Dussehra 2024: Is Vijayadashami on October 12 or 13? Find out the exact date here.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated on the 10th day of the Navaratri festival, marking the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In 2024, Dussehra falls on October 12th. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with vibrant processions, the burning of effigies of Ravana, and various cultural performances across India.

When is Dussehra 2024?

Dussehra in 2024 will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12th. This Hindu festival marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana.

Dussehra 2024 Important Date and Muhurat

(Note: Muhurat timings may vary based on local traditions and astrologers’ calculations.)

Story of Dussehra Vijayadashami Celebrations

Dussehra has numerous stories highlighting the reason behind the festival. North India celebrates Dussehra as per the story of Rama from Ramayana. Rama was the prince of the Ayodhya kingdom who had been banished. He and his brother Lakshmana resided in the forest as exiles, together with Rama’s wife, Sita. The evil ruler of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Sita one day. To rescue her, Rama stormed Lanka with the help of Lakshmana and an army of monkeys.

The two armies engaged in a furious conflict for several days. It was incredibly challenging for Rama to defeat the mighty Ravana. He, therefore, prayed for nine days to nine different facets of the goddess Durga and grew strong enough to overcome Ravana.

Rama’s triumph over Ravana is commemorated during the ten-day festival of Dussehra. A traditional art form known as Ramlila involves reenacting the life tale of Rama. Millions of performers perform the Ramlila in every nook and cranny on Dussehra. Traditionally, only men participated in the Ramlila, but now women also act in them.

The tenth day marks the play’s last act on stage and ends with firecrackers illuminating the night sky and burning the enormous paper effigies of Ravana, his son and brother. An artist portraying Rama shoots a burning arrow to the navel of the effigy with which the good burn the evil, and the day comes to an end.

Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra has several modern-day significance. Firstly, it is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where there is so much violence and conflict. It is a reminder that, ultimately, good will always prevail.

Additionally, Dussehra is also a celebration of the goddess Durga. Durga is the goddess of strength and power, and her victory over the demon king, Mahishasura, is celebrated on this day. In today’s world, where women are often oppressed, Dussehra is a reminder of the strength and power of women.

Furthermore, Dussehra is also a celebration of the Hindu God Rama. Rama is the embodiment of righteousness, and his victory over the demon king Ravana is celebrated on this day. In today’s world, where there is so much injustice, Dussehra is a reminder that, ultimately, good will prevail.

How is Dussehra Celebrated?

In West Bengal, Durga Puja is synonymous with the city of Kolkata, where the festival is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Colourful pandals are set up across the city, and devotees throng to offer their prayers to the goddess. The city comes alive during this time, and the festive atmosphere is palpable. 

As part of the Durga Puja, Bengali women mark the last day of the Durgostav by smearing vermilion or sindoor on each other’s faces. This joyous occasion celebrates the strength and unity of women. Sindoor Khela is a reminder that we are all powerful and in this together. As Goddess Durga bids farewell, she is immersed in water bodies.

Top Destinations to Visit During Dussehra 2024

Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated all over India. It is a time of joy and celebration, and people often travel to different parts of the country to participate in the festivities. There are many places to celebrate Dussehra in India, but some top destinations include Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Each of these cities has its unique way of celebrating the festival, and you can expect to see various activities taking place. 

Kolkata

Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals in Kolkata. It is celebrated with great pomp and show. The whole city is decorated with lights and flowers. The Dhunuchi dance is performed during the Durga Puja festival and is a beloved sight in Kolkata. It is worth remembering this festival for the bhog, beautiful pandals, and idols of Goddess Durga.

Ahmedabad

The people of Gujarat are well known for their love of celebrations. Navratri, a nine-day festival devoted to the goddess Amba, is one of the most popular times of the year. During Navratri, Gujaratis enjoy garba and dandiya-raas, two traditional folk dances. These dances are often performed late into the night on open grounds. On the festival’s final day, women worship an earthen pot called a garbo. The garbo is seen as a symbol of Shakti, the life-giving force. 

Varanasi

Dussehra is a very special time for Indians all over the country, but there’s no place quite like Varanasi to celebrate it. This city has been around for centuries, and the Ramlila play performed here every Dussehra is just as old. The Ramnagar Fort is the perfect setting for this play as it helps bring the story to life. The different stages are set up to represent different locations from the story, like Ayodhya and Lanka. This truly unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in India.

Mysore

Mysore is a city in southern India renowned for its grand Durga Puja celebrations. Every year, the city comes alive with colour and pageantry as Hindus come to pay homage to the goddess Durga. The puja lasts for ten days and is climaxed by a magnificent procession through the streets, where the goddess is carried on an elaborately decorated chariot. The whole city comes out to watch the procession, and it is truly a sight to behold.

Hyderabad

Navratri is a special time for Hindus worldwide, and Bathukamma is a special festival that takes place during Navratri. Bathukamma begins on Mahalaya Amavasya, the day of the new moon, and ends on Durgashtami, nine days later. During Bathukamma, Hindus worship Goddess Gauri to welcome the autumn season. Bathukamma is celebrated by making beautiful flower arrangements and dancing around them.

Dussehra 2024 – Do’s and Don’ts

Dussehra 2024 is on its way to providing us with the strength to demolish our inner negativity. There are certain dos and don’ts that an individual must adhere to in order to enjoy the day to the fullest.

• Don’t humiliate or insult anyone
• Stay away from bad things
• Do not cut trees
• Walk on the path of truthfulness
• Perform Puja and Yajna
• Do not harm animals
• Follow the path of Dharma
• Maintain distance from Ravana effigies
• Cooperate with the police
• Minimise the pollution caused