Interview Times 
FEATURE: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant Hindu festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. In 2024, Dussehra will be observed on October 12, with key timings marking the auspicious celebrations. The festival marks the end of Navratri and is observed with various rituals across India, including burning Ravana effigies, Ramlila performances, and Shastra Puja. It also brings people together to celebrate moral values, unity, and righteousness.
Dussehra 2024 Date and Timings
In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12. The festival falls on the tenth day, or Dashami Tithi, of the Shukla Paksha in Ashwina month. For this year, Dashami Tithi starts at 10:58 AM on October 12 and ends at 9:08 AM on October 13. Additionally, key timings for the auspicious day include Vijaya Muhurat from 2:08 PM to 2:56 PM and Apaharan Muhurat from 1:20 PM to 3:44 PM. These times mark when devotees and families come together to observe important rituals.
Significance of Dussehra
The festival embodies the core message of righteousness triumphing over evil, as symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Each of Ravana’s ten heads represents a human vice, such as pride, anger, greed, and lust. Dussehra serves as a reminder to conquer these vices and live a virtuous life. The day also marks the conclusion of Navratri, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, and in many regions, it commemorates her victory over the demon Mahishasura. This dual symbolism highlights the divine forces overcoming evil across various traditions.
Dussehra Rituals
Celebrated with grandeur, Dussehra rituals include prayers to Lord Rama, dramatic Ramlila performances recounting his story, and the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigies. Many communities also perform Shastra Puja, a tradition of worshipping tools, weapons, and implements as a sign of reverence for work. In West Bengal, where Dussehra coincides with the end of Durga Puja, the festival is marked by the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies. Each region incorporates unique practices, but the essence of the rituals lies in devotion, family bonding, and cultural festivities.
Dussehra Celebrations Across India
Dussehra celebrations vary across India, with each region adding its own flavor. In Delhi, grand fairs and Ramlila performances are followed by the burning of giant Ravana effigies. Mysore’s royal Dussehra is famous for its grand processions, lighting of the Mysore Palace, and cultural displays. Kullu in Himachal Pradesh celebrates with vibrant fairs and folk performances. In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with Vijayadashami, which includes the Sindoor Khela ritual and the immersion of Durga idols. Each of these unique regional festivities reflects the diversity and unity of India during Dussehra.
Why Dussehra is Celebrated
Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in the Ramayana, marking the ultimate triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). The ten days leading up to Dussehra, known as Navratri, are dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga. Another popular narrative linked to Dussehra is Goddess Durga’s battle against the demon Mahishasura, where she emerged victorious on the tenth day. These stories reflect the universal theme of good conquering evil and inspire people to overcome challenges with courage and faith.
Dussehra History: Lord Rama and the Defeat of Ravana
In the Ramayana, Ravana kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, and took her to his kingdom in Lanka. Lord Rama, with his brother Lakshman and an army of monkeys led by Lord Hanuman, waged a fierce battle against Ravana to rescue Sita. After ten days of war, Lord Rama finally defeated Ravana on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Dussehra. Effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, are burned to commemorate this victory.
The Story of Vijayadashami: Goddess Durga’s Victory Over Mahishasura
In another version, particularly in the eastern parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated as Vijayadashami to honor Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. After a nine-day battle, Durga defeated the demon on the tenth day, representing the power of divine forces to overcome evil. This story is closely linked to the Navratri festival, where each day is dedicated to worshipping one of Durga’s forms, culminating in her victory on Vijayadashami.
Dussehra 2024: A Time for Celebration and Togetherness
Beyond its religious significance, Dussehra brings families and communities together for joyous celebrations. Rituals, cultural performances, and grand festivities are observed across India, uniting people in shared values of righteousness, courage, and hope. In 2024, Dussehra will once again remind everyone of the triumph of good over evil, encouraging the pursuit of moral values and spiritual growth in everyday life
