Dussehra
86 days until Dussehra
About Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India marking the triumph of righteousness over evil. It falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin, occurring between late September and October following the nine-night Navratri festival.
History
Dussehra draws its spiritual roots from two principal epic traditions in ancient India. In northern, western, and central regions, the festival celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana in Lanka, as narrated in the Ramayana, signifying the rescue of Sita and the restoration of moral order.
In eastern and southern states, Vijayadashami commemorates Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura after a fierce nine-night battle, establishing divine justice. Another popular legend from the Mahabharata connects the day to the Pandava brothers retrieving their hidden weapons from a sacred Shami tree at the conclusion of their one-year incognito exile.
Traditions & Celebrations
Across northern India, community groups organize Ramlila theatrical enactments of the Ramayana, culminating in the evening burning of giant, firecracker-filled effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada. In West Bengal and eastern regions, elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga are carried in vibrant processions for immersion in rivers and lakes during Durga Visarjan. Southern states observe Ayudha Puja, clean and bless tools, machinery, and vehicles, while Mysuru hosts a grand ten-day royal festival featuring an illuminated palace and the famous Jumbo Savari elephant procession.
Did you know?
- UNESCO inscribed the traditional dramatic performance of Ramlila on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
- In the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami day itself and continues for seven days, bringing together over two hundred local village deities.
- Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh lasts for 75 days, making it one of the longest cultural festivals in the world, focused on the regional deity Goddess Danteshwari.
- The iconic Mysuru Palace in Karnataka is lit up with around 100,000 bulbs during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Dussehra dates by year
Dates marked as estimated are calculated and will be updated once officially confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the date of Dussehra change every year?
Dussehra is determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar and falls on Ashvin Shukla Dashami. Because the lunar calendar year is roughly eleven days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar, the date shifts annually between late September and October.
What is the difference between Dussehra and Vijayadashami?
Both names refer to the same festival day. 'Dussehra' originates from Sanskrit words referring to the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana, whereas 'Vijayadashami' translates to 'the tenth day of victory', commonly linked to Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura.
What is the significance of burning Ravana effigies?
Setting ablaze towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada symbolizes the destruction of external evil as well as internal human vices such as ego, anger, pride, and greed.
What is Ayudha Puja?
Ayudha Puja is a custom observed mainly in southern and western India where people wash, decorate, and worship their work tools, vehicles, books, and machinery as a mark of gratitude for their livelihood.