Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the major festivals of Hinduism. This festival is considered to symbolize the victory of truth over falsehood and Dharma over Adharma. In various regions of India, traditions such as the worship of Lord Rama, Ravana Dahan, Shastra Puja, and the worship of Goddess Durga are observed on this day.
The festival of Vijayadashami is mainly celebrated on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month.
Importance of Dussehra
Dussehra holds special significance in Indian religious and cultural traditions. According to the tradition of Ramayana, Lord Rama killed Ravana, the king of Lanka, on this day. Therefore, this day is considered to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
The Dashami Tithi is also important in the context of Navratri. In many traditions, it is associated with the victory of Goddess Durga over the demonic forces.
Thus, Vijayadashami is a festival associated with the victory traditions of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Durga.
Mythological story of Vijayadashami
According to the story of Ramayana, Ravana, the king of Lanka, had abducted Mother Sita. Lord Shri Ram, while searching for Mother Sita, crossed the sea with the help of the monkey army and attacked Lanka.
A war took place between Ram and Ravana. After a long struggle, Lord Shri Ram killed Ravana and freed Mother Sita.
In memory of this victory, there is a tradition of celebrating Vijayadashami on Ashwin Shukla Dashami.
Dussehra and Ravana Dahan
On the occasion of Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are made at many places in India. These are burnt in the evening.
The burning of Ravana is symbolically considered to be a message of victory over ego, anger, greed and other negative tendencies.
Method of worship on Vijayadashami
On the day of Vijayadashami, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. After this, remember Lord Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Laxman and Hanuman ji in the puja place of the house.
General method of worship:
Clean the puja place.
Meditate on Lord Shri Ram and Mata Durga.
Light a lamp and incense.
Offer flowers, rice grains and naivedya.
Chant the name of Shri Ram.
Recite the episodes from Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas.
Worship Mother Durga.
Pray for the happiness, peace and well-being of the family.
The method of worship may vary according to regional and family traditions.
Auspicious Mantra of Vijayadashami
This mantra can be chanted while remembering Lord Shri Ram on Vijayadashami:
Om Shri Ramaya Namah
For worshipping Goddess Durga:
Om Dum Durgaye Namah
Devotees can chant these mantras as per their faith.
Tradition of Shastra Puja
Many communities and families have the tradition of Shastra Puja on Vijayadashami. In ancient times, warriors and soldiers used to worship their weapons.
In modern times, some people also worship equipment, machines, vehicles or books related to their work. This tradition is considered a symbol of respect for one's work and means.
Dussehra and Navratri
Dussehra also marks the end of Navratri. After nine days of worshipping various forms of Goddess Durga, Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day.
The traditions of celebrating Vijayadashami vary in different regions of India. At some places, Ramlila and Ravana Dahan are prominent, while at other places, the worship and victory of Goddess Durga is celebrated prominently.
What to do on Dussehra?
Remember Lord Shri Ram and Mother Durga.
Recite Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas.
Help a needy person.
Worship weapons or work equipment as per your tradition.
Take a pledge to give up evil and negative habits.
Try to follow the path of love, harmony and truth in the family and society.
What not to do on Dussehra?
Dussehra is a festival of religious faith and virtue. On this day, one should try to avoid unnecessary disputes, violence, abusive language and negative behavior. It is appropriate to celebrate the puja and festivities peacefully as per one's local and family traditions.
Message of Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami gives us the message that the path of truth, righteousness and morality is important in life. Ravana Dahan is not just a tradition but also a symbol of victory over ego, anger, greed and other negative tendencies within oneself.
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is an important festival in Indian culture. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and various religious traditions associated with the worship of Goddess Navratri. On this day, victory is celebrated through puja, Ramlila, Ravana Dahan, weapon worship and religious rituals.
Jai Shri Ram. Jai Mata Di.
Ayudha Puja
In South India it is celebrated as Ayudha Puja where people worship their work tools, machines, and vehicles. These are decorated and considered to have religious significance on this day. In particular, many people clean and decorate items related to their profession or work on this day and dedicate them to Goddess Lakshmi or Saraswati to receive their blessings.
New Beginnings
Vijayadashami is considered to be the day for starting auspicious works. Business people open new accounts or ledgers on this day, which is also called "account opening". Marriages, housewarming, and other important functions are also considered auspicious on Vijayadashami.
Fairs and Cultural Programs
Fairs are organized at many places on this occasion, where people enjoy food, shopping, and cultural programs. - Apart from Ramlila, dance, music, and other programs are also organized on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Vijayadashami is important not only from religious but also from cultural and social point of view. This festival strengthens the sense of harmony, dharma, and justice in the society and symbolizes new beginnings.
Upcoming Dussehra date
- 09 October 2027, Saturday