Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important holidays observed by Hindus in India. The date changes every year since it is observed at the end of the nine-day Navratri festival. The start and end dates of Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, for this year are October 15 through October 24, 2023. On the Hindu Panchang (Calendar), the Vijay Muhurat occurs between 01:58 PM and 02:43 PM.
Dussehra 2023 Start Date And End Date
As Dussehra 2023 draws near, it is time to be ready and learn the Start Date and End Date for this vibrant and significant Indian festival. Dussehra 2023, also known as Vijayadashami, is a festival that brings people together through its extensive history, customs, and aspirations, and represents the victory of good over evil. Let’s examine the festival’s date, its historical significance, the wishes made during it, and the essential Vijayadashami Puja traditions that make it a valued part of Indian culture.
Dussehra is one of the major Hindu festivities that marks the end of Navratri. The event honors Lord Rama’s victory against Ravana. It also honors the demon Mahishasura’s defeat by Goddess Durga. On this day, it is customary to celebrate the triumph of good over evil with fireworks and the burning of Ravana effigies. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a prominent Hindu celebration that honors the victory of good over evil.
Dussehra 2023 History & Significance
Dussehra, the tenth day of Navratri, marks the conclusion of the nine-day festival honoring all incarnations of Goddess Durga. It is also known as the Day of Victory, or Vijayadashami. Some people celebrate it to remember Goddess Durga’s triumph over the monster Mahishasura, while others link it to the great battle of the Ramayana.
| Festival | Dussehra |
| Also, Know that | Vijaydashami or Dasain |
| Start And End date | October 15, 2023, to October 24, 2023 |
| Time | Between 01:58 PM and 02:43 PM |
| Vijaydashami | October 24, 2023 |
Diwali festivities take place after Dussehra, also known as Vijaydashami or Dasain in certain regions of our nation. Twenty days after Dussehra, one of the most significant and extensively observed holidays, is Diwali, which commemorates Rama’s return home following his victory over Ravana. The primary message of Dussehra is that good triumphs over evil, and people pray for prosperity and good health on this day.
9 Days of Navratri 2023
Diwali begins with the success of Dussehra, which also signifies the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival. November 12 will be the date of Diwali in 2023. You may get information about the nine days of Navratri in 2023 there. Every area of India celebrates Dussehra with a different set of traditions and cultural events, but they all share the joy of seeing virtue triumph over evil.
Large-scale processions, Ravana Dahan, Ramleela, and Kanya Pujan are a few of the prevalent customs. Additionally, Dussehra is celebrated throughout the nation with charitable giving and the worship of weapons (shastra puja).
Legends of Dussehra
- Two well-known Dussehra stories are the ones in which Goddess Durga vanquishes Mahishasura and Lord Rama vanquishes Ravana.
- On this day, Lord Ram is said to have vanquished the Lankan monarch, Ravana. After 10 days of fierce fighting, Lord Ram was able to defeat Ravana.
- Today is considered to be the day when good triumphs over evil since Goddess Durga is supposed to have destroyed the demon Mahishasura.
Dussehra Vijayadashami Celebrations
There are several legends about Dussehra that explain the significance of the celebration. North India celebrates Dussehra in accordance with the Ramayana. Prince Rama of Ayodhya was banished from his realm. Along with Rama’s wife Sita, he and his brother Lakshmana lived as exiles in the jungle. One day, Sita was abducted by Ravana, the terrible king of Lanka. With an army of monkeys and the aid of Lakshmana, Rama attacked Lanka to rescue her.
The two armies fought a bloody battle for many days. It was quite difficult for Rama to vanquish the powerful Ravana. As a result, he prayed to nine distinct aspects of the goddess Durga for nine days, becoming stronger until he was able to defeat Ravana.
Dussehra/Vijaya Dashami Tradition, Rituals, and Culture
On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, devotees go to Prayagraj/Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi, where they immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganga. Varanasi in particular is renowned for its vibrant Ganga Dussehra festivities.
- Ramlila Performances
- Burning of Raavan’s Statue
- Worshiping the Goddess Durga
- Worshiping of Weapons
Many devotees actively take part in the ritualistic process of bathing in the river as well as the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony performed at the Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Ram-leela and Dussehra
Ram-Leela, a Ramayana drama performed throughout India, especially in North India, is essential to Dussehra. Ramlila theater performances are held across India, notably in North India. In an elaborate theater, the story of how Lord Rama conquered Ravana from “Ramayana” is told, accompanied by a meal.
The narrative concludes with Lord Rama killing Ravana on Dussehra. Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath’s portraits are burned after the performance. Lakhs of spectators witness the show on open fields as many performers portray various parts.