Dussehra 2023: Shubh Muhurats, Rituals, and Celebrations Across India

Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. It’s a special day that signifies the victory of good over evil. In addition, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Navratri, a nine-night festival where people worship various forms of the goddess Durga. This year, Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is being celebrated today on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Dussehra is also known by different names in various parts of India, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of India. In the East and Northeast, it is called Durga Puja or Vijayadashami, while in the Northern and Western states, it is known as Dussehra. The Ravan Dahan Muhurat for Dussehra 2023 is 7:19 PM to 8:54 PM.

Dussehra 2023: History And Significance

The victory of Rama over Ravana signifies the eternal triumph of good over evil, serving as a powerful reminder that goodness prevails, regardless of the hardships it faces. Dussehra is a time to commemorate this profound lesson and reaffirm our commitment to combat evil in all its manifestations.

Dussehra 2023: Shubh Muhurat

Here are the important timings and details:

1. Vijay MuhuratTiming: 01:58 PM to 02:43 PM
2. Aparahna Puja TimeTiming: 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM
3. Dashami Tithi (Tenth Day)Begins: 05:44 PM on Oct 23, 2023Ends: 03:14 PM on Oct 24, 2023
4. Shravana NakshatraBegins: 06:44 PM on Oct 22, 2023Ends: 05:14 PM on Oct 23, 2023

Rituals Performed On Vijayadashami

1. Shami PujaWorship of the Shami tree symbolizes the victory of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata.
2. Aparajita PujaDevotion to the goddess Aparajita signifies the undefeated spirit of good.
3. Seema AvalanghanCrossing the border, a practice that embodies the idea of expanding one’s horizons and overcoming limitations.
4. Shastra Puja or Ayudha PujaOn Vijayadashami, goddess Durga defeated a formidable demon. Following her victory, the gods worshipped her weapons. People on this day worship their own weapons and tools, offering them to the goddess as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

Dussehra Celebrations Across India

Here are some regional highlights of Dussehra celebrations in different parts of the country:

1. Northern IndiaIn the northern region – Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Kullu Valley, the festival is marked by vibrant Ramlila performances, where the epic tale of Lord Rama unfolds through dramatic enactments. The burning of Ravana’s effigy in these states symbolises the victory of righteousness.
2. Eastern IndiaIn the eastern states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar, Dussehra is celebrated with fervour and distinct traditions. West Bengal’s Durga Puja is a grand affair.
3. Southern IndiaMysore in Karnataka and various parts of Tamil Nadu celebrate Dussehra with great zeal. Mysore is renowned for its majestic procession featuring the goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol atop a lavishly decorated elephant. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is marked by colourful and energetic folk dances.
4. Western IndiaIn Gujarat and Maharashtra, Dussehra coincides with the exuberant Navratri festival. The entire state erupts in vibrant dance and music, with people participating in the traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.

Ramlila During Dussehra

Ramlila is an important part of Dussehra celebrations. It is a traditional folk theater performance that depicts the life and story of Lord Rama, as told in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Ramlila is typically performed over a period of several days or weeks, leading up to Dussehra.

The performances are held in open-air theaters or stages, and are attended by large crowds of people. The actors are usually local residents, and the costumes and sets are often elaborate. The Ramlila performances are typically accompanied by music and singing.

The Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. Rama is the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and Ravana is the symbol of evil. The Ramlila performances highlight the importance of good over evil, and they teach the audience about the values of dharma (righteousness) and karma (the law of cause and effect).

On the day of Dussehra, the Ramlila performances culminate in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna (Ravana’s brother), and Meghnada (Ravana’s son). This symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Ramlila is a popular and important part of Dussehra celebrations because it is a way for people to connect with their culture and religion. It is also a way for people to learn about the values of dharma and karma.