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Dussehra 2024 Date: When is Vijayadashami, Puja Muhurat, Wishes

Published Date: 08-Dec-2022

Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated after the conclusion of the nine-day-long festival of Navratri. In 2024, Dussehra will be observed on 12th October (Saturday) in India. This day also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali in 2024 which will be celebrated after 20 days of Dussehra. 

Known as one of the most prominent festivals of the Hindu community, Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demonic ruler, Ravana who kidnapped Rama’s wife, Sita. Dussehra is a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘ten (dasha) defeat (hara)’ in English as it is known that King Ravana had 10 heads. According to the Hindu calendar, this day falls on the 10th day of the month of Ashvina which overlaps with September-October in the Gregorian calendar. In this article learn all about the Dussehra 2024 date, muhurat, history, significance, how to celebrate, traditions, cultures, prayers, other related festivals and places to observe.

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Dussehra/Vijaydashami 2024- Muhurat, Tithi, and Puja Timings

Dussehra or Vijaydashami 2024 will be celebrated on 12th October, Saturday in India.

Events Date and Day Time Start Time End
Dashami Tithi Begins 12 October 2024, Saturday 10:58 AM  
Dashami Tithi Ends 13 October 2024, Sunday   09:08 AM
Vijay Muhurata 12 October 2024, Saturday 02:05 PM 02:52 PM
Aparahna Pooja Time 13 October 2024, Sunday 01:17 PM 03:40 PM

Dussehra or Vijaydashami – History and Significance

Dussehra 2022 | History and Significance

Dussehra 2024 | History and Significance

According to legends, Ravana abducted the wife of Lord Rama which led to a deadly war between them. Demonic King Ravana was given the boon of being indestructible by Lord Brahma. After several events, Rama managed to kill Ravana by shooting an arrow through his belly button. Therefore, the 10th day of Ashvina month of the Hindu calendar is celebrated as Dussehra, every year.

There’s one more legend behind this festival. According to Mahabharat, this day commemorates the victory of Arjuna who single-handedly defeated the entire Kaurava Army. Arjuna is also known as Vijaya and hence, the day he destroyed the army is referred to as the ‘Vijaya Dashami’.

Many people throughout the nation celebrate this day as an occasion to honour the victory of good over evil. Devotees in the Eastern parts of India observe this day as the end of Durga Puja which begins with the festival of Navratri.

Legends of Dussehra

  • There are two famous legends of Dussehra – Lord Rama defeated Ravana and Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.
  • Ravana, king of Lanka, is thought to have been defeated on this day by Lord Ram. On the tenth day of intense combat, Lord Ram succeeded in killing Ravana.
  • Goddess Durga is said to have killed the monster Mahishasura on this day marking the victory of good over evil.

Why do we celebrate Dussehra/Vijaydashami 2024?

Dussehra festival is celebrated as the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan. It also celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. On this day, Arjuna single-handedly defeated the entire Kaurava Army. This festival commemorates the victory of good over evil.

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How do we celebrate the Dusshera festival in India?

People do Dussehra pooja at home and in temples and greet each other with a ‘Happy Dussehra’. There are many grounds that host the stage for Ramleela acts. People enjoy the fairs with fun games, rides, and food, and watch the burning effigies of Ravan, Meghnada (Ravana’s son), and Kumbhkarana (Ravana’s brother).

Dussehra/Vijaydashami: Tradition, Rituals, and Culture

There are many rituals, and traditions related to Dussehra and these are celebrated in different cultures throughout the country.

  • Ramlila Performances: Ramlila or Ramleela is a dramatic performance to narrate the story of Lord Rama through dance, plays, and acts.
  • Burning of Raavan’s Statue: People gather around on the evening of Dussehra to burn the statue of Ravana. It symbolises the victory of good over evil.
  • Worshipping the Goddess Durga: Durga Puja is widely celebrated in India, where people pay homage to the goddess Durga and celebrate the victory of the goddess over the demon Mahishasura. It is celebrated for 5 days with many rituals and practices. In 2024, Durga Pooja will be celebrated from 9th October to 13th October.
  • Worshipping of Weapons: Also known as Shastra Pooja or Ayudha Pooja, according to the legends, on this day goddess Durga defeated the demon. After the victory, her weapons were worshipped by the gods. People worship their weapons and give offerings to the goddess on the day of Vijayadashami festival.

