In this article, we will explore the dates and timings for the celebration of Dussehra, as well as the diverse ways it is celebrated throughout India.
Dussehra 2024 : Dates and timings
| Event | Day/Date/Time |
| Bengal Vijayadashami | Sunday, October 12, 2024 |
| Vijay Muhurat | 02:02 PM to 02:49 PM |
| North Vijayadashami | Saturday, October 12, 2024 |
| Bengal Vijayadashami Aparahna Time | 01:16 PM to 03:35 PM |
| Dashami Tithi Begins | 10:58 AM on Oct 12, 2024 |
| Dashami Tithi Ends | 09:08 AM on Oct 13, 2024 |
Dussehra 2024: Significance of Vijayadashami
Interestingly, Dussehra has dual significance in India. First, it is to celebrate the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan and when he rescued his wife Sita. This part signifies the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness. On the day of Dussehra, in many parts of North India, huge effigies of Ravan, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna are burnt down to celebrate this victory.The second significance is that of the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Based on the Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights and finally defeated him on the tenth day. This tenth day is known as Vijaydashami and is celebrated as the triumph of divine feminine power over evil forces.
Dussehra in West Bengal
West Bengal is renowned for its distinct celebration of Durga Puja and Dussehra. The primary difference lies in the fact that other states celebrate Vijaydashami based on the tithi (date) and muhurat (auspicious timing), while West Bengal focuses primarily on the Dashami Tithi and gives less importance to muhurat.Dussehra in Kullu
In Kullu, a district in Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated over a week rather than just one day. During this time, people carry their deities in a procession through the valley. Unique to Kullu, the tradition emphasises worshipping Lord Rama and local deities, rather than burning the statues of Ravan and his brothers.Dussehra in Mysore
Known as Dasara in Mysore, Karnataka, the celebration lasts for ten days. One notable aspect of their celebration is the illumination of the Mysore Palace, adorned with thousands of lights and bulbs, attracting both locals and tourists. The city also hosts various cultural performances, events, exhibitions, and fairs.Dussehra in Nepal
In Nepal, Dussehra is celebrated as Dashain, the country’s most significant festival. The celebration spans fifteen days, beginning with Ghatasthapana and concluding with Kojagrat Purnima. The tenth day, Vijayadashami, is marked by receiving Tika and Jamara blessings from elders, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and reinforcing the festival’s core message.Overall, similar to other festivals, Dussehra also brings people together for celebration while maintaining its own unique significance of triumph of good over evil.