Healers World
Vishnu, Rama and Krishna
Pan-India
What does Dussehra mean for your practice?
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.
Which story is remembered?
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.
Puja vidhi for Dussehra
Burning towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna at dusk
Staging Ramlila — dramatic re-enactments of the Ramayana over preceding days
Worshipping weapons and tools (Ayudha Puja / Shastra Puja)
Carrying out Durga idol immersion (Vijayadashami) in the East
Beginning new learning, journeys or ventures considered auspicious on this day
Exchanging Shami/Apta leaves as symbols of gold and goodwill in Maharashtra
Offerings and festive foods
What families prepare and offer on Dussehra.
Shami leaves, or apta leaves in Maharashtra, exchanged as gold with elders
Tools, vehicles, books and instruments worshipped in Ayudha Puja
Aparajita flowers offered to the Goddess for victory
Jalebi and fafda in Gujarat, and sweets shared after Ravana Dahan
Fresh paddy ears and new grain in homes that mark the day as Vijayadashami
Mantras to chant
Chant with a clear sankalp, facing east or north, on a mala if you keep one.
Names and customs 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.
Which classical sources guide the practice?
This occurrence follows the date record's stated confidence. For formal worship, confirm the local panchang and temple's announced schedule; a Gregorian date alone does not settle the city-specific ritual window.
Dussehra · 2027
