Dussehra, one of the most important Hindu festivals, is similarly celebrated in India. Celebrating monumental effigies representing the demons Ravana and Kumbhkaran are burned in different parts of the country. This festival, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates victory over evil.So let’s take a look at Dussehra Vijayadashami – Muhurat, Puja at home, Significance & Rituals
Dussehra falls on Shukla Paksha’s tenth day during the Ashwani maas each year. The festival will be held on October 24, 2023. Let’s learn more about Dussehra and Vijayadashami 2023. This blog will cover the legends and significance of the festival and how it is celebrated across India. So, let’s get started.
Dussehra Vijayadashami 2023 Muhurat – Date and Timings
Dussehra falls on 24th October this year, which happens to be a Tuesday. However, the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha will begin 05:44 pm on October 23, 2023 and continue till 03:14 pm on October 24, 2023.
The Vijay Dashami muhurat is between 02:18 pm and 03:05 pm on 24th October. You can increase the odds of winning or completing a task successfully if you start it during this auspicious time.
Significance of Dussehra
Vijayadashmi, or Dussehra, is one of the most important festivals of Hindus, which is celebrated across India to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. It is also celebrated in Nepal and Bangladesh with special rituals, traditions, and great enthusiasm. Dussehra is associated with many stories, so it is celebrated in different ways throughout the country. Dussehra has many names, but the meaning remains the same. This festival also celebrates ending negative energy and evil and bringing forth good things.You will get a brief at Dussehra Vijayadashami – Muhurat, Puja at home, Significance & Rituals
Legends Associated with Dussehra or Vijayadashami
Dussehra is widely celebrated because it celebrates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, the demon king, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. That is not the only legend that Vijayadashami has. It is also believed to have been the day Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. Let’s take a closer look at these exciting legends which have led to one of the most important Hindu festivals.
The Battle between Lord Rama and Ravana
When the demon king Ravana kidnaps Sita, Lord Rama fights Ravana to free her from his control. Lord Hanuman, his avatar senator Sena, and Lord Rama reached Lanka to help defeat Ravana’s army of demons. Kumbhkaran, Ravana’s younger brother, and Meghnath, Ravana’s son, joined the fight and were ultimately killed. Lord Rama killed Ravana after a hard fight on the tenth of the Shukla Paksha at the Ashwani maas. This day is known as Dussehra in India.
When Goddess Durga Defeated Mahishasura
According to legend, Mahishasura, the demon, caused a commotion and made life difficult for everyone and everything. He worshipped Lord Brahma and received the boon that neither god nor man could kill him. He started to misuse his power and defeated Lord Indra to cause unrest in heaven. The mighty goddess Durga was created when Lord Brahma and Vishnu combined their power. The mighty goddess, who swore to protect all things, went on to fight Mahishasura. She was determined to fight the demon and defeat him on the day we celebrate as Vijayadashami.
Rituals Performed on Dussehra
On Vijayadashami, you often see burning effigies o Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghanath. It is also a good day to perform puja rituals. Shami Puja, also known as Banni Puja and Aparajita Puja, is one of the most sacred rituals performed on this date. Let’s take a look at the puja ceremonies.
Shami Puja
Shami Puja was performed by warriors (Kshatriyas) and kings. On this day, people worship the Shami tree in the northeast corner of their town. If one does not find Shami trees, Ashmantak can also be worshipped.
Aparajita Puja
As part of the Aparajita Puja on Dussehra, Devi Aparajita can be worshipped. This puja is performed to pray for success and blessings in all aspects of life. Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped Devi Aparajita before he set out for Lanka to battle Ravana and his army of demons.
Dussehra Celebration in the Different Indian States
The celebrations begin on the first day of Navratri. Dussehra is believed to be the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival, during which Goddess Durga (and her nine avatars) are worshipped extensively. Here is Dussehra Vijayadashami – Muhurat, Puja at home, Significance & Rituals . These festivities include Dussehra. Let’s take a closer look at the celebrations:
Ramlila Programs
Ramlila celebrations are held in various parts of India to celebrate this occasion. Huge pandals have been set up to accommodate many people who enjoy Lord Rama’s legend. Ramlila programs usually begin on the first day of Navratri. Actors dressed as Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, Goddess Sita, or Lord Hanuman perform various episodes of Ramayana in sequence. To complete the story in ten days, this is done. The actor portraying Lord Rama fires an arrow at Kumbhakaran’s and Ravana’s puppets, while the one playing Lord Lakshmana fires at Meghnath’s effigy. These enormous effigies are filled with firecrackers and catch fire, burning to the ground.
