Dusshera, also popularly known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most prosperous festivals celebrated in India, remembering the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, the predominant Dussehra celebration reason in India. People at this auspicious time make sweets at home, offer sweets to sacred places, exchange Dussehra gifts with family and relatives, and also perform several rituals which we will explain below.
But first, let’s get to know when is Dussehra coming in 2024.
Auspicious Date & Timings For Dusshera 2024
In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on the 12th of October after the 11th Oct, which marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival. On this day, people usually perform Rama Pooja or Astra Puja to seek divine blessings. The अपराह्न मुहूर्त which means the best time for the main Dussehra Puja is after midday and before sunset which is 1:01 PM - 3:34 PM (IST). During this time, the devotees perform the main puja, and worship Lord Rama and Maa Durga offering prayers for seeking blessings of strength, protection, and victory over evil and obstacles in one’s life.
Let’s now get to know about how the Dussehra festival is celebrated in India, which particular rituals are performed on Dussehra, and also the main Puja Vidhi.
How Dussehra Festival is Celebrated in India?
The festival embarks on with:
Ramlila Play
In India, the states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, you will see that at various places Ramlila performances are organized, picturizing and interpreting the history of this festival about why it is celebrated. Various scenes from Ramayana are dramatized, with actors portraying the roles of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and also the demon king Ravana. The Ramlila goes on for various days with the climax being performed on Dussehra day, when Lord Rama wins over Ravana.
Ravana Dehan (Burning Ravana)
It is burning the Ravan Idol which is typically done after sunset. The figurines of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnad are installed on the grounds, and later on, after sunset, they are burnt, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The best time considered for Ravan Dahan is around 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Vijay Muhurata
It’s about deciding to start new ventures, making purchases, and engaging in important affairs. It’s the best time to grab the divine’s blessings, success, and protection in endeavors and it typically falls between 5:36 PM to 6:24 PM this time in 2024. If you are planning to start a new project or initiate a business, then it will grant you triumph.
Pradosh Kaal
Pradosh Kaal means a particular time zone on Dusshera day when Lord Shiv ji’s presence is believed to be most benevolent and powerful. This time, this period is arriving between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi For Dussehra 2024
Dussehra is a prosperous day for people in India when several amazing rituals are performed to commemorate the festivity. The customs might differ by region and personal preferences, however, we will explain some of the core ones followed by mass.
Let’s see:
Preparation Of Puja
Place ‘Kalash’ at your altar or any divine space in your spot. The Kalash typically a sacred pot holds great significance for the Dussehra festival because it represents Goddess Durga’s presence. Also, decorate the altar with flowers, mango leaves, and rangoli to enhance the festivity spirit.
Ganesh Puja
Start the festival by worshipping Lord Ganesha. Offer modaks which are Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweets and light a diya for performing Ganesh puja. Chant Ganpati Vandana for seeking blessings of the divine.
Read Ramayana or Durga Saptashati Path
Recite Ramayana, especially Rama’s battle with Ravana to know about the significance of the Dussehra festival and also to teach the descendants. Durga Saptashati which is also called as Chandi Path, must also be recited to honor our precious Goddess Durga.
Worship Lord Rama & Goddess Durga
After Ganesh Puja, also perform Lord Rama Puja, and Durga Puja offering flowers, incense, and fruits. People also offer kumkum to Goddess Durga to invoke strength, power, and protection from the divine energy.
Vijayadashami Celebrations, Dussehra Gifts & Feasts
People usually celebrate this festivity by exchanging Dussehra gifts with families, relatives, and friends. Some also hold a grand feast, where sweets like laddoos, halwa, and kheer are shared. The festival continues in the evening after Ravana Dehan and Puja with community gatherings, music, dance, and festive treats.
Final Thoughts
Dusshera festival always reminds us of how goodness won over evil which signifies that we must always perform good deeds to connect deeply with the divine energies. So, this Dussehra invokes Lord Rama’s blessings and Maa Durga also to live your life with strength, prosperity, and happiness.
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