Dussehra 2024 - Vijaya Dashami Date & Puja Muhurat
By: Future Point | 29-Sep-2023
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The festival of Dussehra which is popularly known as Vijaya Dashami, will be celebrated on 12th October 2024. It marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama defeating Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura.
Dussehra is the culmination of the 14-day Ramleela enactments of Lord Rama's life story across India. As a ritual that has been a part of the celebration for centuries now, effigies of Ravana along with his brother Kumbhakarana and son Meghnada are burnt to symbolize the victory of good over evil. From an astrological point of view specifically the concept of ‘Muhurat’, Dussehra is an occasion that is considered as very auspicious for starting new endeavours including getting married.
As part of tradition & rich cultural heritage, people remove clutter from their home and make it tidy. Apart from decorating their homes, people worship the deities related to this festival. The day reminds us that truth and righteousness always prevail over deceit and evil. Dussehra spreads the message of courage, devotion to duty, and rising above ego to spread light.
Dussehra 2024 or Vijay Dashmi Puja Rituals
The Vijay Dashami 2024 puja involves some special rituals and worship procedures. It is customary for people to rise early in the morning, take a bath and worship the deities with a devout heart for seeking divine blessings. Food donations and meals for Brahmins and the poor are organized. Generous feasts are offered to them, after which the devotees partake of the prasad meals.
Feeding people on Dussehra is said to negate countless of our troubling karmas from our past lifetimes. People also prepare sweets and other dishes at home to offer as ‘bhog’ to the divine/deities and share with family & friends. These rituals remind us to uphold dharma, nurture community spirit, and fill our hearts with devotion through ‘seva’ or selfless service.
Dussehra 2024 - Muhurat, Tithi, and Pooja Timings
Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami 2023 will be celebrated on 24th October, Tuesday in India.
Dashami Tithi Begins: 23 October 2023, Monday (05:44 PM)
Dashami Tithi Ends: 24 October 2023, Tuesday (03:14 PM)
Vijay Muhurata: 24 October 2023, Tuesday (Start: 01:58 PM | End: 02:43 PM)
Aparahna Puja Time: 24 October 2023, Tuesday (Start: 01:13 PM | End: 03:28 PM)
Significance of Dussehra Festival
Victory of Light Over Darkness
The festival Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami marks the victory of light over darkness (good over evil). The legends of Lord Rama defeating Ravana and Goddess Durga conquering Mahishasura signify the triumph of virtue, righteousness and morality. Huge effigies of the demons are burnt to represent the destruction of evil.
End of Sharad Navratri
Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami also marks the completion of the 9 days long festival of Sharad Navratri, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga in Her 9 forms.
Completion of the Ram Leela
In North India, Dussehra coincides with the end of 14-day Ram Leela which is the theatrical enactment of Lord Rama's life story. The effigy burning symbolizes Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
Worshipping Tools, Vehicles and Scriptures
Many people worship their tools, instruments, vehicles and equipment on Dussehra, seeking blessings for their trade and livelihood. Holy books and scriptures are also revered on this day.
Cultural Celebrations
Dussehra has deep cultural significance. In Bengal, it is celebrated as Durga Puja with elaborately decorated ‘pandals’ and processions. Various local traditions and community rituals mark the festival's uniqueness across India.
Bonds of Community
Special meals are organized where people come together to celebrate in the spirit of humanity, equality and harmony. The festival fosters community bonding.
Story of Dussehra
As per the holy Hindu scriptures, a very powerful demon king by the name of Ravana abducted Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama resulting in a fierce battle in which Lord Rama killed Ravana and freed His wife. It was the day of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi when Lord Rama who represented Dharma emerged victorious over Ravana who represented evil.
Ram Leela in Dussehra
Dussehra is widely celebrated, primarily in the northern parts of India. This occasion is celebrated with great fervor & enthusiasm. The Ram Leela culminates on this day with the traditional ceremonial burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnada having firecrackers inside, thus creating a memorable spectacle that gives a positive message of the victory of good over evil.
Mysore Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated in each and every part of India but in Mysore, which by the way is in southern India, the colors of Dussehra are different and vibrant. As part of Dussehra celebrations, the entire city embraces the festive spirit. Mysore city appears to be dressed with flowers, lights, stalls, music and the people. People flock to the venues of celebration in the city at the time of Dussehra.
Notably in Mysore city, the festival of Dussehra begins with the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari with prayers & puja rituals being performed by the royalty from the former Wadiyar dynasty over there. This ritual happens atop the Chamundi hills, where the temple is located.
Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Orissa and the city of Kolkata are also famous for the vibrant colors of Dussehra festival. Here the festival is preceded by week-long celebrations. Pooja pandals are organized on the occasion of Dussehra and people wear new clothes and prepare traditional food and celebrate this festival with their family and friends. There are some places where plays are also organized which depict the story of Ramayana which culminates in the killing Ravana on this day.
In India, Dussehra is the most significant festival for Hindus. Shardiya Navratri also ends with the celebration of Dussehra. It is believed that Lord Rama also worshipped Maa Durga to achieve success in the war with Ravana. Dussehra is the festival which gives you happiness and can fulfill your dreams and desires. This festival embarks the victory of truth & positivity over evil & bad powers.
Conclusion
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with utmost devotion and enthusiasm. New clothes, money, food and essentials are donated to the underprivileged on Dussehra.
People seek blessings from elders and exchange good wishes with loved ones. People feast on festive sweets and visit each other's homes to share joy and strengthen community bonds on this auspicious day.
The Dussehra puja rituals signify the deeper spiritual meaning behind the festivities - conquering ego, nurturing compassion and upholding Dharma.
Wishing you a very happy & prosperous Dussehra!