Dussehra is that moment in the year when the glow of diyas meets the victory of light over darkness. The festival, Dussehra, is also known as Vijayadashami, and is not just about Ravana effigies going up in flames. It’s about remembering that good always has the final word no matter what.
In 2025, Dussehra will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2. According to the panchang, the Vijay Muhurat falls between 2:05 PM and 2:53 PM, although timings can vary depending on your city.
This day not just holds rituals, it carries the hope that no matter how heavy life feels, dharma eventually shines through.
When is Dussehra – Date, Timings, and Holiday Details
Dussehra festival rituals are performed based on these timings:
Dashmi Tithi
07:01 PM on Oct 01 to 07:10 PM on Oct 02. 2025
Vijay Muhurat
2:05 PM and 2:53 PM on Oct 02, 2025
Aparahna Puja Time
01:21 PM to 03:44 PM on Oct 02, 2025
Shravana Nakshatra Begins
09:13 AM on Oct 02 to 09:34 AM on Oct 03, 2025
Significance
Marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.
Holiday
Public holiday across most states in India.
Because October 2 is already Gandhi Jayanti, the day will hold a double significance in 2025, merging remembrance with celebration. Offices, schools, and public places will mostly remain closed or run on reduced hours.
How to Check Your Exact City-Wise Muhurat?
Dussehra muhurats can vary slightly from city to city due to sunrise and sunset differences. And it is believed that doing a puja at your correct Vijay Muhurat is believed to bring extra blessings and prosperity. So, to make sure you perform your puja at the most auspicious time:
- Use city-based panchang tools: Websites like DrikPanchang let you select your city/region to see exact local muhurats.
- Check local temple or astrologer notices: Many temples publish city-specific timings in the days leading up to Dussehra.
- Try mobile apps: AstroSage or the DrikPanchang app adjusts muhurats for your location automatically.
- Cross-check multiple sources: If the timings from online panchangs, local astrologers, and newspapers match, you can be confident about the best puja time.
The Story – Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra/Vijaydashmi?
Dussehra is celebrated because of Lord Ram Vs. Ravan and Vijaydashmi are said to be celebrated because of Maa Durga Vs. Mahishasur. Although Dussehra and Vijaydashmi are celebrated as one. So let’s know in detail, why we celebrate Dussehra and Vijaydashmi.
Purshottam Ram Vs Ravan
The Ramayana, written by Adi Kavi Valmiki, tells us that Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, abducted Maata Sita, the wife of Lord Ram. After months of search, battle, and strategies, Lord Ram fought Ravana with the help of Hanuman and his vanara sena, the army of monkeys.
On Vijayadashami, Rama finally defeated Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
This is why every year, we burn the effigies of Ravan along with his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhakarna. It reminds us that arrogance and adharma eventually meet their end.
Maa Durga Vs Mahishasur
According to the Devi Bhagwat Puran and Durga Saptashti, Vijaydashmi also marks the day when Goddess Durga, after nine days of fierce and unstoppable battle, liberated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Her victory is the reason we celebrate Navratri for nine nights and Dussehra on the tenth day. That is why it is called Vijaydashmi, which translates to Victory on the tenth day.
In some legends, it is concluded that Maa Durga was the one who told Lord Ram how to defeat Ravan. It is said that while Ram setu was being prepared by the vanar sena. Maa Durga came into his dream and told Ram about the weak spot that is Ravan’s naval, and which weapons to use. Although the most profound legend is believed to be that of Vibhishan.
How to Perform a Simple Dussehra Puja at Home?
Everyone can’t attend the Ramleela mela or the temple pooja. So, if you are celebrating Dussehra at your home, here is a simple step-by-step guide on a simple Dussehra pooja:
- Clean your home and puja corner in the morning. This will attract Laxmi to your house.
- Decorate Maa Durga’s Idol or picture that you are already worshiping in Navratri.
- Light a diya and offer flowers, fruits, and prasad.
- Chant a short mantra and prayer. You can chant a prayer written below in the next section.
- Offer prasad, usually fruits, sweets, panjeeri, or homemade kheer.
- Seek blessings with folded hands, asking for strength, wisdom, and peace.
Many families also worship their work tools, vehicles, or books on this day, seeking progress in their careers and studies. It is also believed that if you do good deeds on Vijaydashmi, then Maa Durga gives you power and prosperity to do even more good deeds throughout the year.
How Dussehra is Celebrated in Different Regions of India?
Dussehra isn’t just about the past. Its lessons apply today. It reminds us to fight inner demons like anger, greed, and pride. The festival whispers the truth: when we live with honesty and courage, success naturally follows. But every region has its own customs and rituals regionally. So, how is Dussehra in different regions of India?
North India
In North India, particularly in states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is marked by grand Ramlila performances and dramatic enactments of the Ramayana. These performances end with the Ravana effigy burning, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, a festival honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over the fierce and ruthless Mahishasura. The celebrations reach their peak with the Durga Visarjan, the immersion of the Maa Durga’s idol into rivers, symbolizing her return to her cosmic realm.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the tradition of exchanging Apta leaves during Dussehra is prevalent. These leaves are considered auspicious and are exchanged as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
South India
In Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, Dussehra is celebrated as Mysuru Dasara, a royal festival that dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire. The celebrations include a grand procession featuring elephants, tableaux, and cultural performances. And believe it or not, it’s majestic.
Conclusion
Dussehra 2025 is not just another festival date on the calendar. It is a truth that righteousness always finds its way, even when surrounded by darkness. Dussehra is the brand new and heavenly beginning of good and prosperous times.
Whether you celebrate by watching Ravana dahan, immersing Maa Durga’s murti, or performing a small puja at home, the spirit of Vijayadashami is and will always be the same that is victory, courage, and blessings for a better tomorrow.
And Dussehra is just the beginning. So prepare yourself for the grand festival. Light up your home. And for each question about Dharma and Diwali, come back to us, My Favorite Corner.
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