Dussehra 2024: Know Ravan dahan timing, rituals, and Vijayadashami celebrations across India

Dussehra 2024 Ravan dahan timing: The most auspicious Hindu festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijaydashmi or Dasara, is celebrated today with great enthusiasm in India. On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana, and Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. That is why the day is also referred to as the 'victory of good over evil'.

This festival is celebrated every year on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwani month which according to the Gregorian calendar falls either in September or October. On this day, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and his son Meghnath are burnt with fireworks--symbolising the quelling of darkness by light--across the country. Ramlila's stages are based on Ramayan and Ramcharitmanas and are organised for 10 days across the country.

Also Read: Happy Dussehra Wishes for 2024

When is Vijayadashami in 2024?

Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil in India. Interestingly, Dussehra in different parts of India is celebrated for different reasons. This year, Dussehra falls on the 12th of October. The Vijay mahurat is timed between 02:04 pm to 02:50 pm. This year, the Dashami Tithi will start from 10:58 am on October 12, 2024, and will end at 09:08 am on October 13, 2024, according to Drik Panchang.

(Source: Times Now Hindi)

What is the time of Ravana Dahan today?

The auspicious timing for the burning Ravana effigies will be from 5:53 pm to 7:27 pm on October 12, 2024.

What is the significance of Dussehra 2024?

Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of the country to mark the victory of good over evil. In some regions, it is observed as the 10th day of the month of Ashwin, symbolising Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasur. In other parts, it is celebrated as the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana after a nine-day battle to rescue Goddess Sita. The festival is also called Vijayadashmi, highlighting Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasur, which ended on the 10th day of Navratri.

Many people see Dussehra as the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana. That¡¯s why many theatre actors or performers stage Ramlila plays on this occasion. Interestingly, it¡¯s also the day when Arjuna defeated over a hundred thousand soldiers, including Kuru warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, Karna, and Kripa. Overall, Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma).

What are the rituals for Dussehra?

• Shami Puja: On Dussehra, Shami Puja is done to honour the Shami tree, believed to be the home of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers to the tree and tie threads or cloth pieces to its branches.
• Aparajita Puja: Aparajita Puja is held to worship Goddess Aparajita, another form of Goddess Durga. Devotees pray to her, seeking blessings for victory over evil.
• Ayudha Puja: Ayudha Puja is a ritual where weapons, tools, and instruments are worshipped. Warriors, farmers, artisans, and others who use tools in daily life perform this puja.
• Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami marks the end of the Navratri festival, celebrating the victory of good over evil. People visit temples to pray to Goddess Durga and burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad as a symbol of this triumph.
• Sindoor Khela: Sindoor Khela is a tradition where married women apply vermilion (sindoor) on each other¡¯s faces and pray for a happy and prosperous married life.
• Shastra Puja: Shastra Puja is the worship of books and knowledge. Students and scholars seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.
• Vidyarambam: In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, the tenth day of Vijaya Dashami is celebrated as Vidyarambam, marking the start of learning. People worship Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom.
• Durga Visarjan: In eastern India, especially in West Bengal, Durga Puja ends with the immersion of Goddess Durga's idol in a river or lake on Vijaya Dashami.

How many days do we celebrate Dussehra?

The nine days are celebrated as Navratri, and the tenth day is Dussehra. Dussehra marks Lord Rama¡¯s victory over the demon king Ravana. Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and a monkey army, fought Ravana in a ten-day battle and finally won.

Happy Dussehra to all!

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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