Vijayadashami 2024: Date, Timings, and Dussehra Significance

Ravan’s arrogance, overconfidence, greed, and misuse of resources ultimately led to his downfall.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India and Nepal. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and it will be celebrated on Sunday, 13th October 2024.

Dussehra 2024: Date and Time

Vijayadashami has a dual significance. It is celebrated as the day when Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita. The festival symbolises the victory of Lord Rama's dharma (righteousness) over Ravana's adharma (unrighteousness). In many parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are burned, followed by festive celebrations, dances, and theatrical performances known as Ram Lila.

In addition to this, Vijayadashami also commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga fought a long and intense battle with Mahishasura for nine days and nights, finally defeating him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami. This victory represents the triumph of divine feminine power over evil forces.

Vijayadashami 2024: Dussehra in West Bengal

Interestingly, the celebration of Vijayadashami in West Bengal often differs from other parts of India. While most Indian states observe Vijayadashami based on the auspicious Muhurata (timing) and consider a combination of Tithi (lunar day) and Nakshatra (constellation) during the afternoon, West Bengal follows a different tradition. The state prefers to celebrate the festival based solely on the presence of Dasami Tithi, without giving much importance to the Muhurata.

This unique observance has led to variations in the date of celebration. Often, the day of Vijayadashami in West Bengal falls a day after it is celebrated in other states. This variation is primarily due to the region's preference for the Dasami Tithi over the prescribed Muhurata. With time, this custom has become deeply rooted in West Bengal’s cultural and religious practices, distinguishing it from the rest of the country.

Dussehra 2024: Vijayadashami in Nepal

In Nepal, Vijayadashami is celebrated as Dashain, the longest and most significant festival in the country. Dashain is observed over 15 days, starting with Ghatasthapana and ending with Kojagrat Purnima. The tenth day, Vijayadashami, marks the main celebration where people receive tika (a mixture of rice, curd, and vermillion) and jamara (sacred barley grass) blessings from elders, signifying the triumph of good over evil.

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is a festival that brings people together in the spirit of celebration, symbolising the eternal victory of good over evil. The varying traditions and customs associated with this festival reflect the rich cultural diversity within Hinduism. Whether it is the burning of Ravana’s effigy, the immersion of Durga idols, or the blessings of tika and jamara, the essence of Vijayadashami remains the same: to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of righteousness.