A significant day in Indian culture, Dussehra marks the glorious triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. A vibrant festival that has its roots deep in the Indian mythology, Dussehra significance marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s conquest of Mahishasura. Celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across the country, it is during this time of the year that the atmosphere all around fills up with devotion, drama, and dazzling displays. From Ramlila performances to effigy burnings, Dussehra significance brings communities together in shared celebrations.
Dussehra 2025: Time and dates
A day that marks the celebration of righteousness, courage, and the timeless message that virtue always prevails, Vijaydashami or Dussehra 2025 date is on October 2nd this year.
The Dussehra 2025 start date and end date timings begin from the Dashami Tithhi on October 1st, 2025 at 7:01 pm, lasting 7:10 pm on October 2nd, 2025. The Vijaya Muhurat of Dussehra 2025 date is on October 2nd from 2:09 pm to 2:56 pm.
Significance of Dussehra
Vijaydashami or Dussehra festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in India. A celebration that symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil, Dussehra's significance is immense. A day that commemorates two major mythological victories, that are Lord Rama’s victory against the demon king Ravana, and the vanquish of the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga after a nine day fierce battle.
Celebrated at the end of Navratri, Dussehra festival serves as a reminder of righteousness, courage, and the power of dharma prevailing over all sorts of immorality.
Dussehra rituals across India
A vibrant festival that is widely celebrated across the country, Dussehra is embraced across regions in India in diverse forms. Weaving a rich tapestry of devotion, drama, and community spirit, Dussehra festival rituals are not merely traditions, but a living story that is passed down through generations. Here’s for you to discover some of the significant rituals of Dussehra festival-
1. Shami puja
A ritual that honors the divine tree, shami puja is a Dussehra ritual that is practiced in many parts of India, especially in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. A ritual that begins with worshipping the Shami tree, which is believed to be extremely powerful and sacred, devotees exchange the leaves of the tree as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
2. Ayudha puja
A ritual that is practiced especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Ayudha puja forms a crucial part of the Dussehra festival celebrations. On this day, people clean, decorate, and worship their tools, instruments, vehicles, machines, and so on.
3. Ramlila
A theatrical reenactment of the Ramayana, Ramilia forms an integral part of the Dussehra festivities. An iconic tradition that is mainly witnessed in North India, Ramilila is a dramatic retailing of the Ramayana. Continuing over several evenings, stages come to life in even the smallest of towns and villages with performances that depict the life of Lord Rama, culminating into the grand battle with Ravana.
4. Effigy burning
The climax of Dussehra festival is marked by burning of towering effigies of Ravana, along with those of his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkarna. A dramatic ritual that is a spectacle of sound, fire, and light, this practice generally takes place in open grounds and is accompanied by fireworks and fanfare.
5. Saraswati puja and Vidyarambham
Practiced primarily in the eastern and southern parts of India during the Navratri period leading to Dussehra, in this ritual Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. The deity of learning, wisdom, and the arts, book, pens, and instruments are placed before her idol, and children perform Vidyarambham, which is their first introduction to education.
6. Seema avalangan
A unique ritual called Seema Avalangan takes place in Maharashtra during the time of Dussehra, where people ceremonially cross the village boundaries. This act symbolizes the conquering of limitations and the expansion of one’s horizons, in terms of material, spiritual, as well as intellectual.
How Dussehra is celebrated across India
A cultural phenomenon that sweeps across the Indian subcontinent with vibrant diversity, Dussehra is an absolute cultural phenomenon. While the essence of the festival remains the same, the celebrations vary magnificently from one region to another.
- Northern India- In states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Bihar, Dussehra is deeply intertwined with the epic of Ramayana, and is celebrated with the popular Ramlila performances.
- Eastern India- In the states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Dussehra coincides with the conclusion of Durga Puja, which is one of the most emotionally resonant festivals in the region.
- Southern India- In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, Dussehra is observed with a blend of Navratri devotion, Ayudha Puja, and Bommai Golu or doll displays.
- Western India- In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan Dussehra is steeped in rituals of valor, devotion, and community celebration.
- Central India- Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh celebrate Dussehra with a blend of folk and mainstream rituals.