How to Wish Happy Dushera 2024 in India: Happy Dushera wishes

Here is the list of the best Happy Dushera 2024 wishes in India

  • Happy Dussehra
  • Happy Vijayadashami
  • May Dussehra light up your hopes of happy times.
  • May all the obstacles and troubles in your path disappear this Dussehra.
  • Let your anger burn away today, just like the effigy of Ravana. Have an amazing Dussehra 2024.
  • May all your sorrows burst away like the fireworks on this night. May your happiness multiply a thousand-fold this Dussehra.
  • May Maa Durga remove all the evils from your life. We wish you and your loved ones a very happy Dussehra.
  • May the truth always triumph; may the good always win over evil. May you be blessed with infinite wisdom.
  • Open the doors and welcome all positivity into your home. Happy Dussehra 2024.
  • I wish that the brightness and happiness of Dussehra fill your life with fortune, joy, and success.
  • Happy Dussehra 2024 to you, your friends, and your family. May you be blessed with enormous strength and courage to be righteous and successful.
  • May this Dussehra bring wisdom, fortune and happiness to your life. Happy Vijayadashmi.

Dussehra 2024 Celebrations across India

Dussehra 2023 | Celebration

Dussehra 2024 | Celebration

On Dussehra festival, devotees wear new clothes and organize public festivities to commemorate the victory of good over evil in the northern parts of India. Celebrated as the conclusion of the nine-day-long fast of Navratri, Dussehra is observed by organizing a theatrical enactment of Rama’s life story which is called Ram Lila. Followed by the effigies of Ravana, his son Meghanada, and brother Kumbhakaran are set on fire in open fields throughout the nation.

People in the Eastern region of India including West Bengal,  Bihar, and  Odisha observe this day as the end of Durga Puja which is celebrated by wearing a red saree and putting on vermilion. It is observed as an emotional occasion and Bengalis sing folk songs while immersing the idols of Goddess Durga in water bodies.

Best Places to Observe Vijaydashami/Dussehra 2024 Celebrations in India

The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour throughout the country.

Northern India

In North India, the best places to observe Dussehra are:

Eastern India

In East India, the best places to observe Dussehra are:

  • West Bengal
  • Bihar

Southern India

In South India, the best places to see Dussehra are:

  • Mysore
  • Tamil Nadu

Western India

In West India, the best places to see Dussehra are:

  • Gujarat

Cities where Dussehra is Celebrated the Best

1. Delhi

Dussehra is celebrated with great splendour in the city of Delhi. It is a ten-day celebration with huge grounds hosting Ramleela, dandiya nights, Dussehra fairs, and food fests. People gather around to watch Ravan Dahan or the burning of effigies of Ravana on the 10th day and visit temples.

  • How to reach:
    • By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport
    • By Train: New Delhi Railway Station
  • Places to Stay: Hotels in Delhi

2. Mysore

Dussehra or Mysore Dasara is the most awaited festival in Mysore, which is celebrated with the royal fiesta during Navratri. The Mysore Palace is decorated with more than a lakh light bulbs on this occasion. The 400-year-old tradition of the Dussehra celebration is being followed with all the rituals in the city of Mysore.

  • How to reach:
    • By Air: Mysore Airport
    • By Train: Mysore Railway Station

Check this to learn more about Best Places to celebrate Dussehra 2024

Things to do in Dussehra 2024 with Family and Friends

  1. Prayers: People worship and offer prayers to the goddess Durga and other gods. There is also a tradition of worshipping weapons, vehicles, and work tools.
  2. Fairs and Ravana Dahan: People enjoy the rides, shopping, and street food at the Dussehra fairs with their families. People also watch Ravana Dahan or the burning of Ravan’s statue which symbolises the win of light over darkness.
  3. Watch the Ramlila: Ramlila is a 10-day event in which the life story of Lord Rama is depicted through dramatic acts and dance performances. People with their families watch Ramleela in the evening.

