Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India. It marks the triumph of good over evil, symbolised by Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, as depicted in the ancient epic Ramayana. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) and comes at the end of the nine-day festival of Navratri. The festival is a time for grand celebrations, where effigies of Ravana are burned, and dramatic performances of the Ramayana are staged, symbolising the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).
Dussehra Dates for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Dussehra in the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12/10/2024 | Saturday |
| 2025 | 01/10/2025 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | 20/10/2026 | Tuesday |
The Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. According to the Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. After a fierce battle, Lord Rama, with the help of his loyal companion Hanuman and an army of monkeys, defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and justice over injustice.
In some parts of India, particularly in West Bengal, Dussehra also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of feminine power and the divine mother.
How Dussehra is Celebrated
Dussehra is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm across India, and the customs and traditions vary from region to region. However, the core message of the festival – the triumph of good over evil – remains central to all celebrations.
- Effigy Burning: One of the most iconic rituals of Dussehra is the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad. These effigies are stuffed with firecrackers and set ablaze in public grounds, symbolising the destruction of evil. This event is often accompanied by large gatherings, with people cheering the victory of good over evil.
- Ramlila Performances: In northern India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, dramatic reenactments of the Ramayana, known as Ramlila, are performed in open-air theatres. These performances depict the life of Lord Rama, his battle with Ravana, and his eventual victory. The Ramlila culminates in the burning of Ravana’s effigy, marking the end of Dussehra.
- Processions and Fairs: Many cities and towns across India host processions and fairs during Dussehra. In Mysuru (Karnataka), the famous Mysuru Dasara festival includes a grand procession with decorated elephants, horses, and cultural performances. In Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), the Kullu Dussehra festival features a week-long celebration with processions, folk dances, and music.
- Worship and Rituals: In many regions, Dussehra is a time for special prayers and rituals to honour the deities. People visit temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga to seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and protection from evil.
Dussehra in Different Parts of India
Dussehra is celebrated with regional variations across India, each adding its unique flavour to the festival.
- North India: In northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana, Dussehra is celebrated with the burning of Ravana’s effigies and Ramlila performances. The festival is also a time for fairs, where people gather to enjoy rides, games, and food.
- West Bengal: In West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the culmination of Durga Puja, the grand festival honouring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. On Vijayadashami, the idol of Durga is immersed in rivers or seas, marking the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode.
- Karnataka: Mysuru’s Dussehra celebrations are among the most famous in India. The Mysuru Palace is illuminated, and a grand procession featuring caparisoned elephants, royal carriages, and cultural performances takes place. The entire city comes alive with festivities, drawing tourists from across the country.
- Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated with prayers to the deities and the exchange of “apta” leaves, symbolising gold. The festival is also considered an auspicious time to begin new ventures or make important purchases.
Dussehra – A Festival of Victory and Renewal
Dussehra is not just a celebration of a historical or mythological event but a time for renewal and the reaffirmation of moral values. It serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful evil may seem, righteousness and truth will ultimately prevail. The festival inspires people to embrace goodness, uphold justice, and fight against wrongdoings in their own lives.
Whether through the dramatic retelling of the Ramayana, the burning of effigies, or the worship of Goddess Durga, Dussehra brings communities together in a spirit of unity and celebration. It is a time to reflect on the moral lessons of the festival and to carry forward the legacy of victory over evil into everyday life.
Popular FAQs about Dussehra
- Is Dussehra a public holiday in India? Yes, Dussehra is a gazetted public holiday in India. It is observed nationwide, though the way it is celebrated varies from region to region.
- What is the significance of burning Ravana’s effigy on Dussehra? Burning Ravana’s effigy symbolises the destruction of evil and the triumph of good. It reenacts the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, representing the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).
- How is Dussehra celebrated in different parts of India? Dussehra is celebrated with regional variations across India. In northern India, effigies of Ravana are burned, while in West Bengal, it coincides with the immersion of Durga idols. Karnataka celebrates with grand processions in Mysuru, and fairs and cultural performances are common across the country.
- Why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami? Dussehra is called Vijayadashami because it is the day of victory (Vijaya) on the tenth (Dashami) day of the Hindu month of Ashwin. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and, in some regions, the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.