Dussehra 2024, Date, Timings, Celebrations, and Significance of Vijaydashmi

Dussehra 2024: The festive season has officially begun! With Pitru Paksha, the period of honoring ancestors, coming to an end, Navratri has arrived. This nine-night festival is dedicated to worshiping Goddess Durga and concludes with the celebration of Dussehra or Maha Dashami.

The festival holds twofold importance: it marks Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, and it also celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. People across India celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. However, there is some confusion about the exact date for Dussehra 2024 due to differences in the Hindu calendar.

Dussehra 2024

Dussehra, also referred to as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. It also honors Goddess Durga’s defeat of the demon Mahishasura and marks the end of Navratri.

This festival holds immense cultural and spiritual importance, celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India. According to the Hindu calendar, Dussehra typically falls on the tenth day of the Ashwin or Kartik month.

Important Days in October 2024

Dussehra 2024 Date and Time

Navratri is celebrated four times a year, but the most widely recognized celebration occurs in September or October, known as Sharadiya Navratri. This festival culminates in Dussehra 2024, during which the four-day Durga Puja is also observed.

In 2024, the Dashami tithi will start at 10:58 AM on October 12 (Saturday) and conclude at 9:08 AM on October 13 (Sunday). Since the auspicious period begins on Saturday, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12.

As this date falls on the second Saturday of the month, banks will be closed on both Saturday and Sunday.

Why Is Dussehra Celebrated in India?

Dussehra is celebrated throughout India to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It honors two significant legends: Goddess Durga’s defeat of the buffalo demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s conquest of Raavan.

Mahishasura terrorized the heavens until Goddess Durga, created by the gods, fought and defeated him, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness.

Similarly, Lord Rama defeated Raavan, who had abducted Sita, after a fierce battle, restoring dharma. The festival culminates in the burning of Raavan’s effigies, celebrating the enduring spirit of virtue.

Dussehra 2024 Significance

Vijayadashami holds dual significance in Hindu tradition. It celebrates the day when Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita. This festival symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama’s righteousness (dharma) over Ravana’s unrighteousness (adharma).

In many regions of India, large effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are burned, followed by joyous festivities, dances, and theatrical performances known as Ram Lila.

Additionally, Vijayadashami honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga engaged in a fierce battle with Mahishasura for nine days and nights, ultimately defeating him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami. This victory signifies the triumph of divine feminine power over evil forces.

Dussehra 2024 Celebrations

Dussehra is celebrated with a variety of customs across India. Here’s a look at how different regions honor this festival:

Northern India:
Ramlila Performances: Dramatic reenactments of the Ramayana culminate in the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. These performances can last up to ten days and conclude on Dussehra with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran, often accompanied by fireworks to symbolize the destruction of evil.

Eastern India:
Durga Puja: In states like West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the conclusion of Durga Puja. Elaborate pandals showcase beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. The festival concludes with the immersion (Visarjan) of these idols in rivers or ponds, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her celestial home and marking her victory over Mahishasura.

Southern India:
Mysore Dasara: In Karnataka, Mysore Dasara is famous for its grandeur, featuring a royal procession (Jumboo Savari) led by elaborately decorated elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking view.

Western India:
Navratri Celebrations: Leading up to Dussehra, the Navratri festival in states like Gujarat involves traditional folk dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas, which continue late into the night. On Dussehra, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies.

Apta Tree Worship: In Maharashtra, the leaves of the Apta tree are exchanged as symbols of gold, commemorating the day as one of victory and prosperity.

Dussehra 2024 FAQs

Q.1. What is Dussehra?
Ans. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

Q.2. When is Dussehra celebrated in 2024?
Ans. Dussehra 2024 will be celebrated on October 12, with the Dashami tithi beginning at 10:58 AM on that day.

Q.3. Why do people burn effigies on Dussehra?
Ans. Burning effigies of Ravana symbolizes the destruction of evil and the victory of good over evil, as celebrated in the Ramayana.

Q.4. What customs are associated with Dussehra in different regions?
Ans. Customs vary by region, including Ramlila performances in Northern India, Durga Puja in Eastern India, and Mysore Dasara celebrations in Southern India.

Q.5. What is the significance of Apta tree worship during Dussehra?
Ans. In Maharashtra, exchanging Apta tree leaves symbolizes prosperity and victory, commemorating Dussehra as a day of triumph.