Dussehra 2025
Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara) is a major festival in Sanatan Dharma. In the year 2025, Dussehra will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is observed every year on the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. Dussehra is known by different names across various regions of India—for example, it is called Dasara in Maharashtra, and Dashain in the rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. People across India and even abroad celebrate this festival with joy and enthusiasm through Shastra Puja (weapon worship), Shami Pujan, and Ravana Dahan (burning of Ravana’s effigy). On the occasion of Dussehra, most states in India declare holidays for schools, colleges, banks, and offices. This period is considered ideal for spending time with family and visiting fairs.
What is the Dussehra Festival?
The Dussehra festival is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. On this day, the story of the Ramayana is narrated, and the tradition of Ravana Dahan (burning of Ravana's effigy) is followed. According to legends, it was on Dussehra that Lord Rama defeated Ravana, and Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. That is why the festival is also known as Vijayadashami. Across the country, people celebrate by burning giant effigies of Ravana and also perform Shastra Puja (weapon worship) and Shami tree worship. Colourful rangolis are drawn at homes, and children create Ravana-Dahan drawings or Happy Dussehra posters to decorate the festival. Dussehra fairs are organized, and the exchange of Happy Dussehra wishes fills the atmosphere with joy and celebration.
Dussehra 2025: Date and Timings
· Festival Date: October 2, 2025
· Vijay Muhurat (Auspicious Time): 2:27 P.M to 3:14 P.M
· Dashami Tithi Begins: October 1, 2025, at 7:03 P.M
· Dashami Tithi Ends: October 2, 2025, at 7:12 P.M
Worship and rituals are performed across India according to these timings. As per the Panchang, this date and muhurat fall under the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.
The Legend of Dussehra
The legend of Dussehra is associated with two famous mythological events, both symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
1) The First Story – The War Between Lord Rama and Ravana: In the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, was exiled for 14 years. During this exile, Ravana—the king of Lanka—abducted Goddess Sita and took her to Lanka. With the help of his brother Lakshman, devotee Hanuman, and the Vanara (monkey) army, Lord Rama attacked Lanka. After a fierce battle that lasted several days, on the day of Ashwin Shukla Dashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana and rescued Sita. This day came to be known as “Vijayadashami” or “Dussehra”, symbolizing the triumph of truth and righteousness.
2) The Second Story – The Battle Between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura: According to another mythological tale, the demon king Mahishasura performed intense penance and obtained a boon from Lord Brahma, after which he began terrorizing the three worlds. To end his tyranny, Goddess Durga was created from the combined powers of the gods. She battled Mahishasura for nine days during Navratri, and on the tenth day—Dashami—she slew him. Since then, this day is also celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga, known as Mahishasura Mardini.
Both of these stories clearly show that no matter how great the adversity, righteousness and truth always prevail in the end. That is why on Dussehra, devotees worship Goddess Durga in the morning and celebrate Lord Rama’s victory with Ravana Dahan (effigy burning) in the evening.
Anushthan (Ritual) of Dussehra
Several religious rituals are performed on the occasion of Dussehra. At night, large-scale Ravana Dahan (effigy burning) ceremonies are organized. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad are burned, symbolizing the triumph of truth over falsehood. During the day, Ayudha Puja (worship of weapons) is performed, where ancestral arms and horses are worshipped. It is believed that in the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in the Shami tree during their exile; similarly, in Ramayana, the Vanara Sena used various weapons. Hence, the tradition of worshipping the Shami tree on Dussehra continues.
a) Weapon Worship (Shastra Puja): Weapons are worshipped during the Vijay Muhurat.
b) Shami Puja: In the evening, a puja is performed beneath the Shami tree using earth and water.
c) Aparajita Puja: Goddess Lakshmi is offered Aparajita flowers; this is considered an important ritual of Vijayadashami.
d) Wishes and Rangoli Decoration: Homes are decorated with rangoli, lamps, and flowers. Children create drawings of Ravana Dahan and prepare Happy Dussehra posters.
These rituals are believed to bring prosperity, blessings, and new success to the family.
Benefits of Dussehra
• Dussehra inspires the renunciation of ten types of sins (like anger, greed, attachment, ego, etc.).
• Worship and rituals on this day create a flow of positive energy in the home.
