Dussehra

Major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil (Dharma over Adharma)

Public Holiday across most of India

1 day (Dashami Tithi), often seen as the culmination of the 9-day Navratri festival.

Commemorates two significant victories: Lord Rama's defeat of the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and purity over evil and negativity, and the restoration of order.

Key Rituals & Practices

Burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna (Ravan Dahan), symbolizing the destruction of evil.

Shastra Puja (worship of tools, weapons, and instruments), particularly by warriors, police, and workers.

Aparajita Puja (worship of Goddess Aparajita for success in all ventures).

Visarjan (immersion) of Durga idols (in regions celebrating Durga Puja), signifying the deity's return to her celestial abode.

Sindoor Khela (playing with vermillion among married women after Durga Puja in Eastern India).

Attending Ramlila plays, which are theatrical enactments of the Ramayana story culminating in the effigy burning.

Processions and fairs, especially grand ones like Mysore Dasara.

Exchanging sweets and gifts, visiting family and friends.

Starting new ventures or auspicious tasks, as the day is considered highly propitious.

Associated Deities

Lord Rama

Goddess Durga (especially Chamundeshwari)

Goddess Aparajita

Hanuman

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Ashwin (Sharad Navratri)

Paksha

Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Dashami (Tenth day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Dussehra is rooted in two primary Hindu epics and Puranas: 1. **Ramayana:** It marks the day Lord Rama, after nine days of intense battle, finally defeated the demon king Ravana on the tenth day. This victory represents the triumph of righteousness (Dharma) over evil (Adharma) and the return of peace and order. 2. **Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana):** It also commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over the powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura on the tenth day, after a fierce battle lasting nine nights (Navratri). This signifies the triumph of divine feminine power and good over demonic forces and evil.

Alternative Names

Vijayadashami

Dasara

Dashain (Nepal)

Durga Visarjan (as part of Durga Puja culmination)

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically in September or October