Dussehra 2024: Know the dates, timings and significance of this Hindu festival

Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated just after the 9 days long festival of Navratri, during which the devotees honour the supreme Goddess Durga Mata, highlighting the nine avatars of the Goddess. Dussehra 2024 will be celebrated on Saturday, 12^th October and Sunday, 13^th October, all across the country.

Vijayadashami 2024 celebrates two victories of good over evil. It celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the demon named Ravana as well as the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. 

During Navratri, devotees often fast and avoid consuming grains, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol. Some of the devotees keep the fast for first two or last two days. This fast is done to purify the mind and body, expressing the devotion towards Goddess Durga.  During Vijayadashami festival, devotees get involved in theatrical performances titled Ram Lila. The statues of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are burned all across the country.

Here's the list of dates and timings of Dussehra 2024:

The Dashami Tithi will begin at 10:58 am on Saturday, 12^th October 2024 and will end at 09:08 am on Sunday, 13^th October. The Vijay Muhurat will start at 02: 03 pm and end at 02:49 pm on Saturday, 12^th October 2024.

• ·         Bengal Vijayadashami on Sunday, 13^th October, 2024
• ·         Vijay Muhurat at 02:02 PM to 02:49 PM
• ·         North Vijayadashami on Saturday, 12^th October, 2024
• ·         Bengal Vijayadashami Aparahna Time: 01:16 PM to 03:35 PM
• ·         Dashami Tithi Begins at 10:58 AM on 12^th October, 2024
• ·         Dashami Tithi Ends at 09:08 AM on 13^th October, 2024

Dussehra is not only celebrated in India but also in Nepal. Nepali people celebrate Dussehra as Dashain. This festival lasts up to 15 days. It begins with Ghatasthapana and ends with Kojagrat Purnima. In the 10^th day, Vijayadashami, is marked by receiving tika and jamara blessings from all the elders.

Meanwhile, in Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated as Mysuru Dasara. It is celebrated for 10 days. On the 10^th day, Goddess Chamundeshwari idol’s procession is held. During this festival, the famous Mysore palace gets decorated with lights and attracts the visitors. Cultural performances, fairs, and exhibitions are also held all across the city.