• Mental distress and sadness are relieved, leading to peace of mind.
• It encourages one to follow the path of righteousness and virtuous deeds.
• New energy, enthusiasm, and inner strength are infused into life.
• Helps control weaknesses like jealousy, attachment, and greed.
• It is believed that sincere prayers made on this day help fulfill wishes.
• Leads to purification of the soul and sanctity of thoughts.
• Enhances mutual love and cooperation within the family and society.
• Participation in religious activities brings merit and spiritual contentment.
Dussehra Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
a) After taking a morning bath, wear clean clothes and purify your home’s prayer area or a peaceful place with Ganga water.
b) Place a wooden stool in the northeast corner (Ishan Kon) and spread a red or yellow cloth over it. Install idols or images of Lord Shri Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman Ji on the stool. Also, place an idol or picture of Goddess Durga.
c) Light a lamp and offer worship using roli (vermilion), akshat (unbroken rice), flowers, fragrance, incense, camphor, etc.
d) Worship the Shami tree. Place Shami leaves (also known as “gold”) in the puja and distribute them among family members. It is considered a symbol of victory and prosperity.
e) To worship Goddess Aparajita, create an eight-petal lotus shape using turmeric and rice (or use a real lotus if available), and offer your prayers.
f) While remembering Lord Shri Ram, chant the mantra: “Om Dasharathaya Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi Tanno Ramah Prachodayat”
g) Worship Goddess Durga and chant the mantra: “Om Aparajitayai Namah”
h) Recite the Ramayana, Sunderkand, or Durga Saptashati.
i) In the end, perform Aarti, offer Naivedya (such as laddoo, fruits, or sweets), and distribute the prasad among family members.
Mantra Chanting on Dussehra
On the day of Dussehra, special mantras are chanted. The popular mantra for Lord Ramchandra is:
• "Om Dasharathaya Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi Tanno Ramah Prachodayat."
For Goddess Durga (Aparajita), the mantra is:
• "Om Aparajitayai Namah."
Chanting these mantras purifies the devotee’s heart and imparts divine strength. These mantras channel cosmic energy and enhance the spiritual merit of the worship.
Significance of Dussehra
1) Symbol of the Victory of Good over Evil – Dussehra is the festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, when Lord Rama killed Ravana and Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.
2) Celebrated as Vijayadashami – It is known as Vijayadashami because on this day, unrighteousness, injustice, and tyranny were destroyed and righteousness was restored.
3) Festival of Worshiping Divine Power – Dussehra is a special occasion dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama.
4) Inspiration to Overcome Sins – This festival inspires us to overcome ten types of sins – lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, jealousy, falsehood, immorality, slander, and selfishness. Vijayadashami provides an opportunity for self-introspection, where one pledges to renounce these negative tendencies and walk the path of truth, righteousness, and compassion. This is the core message of Dussehra – victory over inner evils and progress toward spiritual purity.
5) Auspicious Tithi – The Dashami Tithi of the Ashwin month is considered highly auspicious and fruitful, making this festival especially significant.
6) Symbol of Religious and Cultural Unity – Dussehra is celebrated in diverse forms across India, reflecting the unity in our cultural diversity.
7) Day to Begin Auspicious Activities – Many people start new ventures, businesses, travels, or weapon worship on this day.
8) Festival of Social Harmony – Through fairs, Ravan Dahan, and Ramleela events, Dussehra connects people and spreads harmony in society.
9) Rooted in Faith, Tradition, and Folk Beliefs – Dussehra is deeply connected with long-standing religious traditions, legends, and cultural beliefs passed down through generations.
10) Inspiration for New Life and Thought – This festival infuses the mind, body, and soul with positive energy and gives a renewed direction to life.
Religious Significance of Dussehra
1) Festival of Spiritual Purification – Dussehra is considered a festival that purifies the soul, where individuals resolve to renounce their inner negative energies.
2) Conclusion of Navadurga Sadhana – After nine days of worship and devotion during Navratri, the tenth day (Dashami) symbolizes the completion of the sadhana and attainment of divine energy.
3) Symbol of Victory Over Ego – This festival teaches that humility and self-restraint are more important than pride, and one must conquer their ego.
4) Representation of the End of Evil – Dussehra teaches us that by conquering anger, greed, jealousy, and other sinful tendencies, we become truly spiritual.