Worshipping Ravana
People celebrate this occasion in certain parts of India, such as Jodhpur Rajasthan, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, Kolar, Andhra Pradesh, Kakinada, and Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh.
Visarjan
Devotees in West Bengal celebrate Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura by making merry and worshipping her from Saptami Tithi to Dashami. Large pandals perform Durga Aarti in the morning and evening hours. The Ganges is used to immerse the Durga idols on Vijayadashami. At Visarjan, people sing, dance, and play in colors.
International Dussehra Festival
Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) hosts the International Mega Dussehra Festival to celebrate the occasion. It begins on Vijayadashami and lasts seven days. This festival attracts more than 4-5 million people each year.
How Can a Traveller Enjoy Dussehra Celebrations?
Pandal hopping in Kolkata is a great way to see the best Dussehra in India if you are a traveller. Pandals are organized in the city, with thousands of them. Each one has a unique theme and decorative style. The night is when pandals are most vibrant and beautiful. You can still avoid crowds during daylight.
A Ramlila, a traditional Ramayan performance, is another great experience travellers can enjoy on Dussehra. It takes place throughout the country. That will help you understand the meaning and origin of Dussehra.
A Few Tips to Enjoy Dussehra Celebrations
- Please get your tickets early as the festival can get very crowded.
- Dress well when visiting temples and be polite.
- Get to know the story of Ramlila before you attend an event. It is in Hindi.
Dussehra Celebration and Decoration Ideas
These decorations and ideas will help you celebrate Dussehra, whether you’re a strict celebrator or want to have fun. These ideas will help you give your home a special feeling.
Decluttering is the key
Decluttering your home and mind is key to Dussehra celebrations. A room’s objects draw energy. A clean and uncluttered room can encourage positive energy and remove negative energy.
Dussehra celebration and decoration with greens
Flowers and plants are the heart of festive decorations. Enjoy the Dussehra festival with stunning decorations in your home. Place a glass or terracotta bowl in your living area to create a refreshing atmosphere. Fill it with water and some flowers.
Dussehra celebration and decorations are incomplete without lighting
Even though Diwali is the festival that lights up, you can use many other decorations. Install string and LED lights to bring out festive vibes and make the most of the Dussehra festivities.
Bring your old traditional clothes into use
You can remove the elegant vintage sarees you haven’t worn and pull them out of your wardrobe. You can use them as drapes for your centre and side tables. Add flowers and lights to the tables to enhance the Dussehra festivities.
Decorate with assorted dolls
Don’t limit yourself to plain, sterile dolls in rows. You can have fun with Dussehra dolls by creating a village setting. To create a miniature village, you can use twigs. That will give Dussehra celebrations a natural festive feel.
Amp up your entryway and balcony and window railings with flowers
Flowers can give your home a welcoming and fresh feel. You can have serene Dussehra celebrations at your home by creating a floral pathway at the entrance, window girls, and railings that are layered with flowers.
Interesting Facts about Dussehra Celebrations
Check out these interesting facts about Vijaydashmi celebrations.
- Dussehra, a Sanskrit term for “the sun will not rise”, is a Sanskrit word. Many believe the sun would not have risen if Ravana had not defeated Lord Rama.
- The ten heads representing Ravana symbolize ten evil qualities: anger, injustice and cruelty, greed, lust over pride, ego selfishness, and attachment. Burning a Ravana statue also signifies purifying one’s soul from sin.
- Vijayadashmi combines two words: Vijaya and Dashmi, which mean victory, and the tenth of the lunar calendar. Many believe that Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura on this day.
- According to legend, the first Dussehra celebration was held during the reign of the King of Mysore in the 17th century. Since then, Indians have organized Dussehra celebrations full of energy and enthusiasm.
- Buddhists refer to this day as Ashok Vijayadashmi. They believe Ashoka, the Mauryan king who converted to Buddhism in 1956, is believed to have done so.
Conclusion to Dussehra / Vijayadashami
This blog should have given you an idea of Dussehra and why it is celebrated across India. Most people celebrate the burning of the effigies Meghnath and Kumbhakaran. Still, others engage in puja rituals like Shami Puja or Aparajita Puja to overcome obstacles and bring positivity into their lives. Vijaya Muhurat is considered especially auspicious on Dussehra. That’s a great day to start new projects or make large purchases.
Also Read: Awesome Dussehra Decoration Ideas 2022
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