Dussehra 2025: All You Need to Know About Date, Time, Mythological Stories and Rituals

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most loved festivals. It comes right after the nine days of Navratri and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In 2025, Dussehra will be observed on Thursday, October 2. The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin or Kartik, which changes every year according to the Hindu calendar.

Dussehra 2025 Date and Time

The most auspicious time for prayers, known as the Vijayadashami Muhurat or Aparahna Puja Time, will be from 1:13 PM to 3:30 PM on October 2. This is considered the best time to perform important rituals like Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, and Seema Avalanghan. Worship during this period is believed to bring strength, peace, and victory in life. However, the exact puja timings may differ depending on the city you live in.

Stories Behind Dussehra

The festival of Dussehra is rooted in great Indian epics and legends. Each story teaches the timeless lesson that truth and goodness will always win over evil.

Lord Rama’s Victory in the Ramayana

One of the most famous legends comes from the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana on this day. Ravana had kidnapped Rama’s wife, Sita, and taken her to Lanka. After a fierce battle, Rama killed Ravana on the tenth day, showing that righteousness (dharma) always wins over evil (adharma).

In many parts of North India, people celebrate this victory with Ramlila plays and by burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran, symbolizing the destruction of evil.

The Mahabharata and the Shami Tree

Another story comes from the Mahabharata. The Pandavas, after spending a year in hiding during their exile, retrieved their weapons from beneath a Shami tree on Vijayadashami. They then went on to reclaim their kingdom. This is why, in some places, people worship the Shami tree and exchange its leaves as a symbol of prosperity.

Goddess Durga’s Triumph

In the eastern states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Dussehra marks the end of Durga Puja. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, which represents the power of good, destroying arrogance and ignorance. On this day, people bid an emotional farewell to the goddess by immersing her idol in rivers or lakes, known as Durga Visarjan.

How India Celebrates Dussehra

The festival looks different across India, but the message remains the same. In North India, grand fairs and Ravana effigy burnings light up the night sky. In West Bengal, people celebrate with music, dance, and the grand immersion of Durga idols. In Maharashtra, families exchange Apta leaves, believed to be as precious as gold, and wish each other prosperity. In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, people display Golu dolls and consider it an auspicious day to begin new learning in music, dance, and education. In Mysuru (Karnataka), the royal palace glows with lights, and the city hosts a grand procession and cultural events during its world-famous Dasara.

The Message of Vijayadashami

Dussehra is more than just a festival. It is a reminder that truth, justice, and courage will always win, no matter how powerful evil seems. It inspires people to let go of negativity, overcome personal struggles, and make a fresh start. Many also consider this day one of the most auspicious times to begin education, new businesses, or important projects.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the festival and its traditions. Ritual timings may vary depending on location, so it is always best to check local calendars or consult your community’s priest for exact details.