Dussehra 2024: Date, Puja Timings, Significance, Celebrations

Dussehra is one of the most auspicious festival of Hindus. Dussehra is one of the few festivals that is celebrated not only across the country but across the globe in Hindu Communities. Dussehra, also known as Vijay Dashami, marks the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival. There is confusion going around Dussehra 2024 date with many confused between whether Dussehra 2024 is on October 12 or October 13. Go through this article to get all these details including the Shubh Muhurat, Significance and celebrations of Dussehra.

Dussehra 2024

The annual celebration of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, takes place all across the country and world. It honors the triumph of good over evil- the conquest of Maa Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana. The conclusion of Navratri and Durga Puja festivities is also signified by Dussehra. The festival usually occurs in September or October, aligning with the harvest season, and is a component of the broader Navratri celebration.

The Dussehra 2024 festival is going to be celebrated in the month of October. The Dussehra festival in 2024 has begun with the observance of Day 1 Navratri fast on October 03, 2024. It celebrates the triumph of righteousness – Maa Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Dussehra also signifies the conclusion of Navratri and Durga Puja festivities. Just like every year, Dussehra 2024 is also being celebrated with great entusiasm.

Dussehra 2024 Date

The confusion in Dussehra 2024 date is because the auspicious occasion is falling on two days: October 12 and 13. This year, the Dashami Tithi will span over two dates. Hence, there is uncertainty regarding whether Dussehra falls on October 12 or 13. As per Drik Panchang, Vijayadashmi or Dussehra will be observed on Saturday, October 12th.

This day represents the triumph of righteousness (Dharma) over wickedness (Adharma). The festival not only celebrates this legendary triumph but also strengthens the timeless idea that goodness will always triumph over evil, no matter how strong it may appear.

Dussehra 2024 Timings

Dussehra 2024 will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12. The Dashami tithi begins at 10:58 AM on October 12 and ends at 9:08 AM on October 13. For important rituals, the Vijay Muhurat is from 2:02 PM to 2:48 PM, which is considered a highly auspicious time for worship. The Ravan Dahan, a significant event on this day, is best performed between 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM during sunset

Dussehra Puja Time 2024

Dussehra festival consists of special timings in which when Puja is performed, it is said to be most auspicious. These special timings consists of timeframes for Thithis, Muhurat and Shravan Nakshtra. Check below for auspicious times.

• Vijay muhurat – 2:03 pm to 2:49 pm
• Aparahna puja time – 1:17 pm to 3:35 pm
• Dashami tithi begins – 10:58 am on October 12
• Dashami tithi ends – 9:08 am on October 13
• Shravana nakshatra begins – 5:25 am on October 12
• Shravana nakshatra ends – 4:27 am on October 13

Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, commemorates Lord Rama’s defeat of Demon Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. This festival is celebrated to remember these two great stories.

• Victory of Lord Rama:In the Ramayana, Lord Rama battled the wicked ruler Ravana, who had abducted his spouse, Sita. Following a lengthy fight, Rama emerged victorious over Ravana during Dussehra, illustrating that goodness and righteousness ultimately triumph.

• Goddess Durga’s Victory: In a different tale, Goddess Durga battled and emerged victorious against a demon known as Mahishasura. This also occurred during Dussehra, which is why it is a day to commemorate the strength of good and the bravery to combat evil.

Connection Between Dussehra and Diwali

The Festival of Lights, Diwali, follows the festival of Dussehra and there is a direct connection between these two festivials. Dussehra sets the stage for Diwali, which occurs 20 days later. Diwali represents Lord Rama’s homecoming to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, signifying the victory of righteousness. The main idea behind Dussehra is that goodness triumphs over evil and it is a time to seek blessings for success and health.

Dussehra Celebrations

Dussehra is a festival characterized by celebrations and customs that differ throughout India. It represents the triumph of goodness over evil and prepares for the upcoming Diwali celebration. A few typical traditions consist of:

• Ramleelas are intricate portrayals of Lord Rama’s life, with a focus on his triumph over Ravana.
• Ravana Dahan: The symbolic burning of Ravana effigies symbolizing the triumph over evil.
• Large-Scale Processions: Vibrant processions featuring idols and cultural displays.
• Shastra Puja is the honoring of weapons, underlining their importance in safeguarding dharma (moral duty).

How Dussehra is Celebrated Across India

In different regions of India, the celebration of Dussehra vary slightly from one another. Some of the significant celebration rituals and traditions for different regions of India is given hereunder.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, a festival honoring Goddess Durga. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga are transported to rivers or ponds and submerged in water. This ritual is called Durga Visarjan, a form of bidding farewell to the goddess until the following year.

Celebrations in North India

In places such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is observed by arranging Ramlila shows. These plays narrate Lord Rama’s life story and his conflict with Ravana. The primary attraction is the incineration of massive effigies of Ravana, Meghnath (Ravana’s son), and Kumbhkaran (Ravana’s brother). Fireworks are used to demonstrate the triumph of good over evil.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, the nine-day Garba and Dandiya Raas festivities come to an end on Dussehra, with people rejoicing with dance, devotion, and prayers.

Maharashtra

During Dussehra in Maharashtra, the trading of Shami leaves, which are seen as a symbol of gold, occurs to represent positive intentions and wealth. The Shami Puja ritual celebrates the triumph of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata.

Mysore Dussehra

The renowned Mysore Dasara festivities in Karnataka, characterized by a regal parade and cultural activities, are set to finish on October 12, 2024. The Mysore Palace, illuminated and surrounded by grand celebrations, serves as a significant draw for visitors.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, individuals observe Ayudha Puja by venerating their tools, books, and vehicles. They are convinced that these objects will provide both success and protection.

Punjab

In Punjab, Dussehra is celebrated by observing fasts during the first nine days of Navratri and ending it with a grand feast on the tenth day. Temples are adorned, and individuals come to pray for joy and success.

Ganga Dasara 2024

Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a significant celebration in the Hindu calendar. It was celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. So, it is different from the Vijay Dashami. The festival marks the sacred occasion of the Ganges River descending from the heavens to the earth. Spanning a duration of ten days, this is a time allocated for important religious practices.

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