5) Inspiration to Embrace Positivity – Vijayadashami inspires people to think big, adopt a generous mind, and develop a broad outlook.
6) Encouragement to Follow Truth and Righteousness – This festival reminds us that ultimately, truth and righteousness always prevail, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
7) Opportunity for Self-Reflection – This day is considered the ideal time for introspection, recognizing one’s flaws, and working toward improvement.
8) Symbol of Patience and Peace – Dussehra teaches that patience, tolerance, and inner peace are the greatest achievements in life.
9) Restoration of Moral Values – The festival encourages us to re-establish values like truth, compassion, morality, and service in our lives.
10) Importance of Devotion and Spiritual Practice – It teaches that only through constant spiritual practice, devotion, and faith can one attain true spiritual progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In Which State is Dussehra Celebrated?
Dussehra is celebrated across India. From northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh to southern regions like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, grand celebrations take place everywhere. Famous versions include Kullu Dussehra (Himachal Pradesh), Dasara in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Mysore Dussehra in Karnataka. This festival is celebrated nationwide on the same day. In many towns and villages, local fairs are organized, and people often walk to nearby Dussehra fairs.
2. Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?
We celebrate Dussehra as a festival of the victory of good over evil. According to ancient scriptures, on this day, Lord Rama killed Ravana and Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. Thus, Dussehra teaches us to follow truth and walk the path of self-growth. Worship and the burning of Ravana effigies are believed to destroy all evils.
3. What to Do on Dussehra?
Wake up early, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Participate in Ravana Dahan ceremonies in the evening. Keep a positive mindset throughout the day. Dussehra also teaches us to avoid sin, seek forgiveness, and reconcile with others. Sing bhajans with family, distribute prasad, greet with “Shubh Dussehra,” and share Happy Dussehra posters and messages.
4. How to Celebrate Dussehra at Home?
You can celebrate by worshipping Goddess Durga and Lord Rama at home. Decorate the puja area, create rangoli. Make or burn a paper effigy of Ravana. Organize a small celebration with family, listen to the Ramayana, and let children make colorful Dussehra posters or fair-themed paintings.
5. How to Perform Dussehra Puja?
Set up a platform in the northeast direction. Purify the space with Ganga water. Place lotus flowers, rice, and lamps. Install idols of Lord Rama and Hanuman, and offer water and rice grains. Include flowers of Aparajita for Goddess Durga. Chant mantras (like “Om Dasharathaya Vidmahe…”), perform aarti, offer sweets, and distribute prasad.
6. When is Dussehra in 2025?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be observed on October 2, 2025, Thursday. The Vijay Muhurat is from 2:27 PM to 3:14 PM, which is highly auspicious for worship and Ravana Dahan. As per Panchang, Dashami Tithi begins at 7:03 PM on October 1 and ends at 7:12 PM on October 2, making this day ideal for all Dussehra-related rituals and celebrations.
7. What Not to Do on Dussehra?
Avoid arguments, conflicts, and consuming tamasic food. Don’t lie, fight, or engage in disputes. Avoid cutting trees or plants, as Shami and Aparajita are worshipped. Stay away from meat, alcohol, and immoral behavior. Do not insult anyone or speak harshly. Embrace kindness and good behavior for auspicious results.
8. What to Do on Dussehra Day?
Spend the day in devotion and prayer. Listen to Ramayana or the story of Goddess Durga. Light lamps and incense. Perform Ayudh Puja (worship of tools or vehicles). Gift sweets and new clothes to loved ones. Share festive greetings through Happy Dussehra messages. You may also perform charity or Satyanarayan Vrat.
9. Why is it Called Dussehra?
The word “Dussehra” comes from “Dash” (ten) and “Hara” (to destroy), symbolizing the defeat of the ten-headed demon Ravana. Since Lord Rama vanquished Ravana on this day, the tradition of Vijayadashami began, hence the name Dussehra.
10. What is Ganga Dussehra?
Ganga Dussehra is a sacred festival celebrated on the Dashami Tithi of the Jyeshtha month (summer) to commemorate the descent of River Ganga to Earth. It is mainly observed in North India. Bathing in the river and worshipping Goddess Ganga on this day is considered highly auspicious. (Note: Ganga Dussehra falls in June, separate from Vijayadashami.)
