Dussehra 2024: Date, Significance, and Diverse Celebrations Across India

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a cherished Hindu festival that signifies the victory of good over evil. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, following the nine-day Navratri festival, it marks a day of immense spiritual and cultural importance. The celebrations vary greatly across India, reflecting the country’s rich diversity in traditions.

The Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama's defeat of the demon king Ravana, a pivotal moment from the ancient epic, the Ramayana. Ravana's abduction of Sita, Rama's wife, sparked the epic battle, which ended with Rama’s triumph, symbolizing the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). This timeless message of righteousness prevailing over malevolence continues to resonate through the festival.

The festival also honors another significant victory: the goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This legend is celebrated with immense fervor in West Bengal, where Dussehra marks the final day of the grand Durga Puja festivities, also known as Bijoya Dashami.

When is Dussehra in 2024?

In 2024, Dussehra falls on Saturday, October 12. The exact timings for the observance are as follows:

• Vijay Muhurat: 02:03 PM to 02:49 PM
• Dashami Tithi: Begins at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2024, and ends at 09:08 AM on October 13, 2024.

How is Vijayadashami Celebrated Across India?

While Dussehra unites the country with a shared theme of good triumphing over evil, the way it is celebrated varies widely depending on the region.

North India: Ramlila and Ravana Dahan

In North Indian cities such as Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, Dussehra is marked by the dramatic reenactment of the Ramayana through Ramlila performances. The climax comes with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath, and his brother Kumbhkaran. This act, known as Ravana Dahan, symbolizes the eradication of evil and the victory of truth.

West Bengal: Durga Puja and Vijayadashami

In West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the last day of Durga Puja, known as Bijoya Dashami. The grand Durga Visarjan, where idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, is a visual and emotional spectacle. Accompanied by vibrant processions, this marks Durga’s return to her heavenly abode after her visit to Earth, and families bid her farewell with prayers and celebrations.

Mysore: The Royal Mysore Dasara

Karnataka’s Mysore celebrates Dussehra with regal grandeur. The Mysore Dasara festivities culminate in a royal procession led by a richly adorned elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Mysore Palace, illuminated by thousands of lights, adds to the grandeur. Cultural events, music, and dance performances further enrich the celebrations, making it a spectacle of Karnataka’s royal heritage.

Gujarat: Navratri and Dandiya Raas

In Gujarat, Dussehra concludes the nine-day Navratri festival, which is celebrated with vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. Communities gather to celebrate with devotion, dance, and joy, and the festival's climax on Dussehra reflects the same theme of victory through devotion and resilience.

Maharashtra: Shami Puja and Symbolism

In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated with the exchange of Shami leaves, which are considered symbolic of gold and prosperity. This ritual, called Shami Puja, is tied to the Pandavas’ victory in the Mahabharata and signifies goodwill and the forging of relationships. The day is marked by prayers for prosperity and success in the year ahead.

A Festival of Universal Values

As Dussehra 2024 approaches, we are reminded of its deep significance. This festival transcends religious and cultural boundaries, teaching us the eternal truth: no matter how strong evil appears, righteousness will always emerge victorious. It brings communities together in joyous celebration, fostering values of unity, goodness, and moral strength.

Let Dussehra inspire us all to lead a life rooted in these principles and to reflect on the importance of overcoming adversity with courage and righteousness.