Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated all across India and by Hindu communities worldwide. The festival marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and also celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which falls between September and October. It follows the nine-day Navratri festival, making it a very important cultural and religious event.
Date and Timing of Vijaydashami 2024
In 2024, Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12. According to Drik Panchang, the important timings for the day are:
- Dashami Tithi Begins: 10:58 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Dashami Tithi Ends: 9:08 AM on Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Shravana Nakshatra Begins: 5:25 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Shravana Nakshatra Ends: 4:27 AM on Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:03 PM to 2:49 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Aparahna Puja Time: 1:17 PM to 3:35 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024
Significance of Vijaydashami
The festival of Vijayadashami has deep meanings and values for Hindus. It teaches the importance of standing up for what is right and doing good in the world.
- Lord Rama’s Victory: The festival mainly celebrates Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana. The story comes from the Ramayana, where Rama, with the help of his allies like Hanuman, rescues his wife Sita from Ravana. This story reminds everyone that good will always overcome evil.
- Goddess Durga’s Triumph: Vijayadashami also celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This victory represents the power of women and how strong they can be. It shows that the forces of good, represented by Goddess Durga, will always win against evil.
- Cultural Unity: The festival of Vijayadashami brings people from different parts of India together. Each region may have different customs and ways of celebrating, but the message of victory, goodness, and happiness is the same everywhere.
Rituals Performed on Vijayadashami
Many religious rituals are performed during Vijayadashami, and they may vary from place to place, but a few important rituals are common throughout India.
- Idol Visarjan: In many regions, Vijayadashami is the last day of Durga Puja. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are taken in processions to rivers or lakes and immersed in water, signifying her return to her heavenly home.
- Ravana Dahan: In northern parts of India, large effigies of Ravana, along with his sons Meghnath and Kumbhkaran, are burnt in public places. This tradition, called Ravana Dahan, represents the defeat of evil and is celebrated with fireworks.
- Ayudha Puja: In southern parts of India, people perform Ayudha Puja, where they worship tools, weapons, vehicles, and even books. This ritual is to honor the instruments that help people in their work and daily lives, hoping for success and prosperity.
- Conclusion of Navratri: Vijayadashami is also the last day of the Navratri festival. People offer prayers to Goddess Durga, thanking her for her blessings during the nine days of Navratri. Special prayers and aartis are performed to seek her protection and guidance.
- Festive Feasts: On Vijayadashami, families and friends come together to share festive meals and sweets. Traditional dishes like ladoo, barfi, and other sweets are enjoyed as part of the celebrations.