Dussehra, one of India's most cherished festivals, is a grand celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India with great fervour and enthusiasm. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Ashvin, the seventh month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling in September or October. Dussehra brings together diverse traditions and joyous festivities.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra signifies different historical and cultural events in various regions of India, each adding a unique flavour to the festivities. Dussehra's significance lies in its celebration of victory. In the southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India, the festival marks the culmination of Durga Puja, commemorating the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma (righteousness).
In the northern, central, and western states, Dussehra is synonymous with the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the epic Ramayana. This aspect of the festival highlights the victory of virtue and righteousness over sin and immorality.
Additionally, Dussehra is a time to honour one of the aspects of the goddess Devi, such as Durga or Saraswati, emphasizing the divine feminine power and its role in maintaining balance and harmony in the universe.
Key Rituals and Traditions
Durga Visarjan (Immersion)
In Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and other eastern states, Vijayadashami is the final day of Durga Puja. Enormous clay idols of Goddess Durga, often accompanied by idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are carried in grand processions to rivers or the sea and immersed in water. Drummers and singers escort the idols while devotees bid the goddess a tearful farewell, often chanting “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” (“she will return next year”). This solemn immersion signifies Durga’s return to her heavenly abode after defeating Mahishasura, blending emotion and celebration.
Ramlila and Effigy Burning
Across North India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, etc.), elaborate Ramlila plays depict episodes from the Ramayana over many nights. On Vijayadashami, the climax scene is enacted—Lord Rama slays Ravana—culminating in the burning of large effigies of Ravana and sometimes his kin. Fireworks and cheers accompany this spectacle, symbolizing virtue’s triumph over evil. This tradition of puppet-like dramas and effigy burning is recognized as part of India’s cultural heritage.
Vidyarambham (Initiation into Learning)
Vijayadashami is also celebrated as Saraswati Puja, a festival of learning and the arts. In Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka, families hold the Vidyarambham ceremony for young children. A guru or elder guides the child’s hand to write their first letter of the respective state's language in a plate of rice or sand, symbolizing the beginning of education under Goddess Saraswati’s grace. Schools sometimes admit new students on Vijayadashami, as any learning begun on this day is believed to thrive under the goddess’s protective blessings.
In Tamil Nadu, especially at the Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekarapatnam, devotees enact the slaying of Mahishasura with locals dressed as gods, goddesses, and mythic figures. This colourful celebration highlights the region’s unique Dussehra devotion.
Apta (Shami) Leaf Exchange
In Maharashtra, Karnataka, and neighbouring regions, people exchange Apta (Shami) leaves on Vijayadashami evening. The leaves are first touched to elders’ feet and then offered to one another with the greeting “Shubh Vijayadashami.” Mythologically, these leaves are said to turn to gold, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.
Observing Vijayadashami at Home
Even those not attending public festivities can celebrate Vijayadashami with devotion. Common practices include:
- Decorating a small altar with images of Durga, Rama, or Saraswati
- Lighting oil lamps and chanting prayers for peace and dharma
- Performing simple Durga or Rama pujas or Saraswati pujas for knowledge
- Starting new studies or opening new textbooks ceremonially
- Cleaning homes and vehicles in honour of Ayudha Puja
- Exchanging sweet delicacies and Apta leaves with neighbours and relatives
Vijayadashami is also considered an auspicious muhurat for new ventures, businesses, or educational pursuits, believed to receive Goddess Saraswati’s blessings.
Vijayadashami Date and time:
In 2025, the auspicious tenth day (Dashami) of the lunar month Ashvin falls on Thursday, October 2. According to the Vakya Panchang, the Dashami tithi begins on the evening of October 1 at approximately 3:35 PM and continues until 3:45 PM on October 2.
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