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Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, occurs on the tenth day of Navratri. It symbolizes good triumphing over evil. Learn the celebrations, history, and dates.
Dussehra, an auspicious occasion, is almost approaching. The holiday, also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara, or Dashain, commemorates the day when Lord Rama and Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and the demon king Ravana, respectively.
It occurs on the seventh day of the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar’s Ashwin, or the tenth day of the month. Following the nine days of Navratri, Maa Durga followers celebrate Dussehra with great fanfare on the tenth day. Vijayadashami is well-known in West Bengal, although the term Dussehra is more frequently used in the states of North India and Karnataka.
Bengalis practice Durga Visarjan to mark the event, during which time devotees immerse Maa Durga idols in sacred sources of water. Additionally, Ram Lila plays are presented all over the nation, massive fairs are planned, and throngs of people gather to watch Ravan effigies burn.
In 2023, When is Dussehra? Muhurat for Vijayadashami Puja:
On October 24, Dussehra or Vijayadashami is observed. According to Drik Panchang, the Vijaya Muhurat starts at 1:58 and ends at 2:43. It is Puja time in the afternoon from 1:13 to 3:28. The Shravana Nakshatra extends from October 22 at 6:44 pm to October 23 at 5:14 pm, while the Dashami Tithi begins on October 23 at 5:44 pm and ends on October 24 at 3:14 pm.
Vijayadashami History and Importance for Dussehra 2023
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Dussehra occurs on Shukla Paksha Dashmi, a day after Maha Navami or at the conclusion of Shardiya Navratri, in the month of Ashwin. Vijayadashami commemorates when good prevailed over evil. Hindu mythology states that on this day, Lord Rama vanquished Ravana, the evil ruler of Lanka. According to a different legend, Maa Durga conquered Mahishasura following a ferocious conflict that lasted nine days.
Additionally, Dussehra marks the start of the Diwali celebrations. It occurs 20 days before the festivals of light, which commemorate the return of Lord Rama, Maa Sita, and Lord Lakshman. The Vijayadashmi festival promotes the idea that good will triumph over evil and light will dispel darkness. On this day, individuals offer prayers for wealth and well-being. In some regions of the nation, worshipping the Shami tree on Vijayadashami has special importance as well because it’s thought that Arjun concealed his weapons there while he was in exile.
2023: Vijayadashami Celebrations for Dussehra
Burning effigies of Ravana, the brave warrior son of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran, the brother of the Lankan King, are a traditional feature of the celebration of Dussehra or Vijayadashami in North India and a few other regions of the nation.
All nine days of Navratri are dedicated to Ramlilas, dramatic retellings of Rama’s life. On the tenth day, Ravana is finally put to death. As each of Ravana’s 10 heads represents one terrible attribute, Dussehra also represents purging oneself of sins or undesirable traits.
In Bengal, people say Maa Durga farewell by submerging her statues in bodies of water. They also ask the Goddess to visit them the following year and watch over them while protecting them from all harm and misery.