Dussehra (Vijayadashami) दशहरा
Falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami · usually September–October
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, usually in September–October. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and righteousness over arrogance. It is also an auspicious muhurat day for new beginnings, learning and shastra (tool/weapon) worship.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) at a glance
| Falls on | Ashwin Shukla Dashami |
| Usual month | September–October |
| Category | Festival |
The story behind Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) marks two great victories — Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon-king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s slaying of Mahishasura — on the tenth day after Navratri.
Significance of Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and righteousness over arrogance. It is also an auspicious muhurat day for new beginnings, learning and shastra (tool/weapon) worship.
How Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is celebrated
- Burning towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna at dusk
- Ram Lila performances through the Navratri leading to this day
- Shastra puja and Ayudha puja — honouring tools, vehicles and instruments
- Vidyarambham and starting new ventures
Regional variations
Ramlila and Ravana-dahan are grand in North India (Delhi, Varanasi); Mysore’s Dasara with its caparisoned elephants is world-famous; Bengal marks it as Vijaya Dashami with Durga visarjan and sindoor khela.
Festive foods of Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Traditional dishes prepared for Dussehra (Vijayadashami) include jalebi, fafda (in Gujarat), festive sweets.
Quick tips
- Watch or attend the Ravana-dahan at dusk
- An auspicious day to start learning or a new venture
Choosing the muhurat on Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrated?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in September–October. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrated?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) marks two great victories — Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon-king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s slaying of Mahishasura — on the tenth day after Navratri.
How is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) observed?
Common observances include Burning towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna at dusk; Ram Lila performances through the Navratri leading to this day; Shastra puja and Ayudha puja — honouring tools, vehicles and instruments; Vidyarambham and starting new ventures.
How is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrated in different regions?
Ramlila and Ravana-dahan are grand in North India (Delhi, Varanasi); Mysore’s Dasara with its caparisoned elephants is world-famous; Bengal marks it as Vijaya Dashami with Durga visarjan and sindoor khela.
What foods are made for Dussehra (Vijayadashami)?
Traditional dishes include jalebi, fafda (in Gujarat), festive sweets.