Dussehra 2024

A significant Hindu festival called Vijayadashami, sometimes referred to as Dussehra, Dasara, or Dashain, is observed annually at the conclusion of Navaratri. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the seventh lunar month of Ashvin in the Hindu calendar.The celebration, which usually takes place in September and October of the Gregorian calendar.

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami) will be observed this year.

Dussehra Date in 2024

Dussehra 2024 Puja Timings

Dussehra on saturday, October 12, 2024

Note: Dashami Tithi start and end time- 10:58 AM on Oct 12, 2024 to 09:08 AM on Oct 13, 2024

About Dussehra/Vijayadashami

The festival of Vijayadashami celebrates the victories of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana and Goddess Durga over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. Dussehra or Dasara are other names for Vijayadashami. Dasara is known as Dashain in Nepal.

On the day of Vijayadashami, rituals including Seema Avalanghan, Aparajita Puja, and Shami Puja are performed. These rituals must be performed at the Aparahna period in accordance with the Hindu day division.

Dussehra: How Is It Celebrated?

Vijayadashami is observed for numerous reasons and is observed differently throughout the Indian subcontinent. In the northern portions of India, devotees celebrate the triumph of virtue over evil by dressing in new clothes and holding open celebrations.

Vijayadashami signifies the conclusion of Durga Puja in the southern, eastern, northeastern, and certain northern areas of India. This celebrates goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo monster Mahishasura to restore and safeguard dharma. 

It honours the hero Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana and signals the end of Ramlila in the northern, central, and western regions. Alternatively, it signifies respect for one of the goddess Devi’s incarnations, such as Saraswati or Durga.

During Vijayadashami festivities, clay sculptures of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya are carried in processions to a river or ocean front while being accompanied by music and chanting. The statues are then submerged in the water for disintegration and goodbye. 

In some locations, enormous effigies of Ravana, a representation of evil, are set and burned with fireworks to symbolise the defeat of evil. The celebration also signals the beginning of Diwali, the significant festival of lights that follows Vijayadashami by 20 days.

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