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Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated on October 2. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Ram, marks the celebration of the victory of good over evil.
Dussehra 2025: The festival of Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is a celebration of victory of good over evil. (Image: Shutterstock)
Dussehra 2025: India is known for celebration of colourful festivals across states throughout the year. The festive days showcase the country’s vibrant culture and rich traditions. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one such important Hindu festival celebrated across India every year.
The festival of Dussehra, dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Ram, marks the celebration of the victory of good over evil.
As per epic Ramayana, Lord Ram triumphed over Lanka’s demon King Ravana on this day. That’s why the day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. People celebrate the day by burning the effigies of Ravana.
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Ramleela performances are also organised across the country over the 10-day festivities, which culminate on Vijayadashami.
Goddess Durga is also worshipped on this occasion. Dussehra marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival, dedicated to the nine forms of Maa Durga. As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasur on Dussehra.
Ahead of the festival, let’s take a detailed look at Vijayadashami date, timings, significance, history, how it is celebrated across the country, and whether it is a bank holiday in India:
Dussehra 2025: Vijayadashami Date and Timings
Vijayadashami is observed on the tenth day, or Dashami Tithi, of the Ashwin month, as per the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 2. As per Drik Panchang, the Dashami Tithi will prevail from 7:01 PM on October 1 to 7:10 PM on October 02.
Dussehra 2025: History
The history of Dussehra celebrations is rooted in Hindu mythology. The celebrations across the country span over hundreds of years based on the regional cultures and traditions.
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For Hindus, Dussehra is one of the most important festivals due to its association with Lord Ram and Goddess Durga. As per epic Ramayana, Lord Ram liberated Maa Sita from the captivity of Ravana after killing the demon king on the Dashami Tithi in the month of Ashwin.
So, it’s an important day for the followers of Vaishnavism, the sect that primarily worships Lord Vishnu and his incarnations like Lord Ram.
On other hand, Dussehra is also an important day for the followers of the Shakta cult, the worshippers of Goddess Shakti or Maa Durga. Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in eastern parts like Odisha and West Bengal where Shaktism has a significant presence in regional cultures.
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As per mythology, Goddess Durga triumphed over Mahishasur on Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Ashwin month after 9 days of battle.
The history of Durga Puja celebrations mainly signify getting rid of all evil forces in life.
Dussehra 2025: Significance
Every year, Dussehra is observed on the 10th day of the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar. The festival’s name originates from the Sanskrit words Dasha (ten) and Hara (defeat).
The day marks the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan and killing of Mahishasur by Maa Durga. So, the Dussehra celebrations symbolise defeating all evil forces in one’s life.
The festive occasion also spreads the message of living an upright and virtuous life. The significance of the day lies in morality, devotion, and tenacity in conquering all obstacles.
Dussehra 2025: How Is It Celebrated Across The Country
The entire country celebrates the auspicious festival, with each state having its own traditions and ways to observe the day. Let’s look at some ways in which Dussehra is celebrated around India.
Burning Ravana Effigies
In the northern region, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Kullu Valley, Dussehra is marked by vibrant Ramleela performances.
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During the event, the epic tale of Lord Ram unfolds through dramatic enactments followed by the burning of the effigies of Ravana, son Meghnad and his brother Kumbhkaran on Dussehra.
The burning of Ravan effigies symbolises the destruction of evil and the victory of righteousness. In many places Ramleela performances are held for 9 days and culminate with the burning of Ravan effigy on the 10thday.
Sindoor Khela
The state of West Bengal is known for its vibrant and grand Dussehra celebrations. The Dussehra festivities culminate on the Dashami Tithi with the rituals of Sindoor khela and the immersion of Durga idols, or Visarjan.
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Married women participate in Sindoor Khela, where they apply sindoor, or vermillion, on each other’s faces. This ritual is celebrated with full fervour as the women bid adieu to Maa Durga by immersing her idol in the nearby water bodies.
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra celebrations in Himachal Pradesh attract thousands of visitors every year. Kullu Dussehra has traditionally been famous for fairs and colour processions. In recent years, burning the effigies of Ravana has also become an integral part of the festival.
Mysuru Dasara
In Southern India, Dussehra is celebrated with great zeal. The Dussehra celebrations in Karnataka’s Mysuru are a grand affair with the royal family coming out for a majestic procession featuring Maa Chamundeshwari’s idol.
It’s believed that Maa Durga, in the form of Goddess Chamunda, killed Mahishasura in the Chamundi Hills. The procession also involves horses, elephants, and traditional weapons.
Western India
Dussehra coincides with the exuberant Navratri festival celebrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra. During this time, the western states erupt in vibrant music, with people participating in the traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas.
Dussehra 2025: Is It a Bank Holiday in India?
Banks observe holidays every Sunday and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Besides, the banks follow the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar for festive holidays. As per the RBI calendar, banks across India will remain closed on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Dussehra 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dussehra?
Also known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra is a vibrant Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil. The day signifies the end of 9-day Navratri festivities and the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravana.
What are the main rituals of Dussehra?
Key rituals on this day include the worshipping of Goddess Durga and Lord Ram.
In many states Dussehra is considered as the most auspicious day to start business ventures and to launch new accounts.
Ramleela performances and burning of Ravan effigies are also an integral part of Dussehra celebrations, mostly in northern states.
Why is Dussehra called Vijayadashami?
Dussehra is celebrated to mark Lord Ram’s victory over demon king Ravana. As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, it is said that Lord Ram killed Ravan on the 10th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. To commemorate this victory of truth over evil forces, the day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi.
What is the significance of the effigy burning?
The burning of effigies represents the destruction of evil and the victory of truth. It serves as a reminder of the victory of good over evil.
How is Dussehra celebrated in different regions?
Celebrations vary from region to region, from Ramleela performances in the northern states to grand Durga puja in eastern parts of India.
What is the connection between Dussehra and Navratri?
Dussehra marks the end of the nine-night festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The last day signifies the victory of the goddess over demon Mahishasura.
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During Navratri the 9 forms of Maa Durga are worshipped with each day dedicated to a specific goddess.
What traditional foods are prepared during Dussehra?
The traditional foods prepared during Dussehra are jalebi and kheer, along with festive meals prepared and shared with family and friends. In eastern states, non-veg dishes are also offered to Goddess Durga.
What attire is worn during Dussehra?
People opt for traditional attire, with women dressing in sarees or lehengas and men donning kurta-pyjamas or dhotis, particularly during festive rituals.
