India is a land of vibrant festivals, woven with culture, religion, and spirituality. One such festival is Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. Celebrated across the country, it marks the victory of good over evil, right over wrong, and light over darkness. In 2025, Dussehra will be celebrated on Thursday, October 02, right after the nine days of Navratri.
In this article, we will cover the rituals, modern traditions, the remarkable reason why this festival is still celebrated today, the regional differences, and all the spiritual aspects as they pertain to Dussehra 2025.
Significance and Meaning of Dussehra
Dussehra comes from two Sanskrit words – Dasha (meaning ten) and Hara (meaning defeat) – and symbolizes the defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. Dussehra also signifies the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festivities, which comes to an end on Vijayadashami – the “Victory Day”.
It is, however, worth noting that it is one of the few Indian festivals that brings together two prominent elements. The Ramayana story, which narrates:
- Rama’s victory over Ravana (from the Ramanaya).
- The story of the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Therefore, the celebration of Dussehra transcends spirituality. It conveys the essence that evil, regardless of how frightening or mighty it may be, will always be overpowered by the ultimate truth and dharma.
Historical and Mythological Significance
1. The Ramayana Legend
The Dussehra festival derives most of its significance from the Ramayana. On the day of Vijayadashami, Lord Rama, along with Lakshmana, Hanuman, and an army of vanaras, fought Ravana, who had abducted Goddess Sita. Ravana was defeated, and with his demise, the triumph of virtue and truth was manifested.
2. The Goddess Durga Legend
Out of all the eastern states, most notably West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha, Dussehra is celebrated as the concluding day of the Durga Puja festival. It is celebrated for the slaying of the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, by Goddess Durga after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days. On this day, as a result of all of the above, Shakti (Divine Feminine power) is revered.
3. Historical References
Ancient texts mention the practice of Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) performed by kings on Vijayadashami, before embarking on new conquests. It is said that the festival is seen as a symbol of the dharma yuddha (righteous war) that shall always prevail.
What is the auspicious time for Dussehra 2025?
In 2025, Dussehra or Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Thursday, 2nd October.
Navratri 2025 will begin on 22nd September and end at the close of 1st October.
As for Dashami Tithi:
- Starts on 1st October, 2025, at 10:34 PM
- Ends on 2nd October 2025 at 8:57 PM
The rituals of puja as well as of Ravan Dahan can be done at any of the timings listed below.
- Though puja is best performed in the interval of 1:30 PM and 3:50 PM
- End of puja is after sunset, anytime between 6:15 PM and 7:45 PM
Note: Variation in timings can be seen in accordance with the region.
Rituals and Traditions of Dussehra
Although the Dussehra celebration rituals differ in every part of India, the core spirituality remains unchanged. Some of the common practices include the following:
1. Ramlila and Ravan Dahan
In the northern parts of the country, especially in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, and during certain Ramlila periods, the enactment of the Ramayana pays tribute to epic characters for several nights. The celebrations end with the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran filled with fireworks, known as Ravan Dahan.
2. Shami Tree Worship
In the western state of Maharashtra and neighbouring state of Karnataka, the Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria), referred to as the “Tree of the Daughters”, is revered. Sharing its leaves, popularly termed as “Apati” or “gold leaves” (which are auspicious leaves), is believed to invoke blessings and prosperity.
3. Ayudha Puja (Worship of Tools and Weapons)
In the southern states of India, especially the state of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, a similar celebration is known as Ayudha Puja, which is the worship of the puja that takes all religious articles, and the tools, weapons, instruments, vehicles, and machinery — symbols of their work, and their gratitude.
4. Sindoor Khela in Bengal
On Vijaya Dashami, the 10th day of Dussehra, Bengali women execute a religious cultural practice called Sindoor Khela. In this practice, the ladies bid farewell to Goddess Durga, and in the process, they smear each other with a red powder called “Sindoor” as a prayer for prosperity and long life for their husbands.
Spiritual Relevance of Dussehra
As with many other national holidays, Dussehra is nothing short of a commemoration of a great victory. In this case, the triumph of the forces of good over the forces of evil.
- Victory of Dharma over Adharma:
There is a saying, “Evil never wins.” This describes a scenario where, even over the longest possible course of time, good triumphs in the end. - Inner Ravana:
Ravana had ten heads. Each represented human weaknesses. Anger, lust, greed, pride, jealousy, selfishness, ego, attachment, and the most terrible, cruelty in the form of injustice. Burning Ravana symbolizes conquering these inner weaknesses. - Balance of Power:
Dussehra is the only time in the year when virtue and divine power is in perfect balance. Rama is pure virtue. Durga is pure Shakti.
Regional Variations of Dussehra Celebrations
- North India
Ramlila and Ravan Dahan are some of the most celebrated events in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated for a week and ends with a grand procession. - West India
In Maharashtra, a sweet dish called Puran Poli is prepared in almost every home as part of the celebration, and the exchange of gold leaves from the Shami tree commemorates the festival.
The vibrant Dandiya and Garba of Gujarat mark the end of Navratri. - East India
Dussehra in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar is unique in that it coincides with Durga Visarjan. People chant “Asche bochor abar hobe” while immersing the Durga idols in rivers. - South India
The practices of Ayudha Puja in the state of Tamil Nadu, along with doll displays and worship of the Golu, are prominent in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Dussehra in Modern Times
Striking a balance between today’s modernity and age-old traditions, Dussehra celebrations now organize fairs, stage productions, and parades with dazzling technology and light shows, as well as Eco- friendly fire-works and Ravana effigies. Dussehra celebrations for schools and businesses organize special pujas as a part of their cultural routines.
It is the time when one can introspect and gain mastery over the negativity one finds within oneself because the real Ravan lies inside humans in the form of greed, lust, anger, and many more forms. So just try to kill them as early as possible.
Things to do in Celebration of Dussehra in 2025
There are certain rituals connected to every festival, and following them will help you connect with your roots. This year, you may also consider the following suggestions in celebration of Dusshera 2025.
- Attending the Ramlila or Ravan Dahan- You must visit the places with your family in your city where these celebrations are going on to enjoy these vibes.
- Perform Puja at Home- Pray to Lord Rama, Goddess Durga, and also worship your work tools.
- Exchange Good Wishes- Share gifts and sweets with family, neighbors, and workmates.
- Teach Kids the Ramayana Story- Pass on the values of culture and the importance of Ramayana to the younger generation.
- Burn Symbolic Evils- Write your weaknesses on paper, and as part of your Ravana Dahan homage, burn the paper.
Conclusion
It’s neither solely about fireworks and parades nor solely about the effigies scattered about. Dussehra serves as a reminder: the truth, the bravery, and those standing for what is right will always emerge victorious. We do not know what will happen as the years pass, but what we do know is that on the date of Vijayadashami (2nd of October 2025), we will attempt to use the inspiration and values of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga to embrace and conquer our inner voices and continue to follow the Dharma.
Sanatan Pathway wishes all readers a very Happy Dussehra 2025!
I’m Manohar Prajapat, founder of Sanatan Pathway.I write about Sanatan Dharma, Bhakti Leela, Hindu festivals, and the timeless wisdom of the Vedas — to help people live a more peaceful, dharmic life rooted in Indian spirituality.🕉 Read more at sanatanpathway.com