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year’s Day Mon 01-Jan Restricted Holiday
Lohri Sat 13-Jan Restricted Holiday
Makar Sankranti Sun 14-Jan Restricted Holiday
Pongal Mon 15-Jan Restricted Holiday
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Wed 17-Jan Restricted Holiday
Republic Day Fri 26-Jan Gazetted Holiday
Losar Sat 10-Feb Restricted Holiday
Basant Panchmi Wed 14-Feb Restricted Holiday
Guru Ravidas Jayanti Sat 24-Feb Gazetted Holiday
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wed 6-Mar Restricted Holiday
Mahashivratri Fri 8-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Holi Mon 25-March Gazetted Holiday
Good Friday Fri 29-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Easter Day Sun 31-Mar Restricted Holiday
Gudi Padwa Tue 9-Apr Restricted Holiday
Eid-ul-Fitr Wed 10-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Vaisakhi (Vishu) Sat 13-Apr Restricted Holiday
Rama Navami Wed 17-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Mahavir Jayanti Sun 21-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Rabindra Jayanti Wed 8-May Restricted Holiday
Buddha Purnima (Vesak) Thu 23-May Gazetted Holiday
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) Mon 17-Jun Restricted Holiday
Rath Yatra Sun 7-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Muharram (Ashura) Wed 17-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Independence Day Thu 15-Aug Gazetted Holiday
Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) Thu 15-Aug Public Holiday
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) Mon 19-Aug Restricted Holiday
Janmashtami Mon 26-Aug Restricted Holiday
Ganesh Chaturthi Sat 7-Sep Restricted Holiday
Onam Sun 15-Sep Restricted Holiday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad Mon 16-Sep Gazetted Holiday
Gandhi Jayanti Wed 02-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dussehra Sat 12-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Valmiki Jayanti Thu 17-Oct Restricted Holiday
Karva Chauth Sun 20-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dhanteras Tue 29-Oct Restricted Holiday
Diwali Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Kali Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Halloween Day Thu 31-Oct No Holiday
Karnataka Rajyotsava Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Kerala Piravi Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Govardhan Puja Sat 2-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Bhai Dooj Sun 3-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Chhath Puja Thu 7-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Guru Nanak Jayanti Fri 15-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Christmas Wed 25-Dec Public Holiday

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Year-Wise Dussehra Observances

YEAR DAY DATE EVENT/FESTIVAL
2020 Sun 25-Oct Dussehra
2021 Friday 15-Oct Dussehra
2022 Tue 4-Oct Dussehra
2023 Tue 24-Oct Dussehra
2024 Sat 12-Oct Dussehra
2025 Thur 2-Oct Dussehra
2026 Tue 20-Oct Dussehra
2027 Sat 9-Oct Dussehra
2028 Wed 27-Sep Dussehra
2029 Tue 16-Oct Dussehra
2030 Sun 06-Oct Dussehra

FAQs

Q. Which goddess is worshipped on Dussehra day 9?

A. Goddess Siddhidatri is the 9th form of Maa Durga. Her name means the one who gives us power.

Q. What are the 9 Durga names?

A. The names of 9 Durga forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

Q. Which God is worshipped on Dussehra Puja?

A. Goddess Durga is worshipped during both Navratri and Dussehra. People also do Lord Rama pooja on Dussehra.

Q. Is Dussehra a Public Holiday?

A. Yes, Dussehra is a public holiday. People plan to visit different cities and temples during Dussehra 2024 holidays for the celebration.

Q. What is the Vijayadashami 2024 date?

A. The Vijayadashami 2024 date is 12th October.

Q. What is Mysore Dasara 2024 date?

A. The Mysore Dasara date in 2024 is 3rd October to 13th October.

Q. Is Vijayadashami good for marriage?

A. Vijayadashami significance marks a new start on the tenth day after the end of darkness. So, it is considered to be an auspicious day to get married and start a new life.

Q. What is the other name of Dussehra?

A. The Other names of Dussehra are Vijayadashami and Dasara. Vijayadashami meaning is victory on the tenth day.

Sargun Preet Kaur
Sargun has an appetite for challenges and creative hurdles that can help her grow as she conquers them one by one. With an innate desire to travel the world, she weaves through life by visiting her dream destinations. When not in her creative zone, Sargun loves to smash in badminton and binge-watch her favourite shows.
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