Dussehra Festival 2025

Full Date

1 October 2025 Afternoon 3:16 PM – 2 October 2025 Evening 4:26 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Dashami Tithi Begins

  Start of Dashami tithi marking the day of Dussehra celebration.

  1 October 2025 Afternoon 3:16 PM – 1 October 2025 Afternoon 3:16 PM

• Aparahna Puja Muhurat

  Auspicious time for performing important rituals on Dussehra day.

  2 October 2025 1:13 PM – 2 October 2025 3:30 PM

• Vijay Muhurat

  Auspicious time celebrating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

  2 October 2025 2:09 PM – 2 October 2025 2:56 PM

• Dashami Tithi Ends

  End of Dashami tithi marking the conclusion of Dussehra day.

  2 October 2025 Evening 4:26 PM – 2 October 2025 Evening 4:26 PM

Introduction

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil. Celebrated at the end of Navratri, it commemorates Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, symbolizing righteousness, courage, and justice.

Other Names

Vijayadashami, Dasara, Dashami

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake early and bathe to purify oneself.
• Set up altar with images/idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga.
• Perform Shami Puja by offering leaves and prayers.
• Conduct Ayudha Puja by worshipping tools, vehicles, and instruments.
• Recite relevant mantras and perform aarti.
• Participate in Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan.

Rituals

• Worship of Goddess Durga and tools (Ayudha Puja) in southern states.
• Perform Shami Puja and exchange Apta leaves in Maharashtra.
• Burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad after Ramlila performances.
• Organize Ramlila plays depicting Lord Rama's victory.
• Vidyarambham ceremony to initiate children in education in some regions.
• Offer prayers and visit temples, participate in cultural fairs.

Regional Highlights

• Celebrated with Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burning in North India.
• In Maharashtra, Shami Puja and Apta leaf exchange mark the day.
• Durga Puja culmination in Eastern India with emotional visarjan rituals.
• Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham ceremonies in Southern India.

History

Dussehra is rooted in ancient Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Devi Mahatmya. The festival symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the restoration of dharma, celebrated across India with diverse rituals and cultural performances.

Additional Information

• Marks victory of good over evil symbolized by Lord Rama’s triumph and Goddess Durga’s victory.
• Brings communities together through cultural fairs, plays, and rituals.
• Initiates the festive season leading up to Diwali.