Why do we Celebrate in Dussehra?

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami is one of the biggest festivals observed by the Hindu community in the country.

It is celebrated at the end of Navratri, on account of which the date changes every year. Under the Hindu calendar's month of Kartik, this festival will be observed on the 10th day of this month. In 2023 it falls on 24th October.

The Dussehra tithi 2023 begins at 5:44 p.m. on 23 October 2023 and ends at 3:14 p.m. on 24 October 2023. 

Why do we Celebrate in Dussehra? 

Dussehra is a Hindu festival that marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. It is also celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasur and end of Navratri. Dussehra or Vijyadashami signifies the victory of good over evil and as per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the tenth day of Ashwin or Kartik months.

Dussehra is primarily the celebration of victory of Hindu God Rama over demon Ravana, the king of Lanka. The day is observed with country-wide processions carrying statues of Durga, Saraswati, Ganesha, Lakshmi, and more to nearby rivers or oceans and immersing them.

Also, effigies of Ravana are burned symbolizing the victory of good over evil and celebrations are held by lighting fireworks. Also, Diwali or Deepavali festival preparations are started.

Dussehra 2023 Auspicious Timings:

Given below are the auspicious timings for the various rituals and dates associated with Dussehra: 

23 October 2023 from 5:44 pm: Dashami Tithi commences.

24 October 2023 from 1:58 pm to 2:43 pm: Vijay Muhurat.

24 October 2023 3:14 pm: Dashami Tithi closes.

Significance of Dussehra

Every year, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. People across the country take part in the occasion in their unique style. It is the day when ten-headed Ravana was killed by Lord Rama. Vijayadashami is an auspicious festival in Hinduism and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Every locality of the country has its own uniqueness in the celebrations.

How do People Celebrate Dussehra?

The festival of Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated differently in various parts of the country. While at some localities people engage in public processions, at some localities they take part in Ram Leela. Ravan Dahan is organised in a few cities. The most vital features of the festival include bursting crackers and feasting. Colorful exhibitions and fairs are organised on the occasion at many places in India. Moreover, people enact the entire Ramayana right from ten days prior to the festival of Dussehra. The celebrations remain the same during Dussehra holidays 2023.

Durga Puja Holidays 2023

Durga Puja is also referred to as Sharadotsav or Durgotsav. It is a yearly Hindu festival devoted to Hindu Goddess Durga. This festival is especially famous in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura and Assam. It typically falls in the months of September and October according to Gregorian calendar. Durga Puja is a multi-day festival that features stage and temple decorations, arts and processions. The Durga Puja festival denotes the battle of goddess Durga with buffalo demon Mahishasura. Therefore, the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil.