Dussehra 2023 Date in India, Puja Time, Significance

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2023 Date and Time: History, Significance and Importance

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the country, and it holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus.

Dussehra 2023 Date in India: 24th October, Tuesday

Dussehra 2023 Overview

Dussehra 2023 India Calendar

Keep track of the Hindu festival of Dussehra with this 2024 India Calendar. Mark special dates and celebrate the joyous occasion.

Dussehra 2023 Time in India

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, as it is the day of Vijayadashami. The highly auspicious Vijay Muhurat is expected to last from 01:58 PM to 02:43 PM, giving you a duration of 45 minutes to make the most of this special occasion. The Bengal Vijayadashami is another noteworthy event that falls on the same day. During this time, the Aparahna Puja Time will be from 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM, with a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the Dashami Tithi begins at 05:44 PM on October 23, 2023, and ends at 03:14 PM on October 24, 2023. Additionally, the Shravana Nakshatra begins from 06:44 PM on October 22, 2023, and concludes at 05:14 PM on October 23, 2023.

When is Dussehra in India 2023?

The Legend of Dussehra

The legend behind Dussehra dates back to ancient times and is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, defeated the demon king Ravana on this day. Ravana had abducted Rama’s wife Sita and taken her to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and the monkey god Hanuman, waged a war against Ravana and his army to rescue Sita. After a fierce battle that lasted for ten days, Rama killed Ravana with his divine weapon, the Brahmastra, on the tenth day of Ashvin. This day is celebrated as Dussehra to commemorate the victory of good over evil.

The Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra holds immense significance for Hindus as it symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over wickedness. It is believed that on this day, the forces of good emerged victorious over the forces of evil. The festival also marks the end of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The tenth day of Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra, and it is believed that on this day, goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.

Dussehra is also associated with the harvest season and is celebrated as a thanksgiving festival in some parts of the country. Farmers offer their prayers to the goddess Durga and seek her blessings for a bountiful harvest. The festival is also celebrated as a cultural event, with people dressing up in traditional attire, performing folk dances, and participating in fairs and carnivals.

The Celebration of Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show across India. The celebrations vary from region to region, but the underlying theme remains the same – the victory of good over evil. In North India, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad are burnt to symbolize their defeat. The effigies are made of bamboo and paper and are filled with firecrackers. The burning of the effigies is accompanied by loud music and dance performances.

In South India, Dussehra is celebrated as Navaratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami, and it marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In some parts of South India, people decorate their houses with colorful rangolis and offer prayers to the goddess Durga.

In East India, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja, a five-day festival dedicated to the worship of goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with great fervor in West Bengal, where people install elaborate pandals (temporary structures) and idols of the goddess Durga. The pandals are decorated with lights and flowers, and people offer their prayers to the goddess.

In Western India, Dussehra is celebrated as Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gujarat, where people perform the Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. The dances are performed in circles around a lamp or an idol of the goddess Durga.

The Significance of Dussehra Today

Dussehra holds immense significance for Hindus even today. It is a reminder that good always triumphs over evil and that righteousness will ultimately prevail. The festival also promotes unity and brotherhood, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is also an occasion for people to reflect on their own lives and strive to overcome their inner demons.

In recent years, Dussehra has also become an occasion for social and environmental awareness. Efforts are being made to reduce the use of firecrackers during the festival to minimize air pollution. People are also encouraged to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner by using biodegradable materials for decorations and avoiding plastic.