Vijayadashami (Sanskrit: विजयदशमी, romanized: Vijayadaśamī), also known as Dussehra, Dasara, or Dashain, is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually at the conclusion of Navaratri. It falls on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically occurs in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.
Vijayadashami holds different significance and is celebrated in diverse ways across various regions of the Indian subcontinent. In the southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India, Vijayadashami signifies the culmination of Durga Puja, commemorating goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to restore and uphold dharma. In the northern, central, and western states, it signifies the conclusion of Ramlila and honors god Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana. Alternatively, it can also signify reverence for one of the aspects of goddess Devi, such as Durga or Saraswati.
The celebrations of Vijayadashami encompass processions to a river or oceanfront, involving the carrying of clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants. Subsequently, these images are immersed in the water as a symbolic act of dissolution and farewell. In other regions, towering effigies of Ravana, symbolizing evil, are set ablaze with fireworks, symbolizing the destruction of evil. This festival also initiates the preparations for Diwali.
Also Called
| Term | Dussehra, Dasara, Dashain |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Type | Religious, Cultural |
| Significance | Celebrates the victory of good over evil |
| Celebrations | Marks the end of Durga Puja and Navaratri |
| Observances | Pandals, plays, community gathering, recitation of scriptures, puja, fasting, immersion of idols or burning of Ravana. |
| Date | Ashvin Shukla Dashami |
| 2023 date | 24 October[2] |
| 2024 date | 13 October[3] |
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