Dusshera vibes: Everything about festival, celebrations, and underlying message

Dussehra or Vijayadashami symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri. Dussehra marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as well as Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Each region of India observes the festival in its own unique way, making Dussehra a true reflection of India’s diverse culture and traditions.

Meaning of Dussehra

Vijayadashami means victory on the tenth day. It is celebrated immediately after the nine nights of Navratri and Durga Puja. It commemorates Lord Rama’s victory in the Ramayana, and in West Bengal, it is marked by the grand immersion of Goddess Durga idols after days of worship. The day is thus seen as a powerful reminder of devotion and the strength of goodness over evil.

This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The Vijay Muhurat, which is the most auspicious time for worship and rituals, will be observed in the afternoon. Performing rituals during this muhurat is believed to bring divine blessings, success, and prosperity.

Significance of Dussehra

The most popular story associated with Dussehra is from the Ramayana. Lord Rama, with the blessings of Goddess Durga, fought a fierce battle against the demon king Ravana, who had abducted Sita. On the tenth day, Rama defeated Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The burning of Ravana’s effigies, along with those of his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad, keeps this victory alive in cultural memory.

Goddess Durga and Mahishasura

It is believed that after nine days of battle, Goddess Durga killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day. The festival thus also celebrates the victory of divine feminine power or Shakti and devotion over the arrogance of power and darkness.

Different Beliefs

Different states of India have unique legends. In some regions, it is seen as the day Arjuna, the Pandava prince, revealed his weapons hidden during exile. The worship of tools, vehicles, and instruments is a part of Ayudha Puja.

Traditions and Rituals

Dussehra is observed through rituals, performances, and community gatherings. Ram Leela, a dramatic enactment of the Ramayana, is performed in many towns and cities, drawing huge crowds. The evening culminates with the burning of Ravana effigies, which light up the night sky. In southern states, Vijayadashami Puja and Ayudha Puja are performed, where devotees worship weapons, tools, and vehicles. Many also end their Navratri fasts on this day. Fairs, processions, and cultural events add a festive spirit to the celebrations.

Pan-India Celebrations

In North India, Dussehra is marked by Ram Leela performances and the burning of giant Ravana effigies. In West Bengal, the festival coincides with Durga Visarjan, where idols of the Goddess are immersed in rivers, symbolizing her return to the heavens. In South India, Ayudha Puja and the Golu festival, which is a display of dolls, highlight devotion and creativity. In Maharashtra, people exchange Shami tree leaves, considered symbols of gold, as a gesture of prosperity. One of the grandest celebrations is the Mysuru Dussehra in Karnataka, where royal processions, decorated elephants, and cultural programs make the city come alive with grandeur. In Telangana, Bathukamma is a floral festival where women arrange flowers, sing, and dance for 9 days.

Food and Festive Offerings

Food plays a central role in Dussehra celebrations. Families prepare traditional sweets like jalebi, barfi, ladoo, and kheer. Savory dishes and festive feasts are shared with friends and neighbors. Offerings made to deities during puja are later distributed as prasad, reinforcing the values of sharing and community.

Cultural Significance

Dussehra teaches the importance of truth, courage, and the path to righteousness in life. Vijayadashami is an auspicious day to begin new ventures, start education, or buy new things. The festival also strengthens community bonds as people come together to celebrate with joy and devotion.

Dussehra is a festival that unites India in its diversity, and it reinforces the message that reminds us light and truth will always prevail over evil.