"Dussehra" is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Dasha' meaning 'ten' & 'Hara' meaning 'annihilation', i.e. 'Dussehra' stands for 'annihilating/ defeating the ten heads of LankaPati Ravana.'
Being one of the awaited Hindu festivals, it falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvin as per the Hindu calendar. Hence, it's also known by the name "Vijaya Dashami." On the other hand, the Gregorian calendar says that it comes in either September or October.
In 2025, we will commemorate the Hindu festival of "Dussehra" on October 2, 2025.
According to Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Dussehra" in 2025 is as given below:
"Dussehra" holds immense significance in Hinduism for a number of reasons. Let's have a look at them:
"Dussehra" marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. There's a very well-known epic of 'Ramayana' behind the same, which mentions that when LankaPati Ravana had abducted Mata Sita, Lord Rama, along with Lakshmana, Hanuman & Vaanar Sena went to Lanka to rescue Mata Sita. It's believed that Lord Rama took 20 lunar cycles to come back to Ayodhya after his exile of fourteen years.
Many Hindu Shastras mention that on this auspicious day, Lord Rama had performed "Chandi Homa" to receive the blessings of Maa Durga. To this, Maa Durga had provided him with the secret to defeat Ravana.
"Dussehra" also marks the victory of Maa Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It portrays how she fought with the Asur for the nine days & won over the tenth day, which is celebrated as 'Vijaya Dashami.' Hence, it marks the culmination of the nine-day' festival of Maa Shakti.
During that time, the Pandavas hid their weapons under a Shami tree when they had to leave. When they came back, they found their weapons safe under the same tree. To thank the tree for keeping their weapons safe, the Pandavas worshipped it before going into a big battle, and they ended up winning.
It is believed that it was during the prosperous occasion of "Dussehra" that the Pandavas returned to their kingdom after exile.
Once, Ravana had imprisoned Lord Shani in his kingdom of Lanka. When Lord Hanuman visited Lanka to meet Sita Mata, he heard the cries of Shani Dev from a dark cell. To this, he went there & rescued Shani Dev.
Being grateful for the same, Lord Shani granted him a boon that he, Lord Shani himself, won't cast an evil eye on the devotees of Lord Hanuman.
Since that day, Hindu Shastras believe that worshipping Lord Hanuman with full devotion can help one escape from the effects of Sadhe Sati or Shani dev’s Drishti.
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To pay homage to all these historical Hindu happenings, people celebrate the divine occasion of "Dussehra"/ "Vijaya Dashami" with fervour and enthusiasm all around the country.
"Dussehra Pujan" is one of the foremost and most important aspects of this festival. Performing "Dussehra Pujan" during Vijaya Muhurat is auspicious.
As per Drik Panchang,
In addition to this, people also perform Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja and Seema Avalanghan on this day. The Vedic Astrology considers that performing these rituals during "Aparahna time" is the most auspicious.
As per Drik Panchang,
Many devotees also perform Durga Saptashati Puja on the occasion of Dussehra to receive the divine protection of Maa from all the malefic forces.
In some places, people worship Goddess Aprajita, meaning "undefeated" or "unbeatable." Many Hindu Shastras say that Lord Rama sought her blessings before fighting Ravana. That's why the devotees also read Aparajita Stotra & Ram Raksha Stotra on this day.
"Shami tree" is also worshipped on "Dussehra" as the Pandavas hid their weapons under the same tree. Therefore, people in the southern part of India consider the Shami tree special and worship it as a symbol of goodness. In the southern states, they call this worship "Shami Puja", also known as "Banni Pooja" and "Jammi Puja." Shami leaves are offered during the Shastra Puja. Many also light a lamp near the Shami tree in the evening to get victory in legal works.
On Dussehra, people clean and worship old books, tools, and weapons. They apply Tilak and offer flower garlands to account books, believing it wards off evil eyes. Items like old vehicles and electronics are worshipped to prevent theft or loss, and it's thought that Maa Durga's blessings stay in the house. Some even worship weapons, thinking they help in better protection.
"Dussehra" is considered the best time to buy something new and to start a new venture.
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Performing "Sunderkand Path" on this day also blesses one with mental peace & happiness in life.
In most of the northern & western parts of India, Ram Leela, based on the very famous tale Ramcharitmanas, is portrayed and performed at fairs.
At many places, the ritual of "Ravana Dahan" is prominent, where the effigies (statues) of Ravana along with Meghanatha & Kumbhakaran are burnt to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in Satya Yuga. Usually, the timing of Ravan Dahan is between 5 pm and 7 pm, i.e., evening time.
The festival of "Dussehra" also marks the preparations for the other most-awaited Hindu occasion of Diwali.
In the Indian state of Kolkata, this day is commemorated by upholding Durga Puja.
This day coincides with a South Indian festival of "Vidyarambham" where the devotees worship Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
In Mysore, the celebration happens on a large scale, where Dussehra honours the Goddess Chamundeshwari (another name of Goddess Durga) of Chamundi Hills, who killed the powerful demon king Mahishasura.
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According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) is observed on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the lunisolar month of Ashvin.
On Vijaya Dashami, Shri Rama fought a battle with Ravana, defeated him, and rescued Sita Mata. Separately, Maa Durga fought the demon Mahishasura for nine continuous days and defeated him on this day. The festival therefore symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
On Vijaya Dashami people perform Dussehra Pujan, Shami Puja, and Durga Saptashashti Puja. Many worship books, tools, weapons, vehicles, and electronics to seek divine blessings for the safety and prosperity of their belongings.
In North India, people often observe Ravana Dahan as a tribute to Lord Rama’s victory. In many other regions Dussehra serves as the concluding day of NavDurga Puja. These regional practices reflect India’s cultural diversity.
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