Pan-India · September–October
Also known as Vijayadashami · Dasara · Dashain
When it’s celebrated
The exact date shifts each year — it’s fixed from the panchang. Cast your free kundli or check the calendar for this year’s muhurat.
Significance
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil — both Lord Rama's defeat of the demon-king Ravana and Goddess Durga's slaying of Mahishasura. Marking the triumphant tenth day, it symbolises the destruction of ego, arrogance and evil, and is considered one of the most auspicious days to begin new ventures.
The story
According to the Ramayana, after Ravana abducted Sita, Rama waged war against the demon-king of Lanka and, on the tenth day, killed him with a divine arrow — restoring righteousness. The day is therefore called Vijayadashami, the 'tenth day of victory'. In the Shakta tradition, the same day marks Goddess Durga's culminating victory over Mahishasura after her nine nights of battle.
Rituals
Across India
Observance varies: North India stages grand Ramlila performances climaxing in the burning of Ravana effigies; in the East it is the day of Durga idol immersion ending the Durga Puja; in Mysore (Karnataka) the Dasara royal procession is world-famous; and in Nepal and the Himalayas it forms part of the longer Dashain festival. It is called Vijayadashami, Dasara or Dashain depending on the region.
Questions
Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks Lord Rama's defeat of the demon-king Ravana and, in the Shakta tradition, Goddess Durga's slaying of the demon Mahishasura on the tenth day after Navratri.
Lord Rama is honoured for his victory over Ravana, and Goddess Durga is worshipped for her triumph over Mahishasura. Both legends are celebrated on the same day, Vijayadashami.
Dussehra falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, right after Navratri, usually in September or October. The exact date changes each year with the Hindu lunar calendar.
In North India, giant effigies of Ravana are burned after Ramlila performances, while in the East Durga idols are immersed. Many also perform Ayudha Puja, worshipping tools and weapons, and begin new ventures on this auspicious day.
Vijayadashami means 'the tenth day of victory'. It refers to the tenth tithi on which both Rama defeated Ravana and Durga vanquished Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of righteousness.
Book a pooja in your name, find the muhurat, or read the day’s panchang — bring the festival into your own practice.
