Dussehra emphasizes the victory of good over evil. Here’s everything you need to know about this auspicious festival and why we really celebrate it?
It is usually celebrated on the Dashmi Tithi of Ashwin in Shukla Paksha. This year it will fall on October 24, Tuesday.
DUSSEHRA 2023: SIGNIFICANCE
The name of this festival Dusshera originates from Sanskrit where Dasha means ten and Hara means Hara. It was the day lord ram killed the demon Ravan. Dussehra also considered the beginning of the full-fledged festival. Hearing the word Dussehra – many memories flash – our childhood memories, the carnival, pandals, raving dahan, sweets, and lots of fireworks. Often, carnivals and fairs are held throughout the country.
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According to Hindu mythology, Ravana is a demon king who kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife Mata Sita. To save her wife, Lord Rama traveled to Lanka along with his brothers Lakshman and Lord Hanuman and killed Ravana on the tenth day of battle.
On the other hand, this day celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and it is celebrated as Vijaydashmi.
DUSSEHRA 2023: DATE AND TIME
- Dashmi Tithi Starts : October 23- 05.44 PM
- Dahsami Tithi Ends: October 24- 03.14 PM
- Aparahna Puja Timing: October 24 – 12.40 pm to 2.59 pm
- Vijay Muhurat : October 24 – 1.26 pm to 2.12 pm
Ritual for Dusshera
During Dussehra, people offer prayers to Lord Rama and other deities. They also perform a delightful dahan and set up pandals decorated with flowers and lights. In Hindu culture, Dussehra rituals will be performed at the time of Aparahan. Some people mix rice, yogurt and vermilion together and apply tilak to their family members, and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Ram.
DUSSEHRA CELEBRATION ACROSS INDIA
- North India: People reenact Ramleela during those nine days where they show the entire story of the epic Ramayana. The spectacle culminates on the tenth day when effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad. A huge crown participates in this Ravan Dahan and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
- Andhra Pradesh: On the auspicious day of Dussehra, people honor their elders by offering them shami tree leaves. Many people also participate in the boat festival which is popularly known as Theppotsvam.
- West Bengal: On the tenth day, people offer sindoor to Maa Durga and worship her.
- Kerala: That day is celebrated as Vidhyarambham day in which little children learn to write their names.
During this festival, don’t forget to enjoy Ramleela, actors play different roles of Ramyana and represent the entire Ramayana story to the audience. This is an interesting way to impart knowledge to the younger generations and connect them to our cultural roots. The tenth day is to celebrate Lord Ram’s victory over the demon Ravana. On that day, several actors dress up as lord Ram and go from place to place and perform Ravan Dahan. It was a wonderful experience to see these.