time will the Dussehra festivities begin?
Ans - This year, the Vijay muhurat will begin on October 12, 2024, at 02:03 PM and will end at 02:49 PM.

Q: What is the importance of performing a havan during Dussehra?
Ans - Performing a havan during Dussehra is considered an auspicious activity and is done to seek Lord Rama’s blessings.

Q: What are the main rituals associated with Dussehra?
Ans - Dussehra is associated with the victory of good over evil. The main rituals include performances such as Ramleela, Ravana vadh, and burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, collectively known as Ravan Dahan.

Q: Are there any special events or fairs held during Dussehra?
Ans - Yes. Fairs, processions, and cultural events are hosted all over India. Many local fairs showcase traditional performances and celebrations.

Q: How is Dussehra celebrated in different parts of India?
Ans - India is a land of diversity and every region celebrates Dussehra in its own way. In the north, Ramlila performances and effigy burning are the main events while in Mysore, royal processions are carried out. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated.